[James C]

I've read everything possible on this forum about these two rods.

Here's my situation. I want this rod for a medium size winter steelhead river, with large fish up to 20lb. It has swift, heavy currents and broad, deep riffles. You have to get the fly down fast so it's usually 12' of T14, longer leader and a bullet weight. You need BIG mends and a lot of line control.

I've been going back and forth between the 8139-3 Burkie and the 8142-4. I think the 8139-3 is probably great for this, but I like the convenience of a 4 piece and the fact that the 8142 is also a fantastic dry-line rod as I've read.

Opinions very welcome.
thanks
Jimmy

 

[thunderbolt]

That's really funny I have been wondering about the exact same thing!! Sorry I can't be of any help since I don't own either of the rods but I will follow this thread closely as I am interested in seeing what others have to say. I am really looking for a 4 piece and leaning towards the 8142 for the reasons you describe as doubling up as a great dry line rod. Good luck on your quest...I have been on this trail for months.

 

[TheSwingingFly]

While I do not really live in dry line country and don't do it often at all...

The 8139-3 is one of the nicest dry line rods I ever used, rocked with a 8/9 GPS... I think they "lightened" up the 8139-3 since I bought one though, meaning it may take a slightly lighter line nowadays...

Never used the other rod...

 

[Big Tuna]

I've never fished the 8142, but do own the 8139-3. It is my go-to winter rod, but since my winter steelhead fishing is limited, I also use it on rivers like the Clearwater. I fish an 8/9 WA 45 and a 630 gr compact skagit. I want to find a longer short belly like FF 55 or Vector, but just haven't taken the time to figure that our yet. It throws a dry line w/ a size 8 hair wing or length of T-14 with a dumbbell eye leach equally well.I would rate it an 8+ so I'm confident in it's ability to handle larger fish.

 

[highlander2]

My first Burky was an 8139 back in 2002. It still gets fished hard and has never let me down. The modern version of this rod with the latest carbon fiber is pretty amazing it's lighter and has faster recovery.

I haven't owned the 8142 for very long but so far this is my new favorite based on Versitility. It launches the FF 7/8 70' as far as I need to cast it and then it's happy with short heads and also multi density lines like the Salar finder lines. It's going to be alot of fun to fish this rod this winter. So far it's been excellent, I used this rod on the Clearwater back in October and on the smaller pools it was awsome. On the big pools I went to the 8152. But I feel the 8142 would have been plenty rod exept for maybe a couple runs I like to fish where you truly can't over cast.

My advice would be to cast both rods back to back and then decide which one fits you best.

To be honest I would not want to have to choose between the two rods. That would be a hard decision for me.

 

[Blue Devil]

new versus old 8139

Highlander hit it on the nail. The newer 8139s are lighter, or feel lighter, and are a little firmer. I've heard it said they are a half weight heavier. My old 8139, bought 11 years ago, is very versatile. It is incorrect to think it is not a superb dry line stick, though the 8142 is also. For heavier tips I would give the nod to the 8139. It is an amazing long distance casting tool, though not as good with bushes at your back and needing to cast only 30 or 40 feet. For that, I get fewer hangups and more control by making a very shallow D loop and tip casting with my Meiser Highlander 13' 6/7/8. Hope this helps.

 

[James C]

Burkheimer 8139-3

Just purchased the 8139-3! I'm looking for a loud clicker that will balance this rod, what are you guys using?

 

[SLSS]

I like a 3 3/4 perfect on mine.

 

[highlander2]

Pretty much the same, 3 3/4 perfect and also the new 3 7/8 perfect Taupo. The hatch 9 plus is also a awsome match on the 8139 and the 8142.

 

[James C]

Pretty much the same, 3 3/4 perfect and also the new 3 7/8 perfect Taupo. The hatch 9 plus is also a awsome match on the 8139 and the 8142.

Is the Taupo really heavy enough to balance a rod over 13'6"?

 

[fredaevans]

You will LOVE this rod!

Just purchased the 8139-3! I'm looking for a loud clicker that will balance this rod, what are you guys using?

This, the older blank, is my 'Go To' for winter dry line work. Match that up with a Carron Dry line and you will find out just how far you can really cast. Combo is a CANNON! Only thing to remember about Carron Lines is they (tend to) use the Brit-System of line weights. These tend to run two line weights LIGHTER than what you'll normally find in a full on US built full floater.

Or to put that another way, a Carron rated as an 8/9 would be 'our' 7/8. As for the reel, these 'demand' an old Hardy Salmon 2 or equivalent.

Fred

 

[SSPey]

I like a reel (empty) of 9-12 oz on my downlock 8139 ... using a Hardy Salmon 2, old Young's 4" Perfect (lighter than 4" Hardy Perfect), and Danielsson HD 9/13.

I put a 2010 reissue Taupo on my 7127. The newest "widespool" Taupo looks similar but listed at 9.9 oz / 195 grams ... typo (195 grams = 6.9 oz). For my tastes, the Taupo isn't heavy or big enough for the 8139. ymmv

 

[Blue Devil]

Classic combo and question for Fred

In my humble opinion, the Salmon #2 plus 8139 is the quintessential spey rod combination. Fred, I also have the older 8139 (mine is circa 2003). What weight Caron are you casting on it? Also, what other line/tip/fly combinations do you like for this rod, from Skagit to long line to mid head to scandi? I'm always looking for new ways to add to the armament. Thanks,
Keith.