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Plan for the worst but hope for the best: What's your back-up rod? Why?
What's your "back-up" rod?
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for winter steel I have three rods that typically see action. My go to rod is the SCOTT ARC 1287. I also have an old model Anderson 13'3" 7 and for tighter stuff I have a Deer Creek 11' 7. Can't think of any water where these rods would not get me through. I do have a Scott ARC 1509 that rarely comes out
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I like a very capable rod, yet one that I don't have a lot of expense or sentimental attachment with. You need one that matches the reel and lines of your primary stick/s makes things so much more efficient. I typically carry my rods in homebuilt PVC tubes and keep factory socks out of sight. Goes quite a ways towards toning things down to anyone peeking in through windows. Especially in the junk old trucks I drive.
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Rod
A Sage 8150 to back up my 8150. One rarely leaves it's tube as it has a few customizations from Meiser I believe, with JC inlays, etc. the other is my primary dry line rod. For winter I'd carry both a Sage 9140iiie and an 8136iiie more than likely. If the Clearwater...maybe a 9150iiie somewhere in the mix of these rods.
A Sage 8150 to back up my 8150. One rarely leaves it's tube as it has a few customizations from Meiser I believe, with JC inlays, etc. the other is my primary dry line rod. For winter I'd carry both a Sage 9140iiie and an 8136iiie more than likely. If the Clearwater...maybe a 9150iiie somewhere in the mix of these rods.
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A Echo Dec Hogan 13' 7wt. to back up my Echo Dec Hogan 13' 7wt. 
Why have something different for a backup that you might not be used to casting? I have 2 identical rods so if one breaks (it hasn't yet in 5 years) I have the same rod to use while I send the broken one back to Echo for replacement on the Lifetime Guarantee. Never miss a days fishing.
Why have something different for a backup that you might not be used to casting? I have 2 identical rods so if one breaks (it hasn't yet in 5 years) I have the same rod to use while I send the broken one back to Echo for replacement on the Lifetime Guarantee. Never miss a days fishing.
I'm new to the Spey game (1 year). I fish an Anglers Roost 13' 7/8. The rod comes with an extra tip...just in case. With that said I can see myself upgrading to a nicer stick in the future and keeping the Anglers Roost as my backup. The rod casts nicely and you can't beat the price, I think $125.00 with shipping. It would make a very economical backup stick
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Beulah Classic 7/8
Meiser, Beulah, and OPST two handers; Scott & Orvis single handers. Danielsson and Orvis Reels
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1,138 Posts
I have three rods
Beulah 7132 is backed up by a Beulah 8126 and vice versa. Scott 6119 is backed up by the 7132.
I have a trout switch that isn't backed up by anything, except a single hand 590.
Beulah 7132 is backed up by a Beulah 8126 and vice versa. Scott 6119 is backed up by the 7132.
I have a trout switch that isn't backed up by anything, except a single hand 590.
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104 Posts
Never thought of this but makes complete sense...A Echo Dec Hogan 13' 7wt. to back up my Echo Dec Hogan 13' 7wt.
Why have something different for a backup that you might not be used to casting? I have 2 identical rods so if one breaks (it hasn't yet in 5 years) I have the same rod to use while I send the broken one back to Echo for replacement on the Lifetime Guarantee. Never miss a days fishing.
I have the same rod, but only one. So my back up rod is a kick in the nuts and a walk to the car.
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270 Posts
While I have a modern 12'6" 7/8 and an old 9140, I'm spending more and more time fishing my 6/7 switch or my #8 single.
But... I find my back up rod this season, in contrast to all other seasons before, is an old fibreglass rod paired with a mitchell 300 and a small spoon. My poorly fished spoon offers me a sense of final diagnosis as to whether there was a fish holding in the run, or if I just didn't offer a decent presentation on the fly. Then again, that rod often hides behind the seat waiting for it's chance to exercise the power of the dark side of the force
Next season, I'm opting for a wetsuit, snorkle and mask
However, before this season, if I took an extra rod and reel, it was my 8wt single. Not a river I've ever fished that couldn't be adequately covered by a single.
Sometimes you just have to believe that the fish are on your side of the river.
But... I find my back up rod this season, in contrast to all other seasons before, is an old fibreglass rod paired with a mitchell 300 and a small spoon. My poorly fished spoon offers me a sense of final diagnosis as to whether there was a fish holding in the run, or if I just didn't offer a decent presentation on the fly. Then again, that rod often hides behind the seat waiting for it's chance to exercise the power of the dark side of the force
Next season, I'm opting for a wetsuit, snorkle and mask
However, before this season, if I took an extra rod and reel, it was my 8wt single. Not a river I've ever fished that couldn't be adequately covered by a single.
Sometimes you just have to believe that the fish are on your side of the river.
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My favorite rod being a custom built CND (no current U.S. rep) I have an identical twin held in reserve.A Echo Dec Hogan 13' 7wt. to back up my Echo Dec Hogan 13' 7wt.
Why have something different for a backup that you might not be used to casting? I have 2 identical rods so if one breaks (it hasn't yet in 5 years) I have the same rod to use while I send the broken one back to Echo for replacement on the Lifetime Guarantee. Never miss a days fishing.
Red Truck, ACR, Echo DHII, Danielsson, Leland, Hardy, Rio, Airflo
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4,135 Posts
Sound Logic here
Awesome post
Awesome post
A Echo Dec Hogan 13' 7wt. to back up my Echo Dec Hogan 13' 7wt.
Why have something different for a backup that you might not be used to casting? I have 2 identical rods so if one breaks (it hasn't yet in 5 years) I have the same rod to use while I send the broken one back to Echo for replacement on the Lifetime Guarantee. Never miss a days fishing.
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2,736 Posts
I would ask the reverse question.
One reason not to duplicate is that the rods I listed are not really backup rods but used for individual situations but all can function in a pinch. My
Anderson does well with 625 grains and will more easily throw 15' of T14 while my Scott ARC 1287 likes 575 grains but is my all time favorite rod and generally the one I reach for first. My 11' 7 TFO is awesome on smaller streams or where casting room is marginal with overhanging trees - so all three rods do something a bit better than the others but all can serve as a primary rod and especially when floating I often have all three rods rigged with different tips and different flies
One reason not to duplicate is that the rods I listed are not really backup rods but used for individual situations but all can function in a pinch. My
Anderson does well with 625 grains and will more easily throw 15' of T14 while my Scott ARC 1287 likes 575 grains but is my all time favorite rod and generally the one I reach for first. My 11' 7 TFO is awesome on smaller streams or where casting room is marginal with overhanging trees - so all three rods do something a bit better than the others but all can serve as a primary rod and especially when floating I often have all three rods rigged with different tips and different flies
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5,532 Posts
This thread has made me think and I think I may need more rods.
Winter - Meiser STM1308 with T&T 1308-4 or 1510-5 as backup
Big River Summer - Meiser 15678HC with T&T 1307-3 or Meiser STM1608 as backup
Big River/Big Fish Fall - Meiser STM1608 or T&T 1510-5
Midsize River Summer - T&T 1307-3 with T&T 1206-6 as backup
Small River Summer - T&T 1206-3 with NO BACKUP
Winter - Meiser STM1308 with T&T 1308-4 or 1510-5 as backup
Big River Summer - Meiser 15678HC with T&T 1307-3 or Meiser STM1608 as backup
Big River/Big Fish Fall - Meiser STM1608 or T&T 1510-5
Midsize River Summer - T&T 1307-3 with T&T 1206-6 as backup
Small River Summer - T&T 1206-3 with NO BACKUP
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1,644 Posts
My backup outfit is an A.R.E. #4, 13' 7/8, a Cortland Magnum 200D reel, with a chopped-and-channeled 550 grain shorthead that was originally a 10/11/12 Windcutter. The line size makes it suitable for most stream conditions in all seasons. A few scrap sinktips, leaders, and cannon fodder-quality flies, carried in a breadbag along with the reel, completes the package. The low replacement cost of the outfit is a big part of the appeal.
In actual practice, I frequently vary the pairing seasonally. An A.R.E. 12' 5/6 is often a summer backup for my 11' 7" Meiser. I just got a 14' 9/10 Meiser MKS, and my backup for it will be "Mystery Meat," a 14' 4" built on an IM6 blank.
In actual practice, I frequently vary the pairing seasonally. An A.R.E. 12' 5/6 is often a summer backup for my 11' 7" Meiser. I just got a 14' 9/10 Meiser MKS, and my backup for it will be "Mystery Meat," a 14' 4" built on an IM6 blank.
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