Your Favorite budget-ish fly rod

Stalker69

WKR
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
1,801
Have you checked out the Moonshine rods? They’re flat awesome for the money and the Drifter comes with two tips.
I have a Drifter in 10ft 7wt as a streamer rod and I like it better than my friends Winston in the same dimension and can’t tell a ton of difference in that and my Helios 3 in the same dimensions. I’m not saying the quality is the same and it’s heavier but as far as casting big flies go it’s great. I’ve caught a lot of nice pike (haven’t caught a true 40” yet) and it makes those fish do whatever you want.
I’ve cast their 9/5 rod and it’s a great little rod. Also have a 7’6” 4 wt midnight special that’s nice but they’re a little more.
I have two of their midnight specials 5w and 7w. I really like them. I've cought a ton of carp on them, a 21.8lb carp on the 5w. Handled it great. Bugetish, I don't think you can beat a TFO.
 
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clarito

FNG
Joined
Jan 27, 2024
Messages
13
I've never casted a Moonshine nor personally known anyone who owns one. I've been told (and read many times online) they're made with cheap Maxcatch blanks and are an overpriced marketing / snake oil brand. I have fished some Maxcatch rods and they're not bad at all but they're also $30 vs $200+ for a Moonshine.
 

TX_Diver

WKR
Joined
May 27, 2019
Messages
2,568
Surprised no one has yet mentioned the Fenwick Aetos. Best rod you can buy for around $200. I have caught thousands of trout on an aetos with a lamson guru reel. The fenwick punches way above its weight class, warranty is awesome, and the overall performance is top notch. I am usually against chinese made stuff, but bought my first one years ago when I was broke and desperately needed a new rod. It is the only thing made in china that I would ever tell someone to buy.
I was curious about that too. I was looking into “budget” rods awhile ago and that one consistently showed up at the top of the list. Ultimately I still don’t really fly fish much and don’t own one though so I can’t comment from experience.
 

Stalker69

WKR
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
1,801
I've never casted a Moonshine nor personally known anyone who owns one. I've been told (and read many times online) they're made with cheap Maxcatch blanks and are an overpriced marketing / snake oil brand. I have fished some Maxcatch rods and they're not bad at all but they're also $30 vs $200+ for a Moonshine.
Call them,( moonshine) they will tell you about the blanks and anything else you want to know about them . I fish with a guy that only uses high dollar sage rods, I catch just as many or more some times then he does. And casting his, I don't really see much differace. Distance and accuracy, presentaion are exactly the same. As far as I can tell. I am by no means a fly fishing expert either. But do fish alot.
 

clarito

FNG
Joined
Jan 27, 2024
Messages
13
Call them,( moonshine) they will tell you about the blanks and anything else you want to know about them . I fish with a guy that only uses high dollar sage rods, I catch just as many or more some times then he does. And casting his, I don't really see much differace. Distance and accuracy, presentaion are exactly the same. As far as I can tell. I am by no means a fly fishing expert either. But do fish alot.

That's great. I fish cheap Echo and Orvis rods and catch just as many fish as my buddies who have high end Sage/T&T etc. so I hear you there. I feel no need to spend more than 250 on a fishing rod. As I said I have no personal experience with Moonshine rods and was just parroting what I've heard/read. Glad to hear they'll tell you about their blanks if you call and that they fish well for you.
 

UncleBone

WKR
Joined
Aug 18, 2022
Messages
717
I have seen people mention Orvis several times. I know a lot of people on here have various reasons they will not buy from certain companies. I personally will never buy any thing from orvis again. When the supreme court overruled roe v wade, orvis said they would pay for their employees and employees immediate family to have abortions. I will not knowingly buy anything that the profits from will fund abortions. Just a heads up for anyone who cares.
 
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