Tengas, Fenwick, and Marryat photo by Alpago |
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 beemerhead |
8'6" 5wt. Steffen or McFarland |
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Sport
Posts: 30 (05/06/09 22:15:44) |
I'm contemplating purchasing one of these rods. Descriptions and/or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Basically I'm looking for a comparison
between the actions of both as well as the feel or sensitivity of each while playing fish. Also, which configuration (# of pieces) of these rods seem to be the
most desirable? Thanks in advance.
Ken in Tn Acts 16:31. |
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Cameron |
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Posts: 3335 (05/06/09 23:46:04)
Administrator &
Chat Room Host |
beemerhead...the Steffen 8'6" five weight is on my short list of blanks to purchase. I was going to get my blank in three pieces.
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gearboy |
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Master Guide
Posts: 334 (05/07/09 04:15:20) |
Ken, One big advantage of purchasing a rod from Mark Steffen is that you'll get it much sooner than one from Mike. Jay
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Mojorizing |
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Master Guide
Posts: 506 (05/07/09 18:47:03) |
gearboy wrote:I don't see that as an advantage. Steffan and McF's are two different casting rods no matter what weight.. And remember, all good things come to those who wait.
"If opera is entertainment, then falling off a roof is transportation!"
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SilaflexJunkie |
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Guide
Posts: 145 (05/07/09 19:51:44) |
I received this exact rod from Mike last week. I haven't had a chance to fish it yet. I will give you a report this weekend.
Trent |
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tonemike |
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Master Guide
Posts: 711 (05/07/09 20:47:21) |
SilaflexJunkie wrote: that's great news Trent. really looking forward to your 2 cents. -mike |
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harleydeen |
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Master Guide
Posts: 362 (05/07/09 21:13:17) |
I wouldn't mine coming across one of Mark's 8'6" for a 5wt, but I would love to get my hands on even more is one of his 8'3" for a
5wt...
Tight Lines,
Harley Lk. Stevens, Wa. |
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gypsy |
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Master Guide
Posts: 461 (05/09/09 20:13:40) |
I've built the 8' 6wt McFarland and am currently finishing up a Steffen 8' 5/6, so I've been lucky enough to have casted both out on the lawn
but never fished with either one so I can't really say much about them either than they are two different feeling blanks/rods. I own a Steffen
8'6" 5/6 wt and like to call it a "Goldie Locks" rod. It feels "just right" in my hands. It balances well, not tip heavy at all,
and is very comfortable nymphing, throwing streamers or fishing dries. It wouldn't be my go to dry fly rod only because most of the fishing I do involves
small rivers with mostly smaller fish and a 5/6 wt rod isn't necessary. I've only built cast these rods in the 3 piece models so I can't comment on
other configurations but in my mind 3 piece blanks work pretty well with glass.
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yuhina |
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Master Guide
Posts: 1190 (05/09/09 20:53:04) |
Oh Yes! Steffen rod!
I am in the process to make one for the summer trip too! I love the unsanded blanks... |
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cwood.clarksclassicfl... |
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Sport
Posts: 7 (05/10/09 10:46:43) |
Steffen. That's the exact rod I hope to have soon!! I thought about the McFarland, and I am used to waiting as I am a bamboo rod nut and have waited
years for some of my rods. I just like the Steffens feel and to me they cast better, and believe it or not, like the looks more.
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SilaflexJunkie |
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Guide
Posts: 146 (05/11/09 08:25:24) |
I did not get a chance to fish my Mcfarland this weekend. Still only lawn cast the rod. I will try to sneak out one day after work and break her in. I can say
the 8'6" is very long and comfortable in a bamboo kind of way, with just the right amount of weight. Not the rod that will cast 100 feet, but will put
a fly on a dime with no ripples or disturbance at 50 feet. Yes, I don't make much sense, but hey, I am more of the feelings amiable type of person, not a
analytical type guy. I can say I am very excited to go fish it! I do feel I got the perfect nymph rod for my home water.
I will check in later, Trent |
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 LeoCreek |
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Master Guide
Posts: 184 (05/11/09 23:18:09) |
I have a Steffen 8'6" 5-6wt 4pc I built from a blank. It's a great rod that has nice power, but real finesse and touch as well. Yeah, it just
"feels right"! Very versatile glass rod. It's a lot of fun with dry flies and even nymphs with split shot on a floating line. I've even
fished it with full sinking lines on lakes and had a blast. Even smaller trout are fun on this rod...and bigger trout will put the full upside down U to it,
but you still have good power in the butt. I've fished mine with both 6wt and 5wt lines, and it has handled multiple lines really well, so I still am
undecided on whether I like it best as a 5wt or a 6wt.
I also have a McFarland 8' 5wt 4pc blank that won't get built until next winter now. It's the newer Spruce Creek progressive model blank. While I've only wiggled the blank a little, it sure feels like it's going to be a sweet 5wt. Yes, it feels like a different animal than the Steffen in some ways....a little slower and smoother, but wow! I think it's going to be a real gem of a 5wt! So I can't give a fishing comparison, and haven't tried the McFarland in an 8'6" model, but really like the Steffen and think the McFarland will also be awesome. I think the Steffens are little faster/crisper than the standard McFarland Spruce Creek, but still very sweet and hey...it's glass. McFarland does make a Dry Fly taper that is designed to be a little faster/crisper than his standard progressive taper...plus he makes a Parabolic taper which is different still. Clear as mud, right? Tom
Tom G.
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LeoCreek |
Steffen 8'6" 5-6wt | ||
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Master Guide
Posts: 187 (05/24/09 11:12:27) |
Speaking of the Steffen 8'6" 5-6wt, I had mine out yesterday on a lake and had a blast. The largest fish of the day was a 20" rainbow trout,
probably ~ 3 1/2 - 4 lbs. I was using a 6wt type III full sinking line at the time with a 5x tippet. This rod has great tippet protection, but will still toss
plenty of line! I guess that's why we like glass.
I also fished a 5wt Cortland 444 Clear Camo intermediate line with the rod, and caught lots of fish from 9" on up. The more I fish this rod, the more I realize what a sweet and really versatile rod it is. If someone knows they like glass and is thinking of a longer rod in the 5-6wt range, I would highly recommend this model.
Tom G.
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Cameron |
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Posts: 3421 (05/25/09 08:30:43)
Administrator &
Chat Room Host |
LeoCreek...you're not making it any easier on me to not call Steffen and order that blank after that report. Damn...but thank you for doing it. I know
that is the rod I want built next.
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gearboy |
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Master Guide
Posts: 341 (05/25/09 13:50:15) |
Cam, I ordered a new rod from Mark about two weeks ago. I decided to go with the 8'3" 5/6 wt, the basic two piece version with the rosewood reel
seat. I couldn't decide between the 8'3" and the 8'6" and decided to go with the shorter one. He's moving glass and is quite busy,
he said it would be about 2 months or so.
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