Ryan Kral Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Hey guys, this last summer I became addicted to carp on the fly after landing a couple big ones on the DuPage. I have been using my 8 wt, because I have nothing in between my 5wt-8wt, and I dont like the idea of playing that strong and big of a fish on my 5wt, not intentionally anyways. I am in the market for a new rod, will become my go to bass/carp rod. Would like to stay with a 6wt if possible, I just feel like 90% of the bass I catch around here on the rivers, are not the worth the fight on a 7-8wt, but that a 6wt is on the light side for carp. Anybody have any suggestions, a good 6wt with some backbone? I am going to treat myself a little for Xmas, so I am willing to spend some money for something good, warranty's a must. Any experience with Echo Rods, I've been looking at the 9' 6wt Echo Ion? Thanks, Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph at Orvis Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Great stick, on sale: http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=1A92 and another: http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=3A8L Both rods are American made and plenty carp worthy Joseph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob G Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Ryan, I'm sure the two rod series that Joseph pointed out are very nice sticks, but in my opinion, trying to give someone a rod recommendation is so very tough because everyone has a different casting style, stroke speed, and appreciation for a particular color/graphics, number of pieces, or reel seat design. Pick a couple of nice fly shops that are willing to let you get out there and actually test cast the rods and see which one "talks to you". Most 6 or 7 wt rods will be adequate for what you probably want. Remember, a rod's weight rating is a subjective declaration by the manufacturer, in other words, one company's 6 weight may actually be more powerful than another's 7 weight so don't get hung up on the rod weighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Gillio Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Ryan, I have a 7 wt. Ion that I picked up this year. I messed up my casting arm in March and that put a dent in the amount of use the rod got, but I was very pleased with it the times I was able to fish it. It casts a good sized fly quite well, gives a solid hook set, and has alot of backbone. I hope to get a good amount of use out of it next year targeting smallies, hybrid stripers, and carp.If you can try one out first like Rob says.I did get to fish a Hydros one afternoon. It is a great rod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Sadowski Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 I use a 6wt Sage SLT. Perfect smallmouth rod. I fish the Dupe/Kankakee the most and it is right sized for that water. There are quite a few new available on the net. A 6 or 7 would do nicely. My 6 wt is perfect for big flies but you can still toss a dry if needed. I have seen a bunch of 7 wts for $200. If you plan to hit the Indy flats for carp, a 7 may be better. I love the SLTs and I am not sure you could do much better, regardless of how much cash you spent. Plus there has been a huge Z-Axis dump as they clear those out so you may see the SLTs drop just a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronk Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Ryan Since you're looking for a 6wt with backbone I'd consider either of Joseph's recommendations especially the sale priced Hydros.Both are the more powerful tip flex action rods as opposed to the softer mid flex Orvis rods are also offered in.As Rob points out it's good to test cast a rod if you can.However to really benefit the test should be done with the line you'll be using while casting the actual flies you'll be casting.Bring your line along with a few favored flies to the test particularly the more difficult ones to cast.If the rod casts them nicely you'll know you'll be happy with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asherman Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 I have the Orvis Hydros in a six weight tip flex fresh water model. I love the rod and I use it for river smallmouth fishing in smaller rivers. It is not the best rod for fishing big, heavy flies, but it casts great and feels good with fish on the line. If I were using it to target carp, I would probably get the same rod in a seven weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom L Posted November 23, 2011 Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 Ryan, If you need more options and want to be more confused, here is my input. I've been using a St Croix Legend Ultra in 7wt and a St Croix Legen Elite (NSi model) in 6wt for smallie on the Fox. Both have plenty of backbones to fight fish and power to cast in windy conditions. I had hooked into plenty of carps on both of them and had no problems landing them. Although, the 7wt is a better carp fight rod and more power to punch into the wind. Good luck.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Kral Posted November 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2011 Thanks for all the input guys. I went out and just to take a look at a few rods, Ive gotta say, I was not impressed with the Echo rods. They might cast great, but I picked up two of the carbons, and both were different from each other, both real seats lined up differently with the rod, and on both the alignment dots were way off, but different from each other. Not that these issues would affect how it fishes, and not that they are expensive, but between the 2 Carbons, and the 2 Ions I looked at, not one of them was built the same. I dont know, I would just think a $180 rod would be a little more consistent in there build. It could all just be cosmetic issues, but if I'm getting towards the $200 range for a rod, I start getting a little pickier. Just my two cents, I have read lots of great reviews on the rods, so who knows. Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest airbornemike Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 I've got an Ion in an 9wt that I used this sumer for bass'n out of my yak, it cast nice with the line I have set up on it. That said, the Echos are some heavy ass sticks, for the money I would buy a BVK. My 8wt BVK put plenty of carp on the bank this past season. My 7wt has enough flex so you can feel those 12 and 14 inch bass, but enough backbone to turn a big carp, and the thing is super light. I'm sure you checked this out http://www.yellowstoneangler.com/Photo%20Gallery/2011.8.weight.shootout.objective.observations.htm but you gotta love a $248.00 rod beat'n out some over priced $800.00 sticks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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