Best 8 wt Rod for South FL

HeartNShoal · January 2017

Got a bunch of Sage Ones of various weights. Looking to get a second 8 wt.

What are the best options? Method? X? G Loomis NRX?

New to fly fishing and could use some opinions.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

silverg · January 2017

Sage Salt

td. · January 2017

One is great, get a Method for the windy days.

Backlash · January 2017

How about- why are you getting the second 8wt? What do you want to do with the second 8wt that the One isn't?
Is it because you feel the One is lacking in a certain aspect?
Do you want two dedicated, technique specific rods?
Or maybe you just want two eights, always rigged up with different presentations, to throw as the need arises?

A lot of guys casting groves a lot in the glades are loving the shorties... The Sage Bass series, the Loomis Shortstix, etc..

HeartNShoal · February 2017

I broke the first 8 on a snook and it is getting repaired. Thought I would get a backup. Plus, since it is such a popular size, I've been advised by my fishing mentor to have two for traveling as a backup.

That said, I'd like to vary the action a little. The Method came to mind. Also my mentor told me about Hardy Zephus. Light and good. One thing I'd like for this second setup is to have it very lightweight with a Nautilus X reel for example for comfort throwing shoreline all day.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

LighthouseKip · February 2017

Check out the link below. Great review on a big list of 8 wts.

https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2016-8-weight-shootout-best-saltwater-fly-rods-fly-rod-review-scott-meridian-g-loomis-nrx-sage-motive-st-croix-legend-elite-fenwick-aetos-orvis-recon-tfo-bvk-tfo-impact-echo-base-beaulah-opal-winston-biii-plus-mystic-reaper

Backlash · February 2017

Well, if your going to break a rod, that's the way to do it. Much better than a ceiling fan, lol.

I guess you just need to decide which performance characteristic you'd like in the 2nd 8wt..
Faster/crisper than the One? Deeper loader, more power?

I threw a Zephris 11wt, nice rod, but not overly remarkable IMO.

If you're on the hunt for a super lightweight 8wt reel for all day casting, do not overlook the Waterworks Force SL3.
https://www.waterworks-lamson.com/fly-reels/force-sl-series-ii/
It's a full ounce lighter than the NautilusX, and a great reel. I have one (last generation) on my Sage XP 8wt, and I just love that combo for long casting sessions. So much lighter than all my other combos. I was initially worried about the spool/frame torquing on hot fish, and it hasn't done anything but impress. Biggest I've landed on it is a 4.5' lemon shark.. not glam but he definitely put it through its paces..

HeartNShoal · February 2017

Thanks LighthouseKip. Based on the article I ordered a Scott 7 wt and 8 wt. Meridian model. Also got a Hardy Zephrus 9 wt to try.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

saltybum · March 2017

I've got five 8wts. Medfast, fast, very fast, short and still want to try others.

Tgrass · March 2017

A back up rod is a must as far as I'm concerned because accidents do happen. The back up also affords you the chance to rig with a different type of line and fly when the chance to bring both rods pops up.

I think we all have a primary rod we use and while I can't speak for others when I invest in a backup it is usually a quality rod but not the most expensive. My back up 8 wt is a 9 ft TFO Mangrove. Surprisingly I used that rod 90% of the time last year for all my Flordia fishing and stripers in Mass. I tend to lean to a rod that is a little slower action and this rod has been great up to now.

tarpon41 · March 2017

IMHO...I fish Sage blanks have been since intro...used Loomis when they sold blanks...you have Ones my only One is a 9 blank which is the only 9 I have ever been able to use...my 8 is an Xi3 blank...my go to are the TCR and TCX 10 and Method 11 blanks...now if I was looking for a second 8, or 10 or 11 because I lived where you live and fished ever waking hour instead of dreaming of the Keys twice a year...I would drop back to the old time thicker walled blanks/rods of yesteryear as my fail/safe rod... Sage RPLX or Xi2, Loomis GLX...In me dotage since I only sight fish skiff floating line...thus no blind casting and 100 casts a day...I can still use but have not had to use...my RPLX 11, 12, and 8 blanks..though once I used my two piece RPLX 11wt for a stake out pole on my old 13 Whaler

HeartNShoal · March 2017

Thanks all. I got the Scott Meridian 8wt and it's butter. Love it. Great addition to my collection.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FlatsFrenzy · March 2017

I always carry two 8s on the skiff. One is typically rigged with a mono leader and a gurgler. The other is typically rigged with a lighter flouro leader for sight casting on the flats or skinny water.

I've got a Sage One 6wt that is supposed to be delivered by UPS today. Can't wait!

HeartNShoal · March 2017

I own that Sage One 6 wt. I put trout line on mine. Use it to fish canals at lunch. Love it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FlatsFrenzy · March 2017

HeartNShoal wrote: »

I own that Sage One 6 wt. I put trout line on mine. Use it to fish canals at lunch. Love it.

I think I have a new favorite rod. *lol*

trponhunter · March 2018

The Loomis asquith is the most expensive fly rod for a reason. I've cast it, the meridian, nix, pro 1 and orvis. If you spend the money - you will actually become a better caster

Ol'DirtyCaster · March 2018

I'm a firm believer in redundancies. I keep 2 7's and 2 9's always. I have a few One's and X's, and I've never had a complaint about either one. Any particular reason why you're asking a forum and not casting rods at your local shop? You've gotten some pretty revolting suggestions from people that don't fish where you fish, or throw what you throw. The best advice I know to give is don't listen to anyone and go cast some rods.