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Post 10 May 2021, 06:55 • #1 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/12/18
Posts: 457
I'm looking for a value-priced 5wt or 6wt to use out of the float tube. What are your opinions of 5wt or 6wt 'glass rods in the 9' range... not a good application, or are there some nice ones?


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Post 10 May 2021, 08:23 • #2 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/16/05
Posts: 2537
Location: Georgia
I think looking for value in that configuration gets you into graphite, with tons of options.


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Post 10 May 2021, 10:53 • #3 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/06/17
Posts: 2498
Location: South of Joplin
Personally I think 'glass excels at ~7'6"- 8'3" in 7wt. I've owned and used a number of 8.5' and 9' 'glass rods and today at over 8'3'', I'd likely opt for graphite, all the longer 'glass rods I've used have been heavier in the hand than on the scale, and if thinned down for lighter lines seem noodlely, to me, however I've never seen nor cast a 9' 5wt, so, that could be an exception.


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Post 10 May 2021, 17:29 • #4 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/31/15
Posts: 1238
Location: Northern Rockies
I'm not aware of any budget priced rods in glass at that length. There are some excellent long glass rods, but they will cost $500-600.

You might think about the Redington Classic Trout in graphite in that price range.


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Post 10 May 2021, 22:59 • #5 
Guide
Joined: 02/06/16
Posts: 328
Location: US
Maybe a Hardy Fibalite rod 8'6" or 9' 6wt.?


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Post 11 May 2021, 04:07 • #6 
Guide
Joined: 03/12/15
Posts: 269
Location: US-CT
I fish all the time from my float tube. I use all of my glass rods (and graphite) from the tube.
my glass rods are Fenwicks, a 7 for a 5/6 and 71/2 for a 6/7 weight.
No issue with using a short rod. You probably have rods that will work fine from the tube.
the beauty of the tube or a yak is that long distance casting is not necessary.
Good luck and pm if you need more info.


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Post 11 May 2021, 07:27 • #7 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/21/06
Posts: 3080
Location: Orygun
agreed with above, if you're looking for a longer rod in that price range, I'd be looking into a Redington CT. That said, I've never seen it as a hinderance fishing shorter rods out of a float tube, in fact it is actually advantageous when it comes time to land fish. Distance loss, if you're a reasonably decent caster, isn't going to be significant.


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Post 11 May 2021, 08:00 • #8 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/20/07
Posts: 8920
Location: US-ME
Same thought here. Before purchasing a 9 footer to fish from a tube, I'd try any old half decent 9-foot graphite 4 or 5 weight just to see the practical effect, not because the graphite will be any better, but just thinking its easier to borrow one. I think you will find that its length is more awkward in exchange for--well, I can't see an advantage. Like careful wading, a tube enables stealth, and the angler's position in it favors a moderate length rod. As to casting, even in a canoe, you see angler's having trouble maintaining stability when casting a "too long" rod. The tube favors a compact cast that minimizes motion, and a shorter rod makes that easier. In nine foot midweight, various Fisher-based models like the Cortland Leon Chandler are the bench mark of the type viewtopic.php?f=8&t=40246&p=141953&hilit=Leon+Chandler+%27glass+factory#p141953


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Post 11 May 2021, 10:18 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/24/11
Posts: 1144
Location: Belgium
Hardy 8'6" Fibalite Perfection 6wt.


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Post 11 May 2021, 10:49 • #10 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/25/16
Posts: 1069
Location: Rocky Mountains - Colorado
I would also consider a Phillipson S-86, Fenwick FF-84, Fenwick FF856, or maybe a Fenwick FF90...its a 7/8 but it has a wonderful tip action and is very accurate


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Post 11 May 2021, 12:18 • #11 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 05/09/06
Posts: 2517
Location: US
I would agree with the comment above that you don't need a lot of distance when in a float tube. I found fish to hit really close to me. I personally prefer a shorter rod so in the event the line tangles on the tip it is not such a chore to clear it. Eight feet is plenty of rod for float tubing.


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Post 11 May 2021, 12:32 • #12 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 03/28/07
Posts: 1006
Location: US-TX
I second the Redington Classic Trout. The 9’ 5wt has a pretty glass-like feel. I added a short lower grip to mine and turned it into a nice microskagit rod for trout, but it can still be fished conventionally with a 5wt line.


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Post 11 May 2021, 16:10 • #13 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/11/05
Posts: 1008
Location: US-NY
I’m curious about your application. Coldwater or Warmwater? For warmwater, I use an Orvis 8’ Fullflex A 7wt. This has worked well for me when targeting big bluegills, and when there’s a chance for an occasional bass.


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Post 11 May 2021, 21:01 • #14 
Master Guide
Joined: 07/12/17
Posts: 390
Location: SW B.C.
From a float tube, you want length and enough stiffness you fish in lots of wind, so graphite is the way to go. I have a brace of 10' IM6 TFO six weights that blast line like nobody's business and have enough flex in the tips to keep small fish fun.


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Post 11 May 2021, 21:35 • #15 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/12/18
Posts: 457
Thanks to everyone for the replies. I appreciate it.

I'm using a graphite Temple Forks Outfitters BVK Signature 9' 5wt out of my tubes now. It is pretty darn stiff. I lost my first four fish this morning after having them on solidly. I think the combination of small hooks and the very stiff rod don't work well together. That's why I'm thinking about fiberglass.

As for length, I'm only going by the old recommendation that a longer rod is easier to cast if you're low in the water in a tube. A longer rod also helps to get intermediate and sinking lines up to the surface easier for casting. I love my vintage fiberglass Fenwick Feralite rods but the only 5wt I have is the FF75. It's a favorite of mine, but I just figured I wouldn't be happy fishing with a 7.5' rod in the tube. I guess I should actually try it! In hindsight, I'm embarrassed that I haven't.

I have an old Orvis Green Mountain series 9' 5wt that is definitely slower/softer than the TFO, but it's a dog as far as casting goes. But it's another alternative...


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Post 11 May 2021, 23:28 • #16 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/06/17
Posts: 2498
Location: South of Joplin
7'6" is ideal imo, though I might use a 7'0" too and I'd probably want it to be a 6 or 7wt. I've never fished out of a tube but you are probably actually a foot higher from the water than if you were belly button deep wading. I have used 9' rods in the canoe and found them too long to suit me.


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Post 12 May 2021, 02:07 • #17 
Sport
Joined: 04/24/18
Posts: 51
Location: Pennsylvania
Desmobob,
A rod to consider would be the Diamomdback Meeker 8'6" 6 weight. I built one with a fighting butt for a "beater rod" and it performs well. The action is fast for glass but it is a smooth casting rod. It has a nice flex profile for and can protect lighter tippets. I throw sinking lines with it, without a problem.I think blanks ran around $100 and finished rods were approximately $250. Would likely work well for float tube applications and at a reasonable price. The blank is a good value for the quality. I do not own a factory rod in the Meeker but assume the build quality is as good as the blanks.


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Post 12 May 2021, 07:31 • #18 
Sport
Joined: 04/18/20
Posts: 28
Location: Central Texas
Echo BAG Quickshot 680 has a good price point and the length you're looking for, solid rod for the money.

My $.02


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Post 12 May 2021, 08:24 • #19 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/20/07
Posts: 8920
Location: US-ME
Great ! Try that shorter Fenwick instead of the 9 footer and let us know how you experienced the difference. I think, as in chest deep wading, you'll prefer touch over reach, fishing more by casting less, but it will be fun just finding out.


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Post 12 May 2021, 12:58 • #20 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/12/18
Posts: 457
Quote:
Great ! Try that shorter Fenwick instead of the 9 footer and let us know how you experienced the difference. I think, as in chest deep wading, you'll prefer touch over reach, fishing more by casting less, but it will be fun just finding out.


I won't get a chance to give it a try for a couple of weeks... I'm off to Cape Cod on Saturday morning for some striped bass fishing. My FF85 or FF858 will be going along. :)


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