I recently purchased a McFarland Spruce Creek 8' 5wt from a forum member that should arrive tomorrow.

Can anyone provide some intel on this rod series and/or this particular rod? Is there a favorite line you like? How would you employ it? How does it compare to the ********* Western Glass, Steffen 4/5, or Barclay GP?

Any info would be appreciated.

What Tiptop said...

I have many of Mike's "Spruce Creek" iterations, all smooth sanded blanks, all among my favorite rods in any material.

I would start with a Triangle Taper 5, because most of McFarland's rods work well with them, since that is what he uses.

The Spruce Creek rod's I've cast (and Mike has been making them for a long time) are all magical. If the TT5 doesn't work, I would see if a normal WF5 or DT5 works well and then go up a half a line size if you want. I do think you have to relax a bit to get into the zone with a Spruce Creek. When you first pick it up and cast it in the back yard, it might seem nice, but not special. As you get used to it and start to let the rod tell you what it likes, it really shines.

Have and totally enjoy 2 of Mike's tapers - a 7'9" and a 8'8" - both perfect with a DT4... Both have very nice tips - and are progressive and versatile... there is a lively feeling that works perfectly from close in and to moderate distances. Both are "feel" rods that avoid the "dullness" of graphite (imho) at closer distances. The 7'9" reminds me of a Tom Morgan Winston era feel - crisp yet lively.
I respect Mike so much as he was in the 'glass game" far before the recent popularity - gotta like that...