I own a modest assortment of Scott F2s and find that the description provided on their website seems very accurate. To paraphrase: They were designed primarily for small stream situations, allowing one to make accurate casts with little line, and they tend to load across their length when bringing a fish to hand.
I typically spend 4 weeks a year fishing higher elevation freestone streams in GSMNP, and 5 weeks a year on the small to mid-sized spring streams in the Ozarks, and my first choice for these areas is typically one of my Scott fiberglass rods. This past summer I used them almost exclusively on many of the smaller tributaries and meadow streams in the Jackson, WY area and intend to do the same next summer for 2 weeks in similar CO water. [I use various dry, soft hackle, nymph and midge presentations, which also includes occasional smaller tandem or dropper rigs.] I find the ability to make casts with little line and leader exposed does reduce the need for false casting; which is pretty much a necessity, given the heavy canopy or close cover on a back cast. Side casts, roll casts and various others that I don't even think they have a name, are easy to accomplish under these conditions, and even make things enjoyable in an otherwise difficult situation.
However, I seldom use my Scotts F2s (which includes the F2 7'7" 4wt and F2 8'2" 5wt), on tail water, mid sized lakes or bigger rivers in these same areas. Much more wind, considerably longer casts, a lot more mending and need to pick up much more line on a mend, larger fish and playing the fish in swifter current are all factors in selecting the rod I'll use in these situations. Oftentimes, a graphite, bamboo or other fiberglass rod is a better choice, and because I might also present heavier streamers, sculpins, large buggers, etc.
The F2 8'2" 5wt is probably the least used of my Scott rods, but I think that's because it's a bit too long for the water I fish and the canopy I have to work under. However, I also admit that high sticking in the same water does get easier with the longer rod, and if I'll be guiding a weighted midge or nymph around rocks and through smaller feeding lanes it a tough choice between the 7'7" 4wt and 8'2" 5wt at times. In addition, I've never had any problem landing nice sized bows, browns, or even cutts out west; the blanks tend to flex across their length and especially the tip, and there is still enough left to protect the tippet. I use Cortland 444 DT5F on the 5wt, and sometimes will even use the same spool on the 4wt.
I've never had a problem with any of my Scott rods, even though I take them though heavy brush, trees, etc. often. I've found they are durable and well made, but then again, I haven't had any problems with any of my high-end Sage, Winston, Orvis, St Croix and customs too.
The OP didn't say what type of situations he intended to fish, presentations he'd make, or what his preference was in build. So I thought I'd share my experience. Oh yeah, if I could only keep 1 Scott fiberglass rod, it would be the F2 6'6" 3wt; it makes for a pretty good "all around" rod and is a lot of fun to use on the water that I enjoy.
-- Scott Rods -- - F1 1wt 5'6" - F2 2 wt 6' - F2 3 wt 6'6" - F2 4wt 7'4" - F2 5wt 8'2"
I've been lurking on the forum for the past few years, and just recently joined.
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