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Post 29 Jan 2017, 13:36 • #51 
Master Guide
Joined: 06/08/05
Posts: 435
Location: US-IN
For those on a limited budget, I think I remember seeing an opinion here that the Epic 868 was pretty similar to the old FF856 from Fenwick. Or was it the FF857??

Fish on!
Peter


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Post 29 Jan 2017, 14:33 • #52 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 08/25/08
Posts: 1526
Location: Delton, MI
Do you mean the EPIC 686 or 888? Regardless, I wouldn't say either Fenwick is like either EPIC. But the FF857 is indeed a nice Smallmouth rod. I find the FF857 a bit heavy though. I like the FF837 better. The new FG837 is very nice for the money too. You can find those for $207 brand new on Amazon.


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Post 29 Jan 2017, 15:55 • #53 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/08/05
Posts: 3570
Location: Western PA
I have the Fenwick Fenglass 837. I've never fished any other Fenwick 7wts, so I can't offer a comparison. I usually don't target smallies but I've used it to chase after trout in the "Yough". It's super nice and handles streamer tandems with a sinking leader easily.
For me, it's a well made and well designed 3pc. rod. For the money, I'd rather have a good modern made rod than take a crap shoot on some vintage stick. Especially when the price difference between a minty rod and a new one with a tube, sock and warranty isn't really much.


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Post 29 Jan 2017, 18:21 • #54 
Guide
Joined: 09/20/09
Posts: 319
Location: US-MN
Image

I am a big fan of my Yellow Fenwick FL102-7. Tosses bigger poppers and streamers without a problem. Andy Manchester made mine....a fine rod for smallies.

Thanks,

Doug


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Post 30 Jan 2017, 10:48 • #55 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/27/14
Posts: 1501
Location: ON, Canada
streamcaster wrote:
For those on a limited budget, I think I remember seeing an opinion here that the Epic 868 was pretty similar to the old FF856 from Fenwick. Or was it the FF857??

Fish on!
Peter


I remember that comparison being made - I believe it was between the Epic 686 and Fenwick FF856. Never cast that Fenwick, so I can't comment. The 857 is definitely a bigger rod than the Epic 686, though, even though the Epic can handle a 7wt if needed.


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Post 30 Jan 2017, 12:00 • #56 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/14
Posts: 1367
Location: Pleasant Garden, North Carolina
I had a Fenwick 856 in my possession for a few days when I was selling some old rods for my TU chapter. I believe I called it "a poor man's 686". I cast it side by side with my epic 686 and while they're not identical, I don't see why someone couldn't be eminently satisfied with the Fenwick if they couldn't afford it didn't want to spend the bigger bucks on an Epic.


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Post 03 Feb 2017, 11:00 • #57 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/09/05
Posts: 2524
Location: US-CO
bulldog1935 wrote:
mikee wrote:
It sure looks as though alot of you use Fenwicks..must really be a nice rod for Smallies :D

don't look at Fenwicks in shorter rods - they won't roll cast, which is where the short Phillipsons excel.



Hmmm, I may have to take a look at this...have never compared the two, Thanks Bulldog!


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Post 21 Dec 2017, 18:07 • #58 
Master Guide
Joined: 03/09/15
Posts: 684
Location: Arkansas
FF75-4. Yup.


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Post 22 Dec 2017, 14:34 • #59 
Master Guide
Joined: 10/07/11
Posts: 692
Location: SE MA
Of my numerous vintage 6/7 rods I would select in this order: Fenwick FF806, Cortland FR-2000 8', Browning Silaflex 222980, 322980, 322985, and Phillipson Aristo 8'.

Of my more modern rods: Fenwick Fenglass FG 837, and the Orvis Superfine Glass 6 weight. The Steffen 8' 5/6 is a great rod but not as suitable for me. The WW Grigg 8.5' Heritage is surprisingly fun.

The Fenglass is my strong favorite.


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Post 23 Dec 2017, 10:13 • #60 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/16/05
Posts: 2537
Location: Georgia
horsehead wrote:
I had a Fenwick 856 in my possession for a few days when I was selling some old rods for my TU chapter. I believe I called it "a poor man's 686". I cast it side by side with my epic 686 and while they're not identical, I don't see why someone couldn't be eminently satisfied with the Fenwick if they couldn't afford it didn't want to spend the bigger bucks on an Epic.

If that's the one that ended up with me, I think it's actually a FF85, in the version labeled 6/7 (away from rod right now). I've not cast an Epic 686 but agree on the whole satisfaction thing. My comparison was to the FF807, and about what you'd expect; I noticed both the added swing weight and the extra reach.


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Post 23 Dec 2017, 15:39 • #61 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/14
Posts: 1367
Location: Pleasant Garden, North Carolina
Upstreeam wrote:
If that's the one that ended up with me, I think it's actually a FF85, in the version labeled 6/7 (away from rod right now)...


Actually, I had both, the FF856 and FF85. But I agree, they're not all that different. The 3 digit being just a bit lighter in hand and in swing weight. Both very capable rods.


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Post 23 Dec 2017, 17:17 • #62 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/08/05
Posts: 3570
Location: Western PA
Standman, ditto on the new Fenwick Fenglass being good. The older deep brown Fenglass rods from the turn of the century were hit or miss. The new rusty orange rods are really nice. I'm surprised they don't get more good comments. I like them better than any of the other rods in that price range and would suggest the extra money vs what the Cabela's rods cost will be money well spent (you'll be glad you payed a little more). I hope to get out with my 837 for Christmas. Should be overcast :-)
I'm not much for fish pics, but I'd take a few for you IF I could figure out how to post them... There's some brutes where I'm going.


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Post 02 Jan 2018, 08:17 • #63 
Master Guide
Joined: 08/10/15
Posts: 385
Location: US-NJ
The past 3 years my smallie rod has been a CGR 5/6. Most recent with an SA Frequency Magnum WF6F line.


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Post 13 Jan 2018, 08:22 • #64 
FFR Founder
Joined: 06/07/05
Posts: 792
Location: US-MA
Image

I'm still depending on my Steffen 8.5' 3 pc. 6wt. (5/6). Equipped with Aetna foul-proof guides this has been a superb smallie rod. Mind you, I fish more wet flies than big top water bugs. It's been rebuilt since this picture with a Phillipe grip.


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Post 13 Jan 2018, 13:30 • #65 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/08/05
Posts: 3570
Location: Western PA
Nice fish Alex. Do you have any more pictures of those mylar wraps?


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Post 13 Jan 2018, 15:40 • #66 
FFR Founder
Joined: 06/07/05
Posts: 792
Location: US-MA
Unfortunately it seems the old photobucket pics aren't available anymore... I'll poke around on the computer and see if I still have any - thanks!


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Post 14 Jan 2018, 06:56 • #67 
Guide
Joined: 10/02/12
Posts: 114
Location: Missouri Ozarks
Wow, I am glad to see this post is still going on after 5 yrs. I originally posted this on Jan. 4, 2013! Alex, that is one nice looking Smallie!!! Love the bronze color!


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Post 07 Sep 2018, 18:37 • #68 
Master Guide
Joined: 03/09/15
Posts: 684
Location: Arkansas
Could be the FF605. Maybe the 75-4 or the 786. I do like the 806 and will be trying the 805. I have a TFO Clouser (my first Smallie rod) and then bought the Echo BAG. But I can’t get away from these Fenwicks.

The 786 and 605 are tops out of all my glass rods for Smallies.

Image


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Post 07 Sep 2018, 20:37 • #69 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/07/18
Posts: 382
Location: Reston VA
I fish fairly big waters w/o many of the big underwater structures -- like downed trees and boulder fields -- that bigger small mouth seem to head towards when hooked. So i can get away with longer, lighter, FG rods most of the time. My current favorites are an an Epic 686 and Orvis SFG 8 1/2' er 6wt. I mainly fish streamers, and big nymphs -- stones and hexes -- and occasionally Stimulators, big Wulffs, and other such dries as skaters. These rods manage them them fine.

Heddonist


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Post 11 Sep 2018, 07:04 • #70 
Guide
Joined: 02/27/12
Posts: 233
Location: US-AR
I fish the Ozark smallmouth streams just about all year, and I have found that the two best rods for the job are the Epic 686 and the ********* rod co Western Glass series 8'9" 7wt. The 7wt is a crawdad throwing machine!!! Crawdads are a major food source for bass, and you will definitely need a rod that can cast these heavily weighted flies.

Mike


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Post 13 Sep 2018, 06:22 • #71 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/26/14
Posts: 3578
Location: US-MN
For me, it's hard to beat the Fenwicks, either my FF856-5 or FF806-4. The multiple piece rods are great for the BWCA, my favorite place for smallies, too.


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Post 16 Sep 2018, 09:40 • #72 
Sport
Joined: 09/01/12
Posts: 64
Location: US-PA
FF806 with 7wt line for me. I like the backbone for positive hooksets on smallies.
A decade or so ago, poppers or sneaky petes were fun on top of the water. Nowadays, streamers and crayfish imitations in deeper runs are much more productive. My suspicion, the presence of bald eagles is the reason smallies prefer holding deeper.


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Post 16 Sep 2018, 14:05 • #73 
Guide
Joined: 09/20/09
Posts: 319
Location: US-MN
I know the Browning Silaflex grips get some bad press, but the 322980 is a gem in my book. Thankfully I don't have small hands!

Doug


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Post 16 Sep 2018, 19:53 • #74 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 08/25/08
Posts: 1526
Location: Delton, MI
The 322980 is a fantastic 7wt, superb really. People can bitch about the cigar shape but it’s pretty darn easy to sand the grip down to how you want it, for crying out loud. It’s certainly thick enough to sand it down to something you like.


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Post 21 Sep 2018, 09:57 • #75 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/05/14
Posts: 689
Location: North Alabama
if I had to choose between 2 it would be the Barclay 777 or the ********* 86. both are awesome rods and the 777 does a perfect job throwing 1/0 hair bugs all day!


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