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Post 02 Feb 2022, 12:00 • #51 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/09/05
Posts: 2524
Location: US-CO
I agree with all the comments on the FF-756 and FF-756-4, a bit fast for my preference. It is not the rod I reach for frequently, but it is a rod that can do many things well. A classic that represents "If I could only have one rod..."


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Post 02 Feb 2022, 14:29 • #52 
Master Guide
Joined: 07/26/21
Posts: 383
Location: North West Georgia
I once hooked a 14" bass on the hopper and a 10" bass on the dropper with my ff756-4. I thought I was stripping in a real hog. Its a great rod. If I thought I was going to be fishing small streams for trout with either very large dries (traditional or foam, size 10+) or with nymphs and any meaningful amount of weight, it would get the nod. It would also probably be an excellent small stream streamer rod for warm water or trout. It would be the last 3 digit fenwick Id get rid of if I had to do such a horrid thing.


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Post 02 Feb 2022, 22:27 • #53 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
In order of my favorite to least favorite, I’ve fished the FF806-4, FF85-3, FF756-4, FF79, FF857, and FF856-5. I’ve sold, traded, or gifted all of these in favor of modern glass. The FF856-5 was a little tip heavy for me. The FF806-4 was a cut above the rest. I told myself I’d never get rid of it, but I happened upon a trade offer that I could not refuse.

I wouldn’t turn my nose up at an FF75 and/or FF806 sometime in the future.


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Post 03 Feb 2022, 15:13 • #54 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/26/14
Posts: 3578
Location: US-MN
I've had a FF705, FF75-4, FF75, FF756-4, FF79, FF85-3, FF806, FF806-4, FF856-5, FF857, FF85. I couldn't complain about any of them. Fenwick sure nailed the travel rods, that's for sure. The ones I got rid of, I did so because I liked a similar Fenwick or another brand a bit better. Always preferred the two digit a bit more, since they are in general slower.

The ones I still have: FF705, FF75-4, FF79, FF806-4, FF856-5, and FF85. "If I could only have one rod", the FF806-4 or FF856-5 would get the nod. The one that puts the biggest smile on my face is the FF75-4 - so smooth!


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Post 04 Feb 2022, 21:26 • #55 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
I have not found a bad Fenwick rod. There are configurations that I don't care for, such as the ff-535, but that's because I don't like 5ft rods.

But I haven't found an 8ft Fenwick that I don't enjoy.


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Post 05 Feb 2022, 08:28 • #56 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/19/08
Posts: 1218
Location: Branson, Missouri
These responses should seal the deal for some to give glass a crack - especially to give any and all Fenwick glass a waggle...
If you are remotely on the fence about buying your first one - just wave it around a little bit first.
Glass should be looked at if given the chance... touched and felt.


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Post 05 Feb 2022, 16:37 • #57 
Guide
Joined: 05/22/16
Posts: 159
Location: US-Eastern KY
My older Fenwicks are as follows;
FF 70
FF706
FF 75
FF 75-4
FF 79
FF 85-3
I like all these rods but probably the FF 75 the best. It's been a lucky rod for me, and I like a 7-1/2' length for the fishing I do. What I really like about these rods is they feel and cast about the same, just get longer from the FF 70 to the FF 85-3. I use a 5wt. on the FF 70 and rest get a 5-1/2, 6, or 6-1/2 wt line. Where I have the room, the FF 85-3 with a DT 6 is pretty sweet. I also like the new Fenglass series but that's not what this thread is about.


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Post 05 Feb 2022, 17:25 • #58 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/16/05
Posts: 2537
Location: Georgia
Actually, the OP solicited opinions about all the various Fenwick iterations and listed the latest FG704 as a favorite, and there have been some other comments about them. So please, feel free to discuss any favorites among those models too.

In that vein, does anyone know if there are plans to put those latest Fenglass rods back on the market, or are they also rods that will be available in the future only on the secondary market?


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Post 05 Feb 2022, 21:08 • #59 
Guide
Joined: 05/22/16
Posts: 159
Location: US-Eastern KY
Upstream, your right about the original post. Having such a good memory ( I’m laughing right now ) , I looked back through this thread and noticed I posted in 2018 about the Fenglass rods I have and like. My opinion hasn’t changed and I also now have the 7 wt. I did once fish the 4 wt with a 6 wt. by mistake and while I knew what a mistake I had made I was surprised the rod was quite fishable as long as didn’t to cast too far.


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Post 05 Feb 2022, 21:26 • #60 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/16/05
Posts: 2537
Location: Georgia
And I’m laughing too, since I didn’t bother to notice who all made those Fenglass comments.
I’ve used both a 4 and a 5 with the FG704, and they both work, depending on what I want to do. Not surprised a 6 is ok in close. I remember a trip I’d taken only longer 5wts, and reels spooled appropriately, but things developed that it was good idea to get some fishing in on the tight brookie water we were camped on before big rain hit. Those days I kept a 7’6” 3wt rod - but not reel - in the car, and the fish had no complaints about it being fished with a 5 wt. like your experience, not cast too far..


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Post 07 Mar 2022, 05:46 • #61 
Guide
Joined: 03/03/22
Posts: 131
Location: NJ
I've been seeing a few 6' rods pop up lately. I want to say they are 5wt and 6wt... There aren't many spots for me that would require such a short rod at those line weights, but I am tempted...


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Post 08 Mar 2022, 00:01 • #62 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
SuburbanFly,

The FF60 is a neat rod. I have a hard time loving short rods, but the FF60 with a down locking cap and ring seat is fun little rod. Of my short rod favorites, the FF70-4 is my "go to" brookie rod. Not too fast, but with a 4wt or 5wt line, it can fish small flies, soft hackles, hopper patterns or even small streamers. A lot of people like 3wt's, but I like the flexibility of casting small streamers or larger dries when I need to. If I'm hiking in more than a few hundred vertical feet, I like to be prepared.


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Post 08 Mar 2022, 12:38 • #63 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/16/05
Posts: 2537
Location: Georgia
I recently picked up an “H” FF60 with a down locking reel seat, marked with a 5-6 line weight recommendation. I’ve only fished it once, with a 5wt, and with a bushy dry, it does well at the quick cast, then stall, that gets a good presentation under the rhododendrons. I found it to be a good roll caster at expected distances.

No experience yet with the FF605 I mentioned above, but I fish appropriate streams regularly, so it’ll happen.


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Post 08 Mar 2022, 14:16 • #64 
Master Guide
Joined: 07/26/21
Posts: 383
Location: North West Georgia
I recently came to own an FF60 and mine is a 6 in my hands which I consider to be ideal. Suburban fly - dont let the modern concept that only light line rods (2-4) are acceptable for small creeks and small fish. Many vintage fenwicks excell at tasks that dont initial seem to match up with their line weights. I almost exclusively fish streams less than 10ft wide for trout, normally much smaller. I have hardly used anything but a 6 wt in a year now.


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Post 09 Mar 2022, 04:29 • #65 
New Member
Joined: 12/29/21
Posts: 16
Location: SF Bay Area
I have a bunch of the old FF Fenwick’s.. I really like the old 2 digit models on the rods 7.5 ft and under but I really like the 3 digits on the 8’ and up. The Gems of the series for me are the FF75 for small fish and small waters, the FF806 for larger fish ponds and rivers. If you want a roll casting beast the FF857 is amazing and my favorite Carp Rod, second only to my System 9 for Rolling.


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Post 09 Mar 2022, 05:39 • #66 
Guide
Joined: 03/03/22
Posts: 131
Location: NJ
carlz wrote:
SuburbanFly,

The FF60 is a neat rod. I have a hard time loving short rods, but the FF60 with a down locking cap and ring seat is fun little rod. Of my short rod favorites, the FF70-4 is my "go to" brookie rod. Not too fast, but with a 4wt or 5wt line, it can fish small flies, soft hackles, hopper patterns or even small streamers. A lot of people like 3wt's, but I like the flexibility of casting small streamers or larger dries when I need to. If I'm hiking in more than a few hundred vertical feet, I like to be prepared.



This is great! Thank you!


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Post 22 May 2023, 10:43 • #67 
Sport
Joined: 12/25/22
Posts: 65
Location: Hartford, CT
My life just got back to fly fishing for trout last year and I bought new graphite euro nymphing equipment, 10' 3/4 wt because I thought I should have some new gear and spent most of last year fishing with it - enjoyed the length, not the 3 wt line. Then found this site and dusted off my FF755 and father's FL96-6F (806) and have pretty much retired the lifeless graphite rod. Have fished both fenwicks a lot this winter and spring and love them both which are now both paired with Martin MC's (56 and 78's). I mostly use the 806 for nymphs and streamers but have no problem adding on some tippet and tossing dries - pretty much does it all. The 755, which I've owned since 1975 or so is my first love. Both are a blast to fish with, though I do find the 806 a bit soft in the butt section! Am considering acquiring a ff85 or 856 but may branch out to other manufacturers to further explore the joys of fiberglass fly rods. Thanks, Chris


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