Best 3wt rod?

[SatanLBZ801]

Under $300 and over 8' long, ready Go!
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[flygoddess]

Whatever one feels right in your hand. As far as 3 wt., ever think Tenkara?
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[kochanut]

Sage ESN? Maybe a used one.. They Mae an 11foot 3 wt
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[SatanLBZ801]

Don't want tenkara rod. This rod will be mainly fished on the Weber. Just want something I can get totally owned with. Makes it fun right? I've already bought a reel as well. Just need rod and line. I like the loop opti creek, buy its out of my price range I want to spend. That and a TFO BVK or professional series II, are about the only ones that are standing out. Allen doesn't make a rod that light and that long. I already have a Ross FC, want to try something different.
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[flygoddess]

I own one 3 wt. It is a 8'6" Shelbyville. Amazing more haven't used these as they are very impressive. What length you looking for?
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[SatanLBZ801]

Between 8' & 10'. Just want something that will turn over a 9' leader/nymph rig and also be used for dries. Also good for highsticking.
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[STEVEF39]

Allen does make one but its a little more expensive but you might be able to talk them down on price at the expo [] they make a 3wt 10 footer
http://www.allenflyfishing.com/icon-rod-series/
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[STEVEF39]

And if you really want a loop rod I found this one thats in your price range, Ive heard Loop makes really good rods but have yet to try one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Loop-Evotec-9-3-...416a9266b9
http://www.flyfishingoutfitters.com/fly_...d_390-3_mf
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[cpierce]

St Croix Imperial 8.5 3wt

Go to Cabelas and other fly shops and try some rods out.

I also like the Cabela's Stowaway 6 rods. They have an 8.5 3wt.
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[RockyRaab]

I just bought a Hardy/Grey's GS2 3wt, and it is a silky caster. It's only 7'6" though. The importer/dealer is in Idaho.
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[flygoddess]

[quote STEVEF39]Allen does make one but its a little more expensive but you might be able to talk them down on price at the expo [] they make a 3wt 10 footer
http://www.allenflyfishing.com/icon-rod-series/[/quote]

That one is the one that is made here in Heber I believe.
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[TylerKunz]

I'm surprised Allen doesn't have a 3 wt in the compass series... Absolutely love my 4wt!
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[riverdog]

Sage 386-4 flight are discontinued about a year ago I believe but could be found at or below $300 since. Still same warranty. I prefer the 7 ft model because it'll function it very tight spaces but still easy to cast far enough for the Provo or Webe. I'll even use it on medium size streams in Idaho or Wyoming. If you're fishing while floating or plan on using it on the Snake or Green go with a longer rod for sure. I good 3 wt is more than enough to quickly land most fish into the mid-20's except on really big waters with strong currents. A cheapo 3 wt and you'll get destroyed by those fish most of the time. Before you get a 3 wt ask yourself when was the last time a trout in Utah took you a minute or more to land on a 5 wt? If it's easy to recall the answer wait until it becomes very hard to recall the answer. There is no sense in stressing trout needlessly.
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[kochanut]

oh yea, i <3 my clearwater 3 weight.
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[kochanut]

just saw this

[url "http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=24461252&cat=233&lpid=5&search=&ad_cid=2"]http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=24461252&cat=233&lpid=5&search=&ad_cid=2[/url]

and this

[url "http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=24461290&cat=233&lpid=5&search=&ad_cid=1"]http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=24461290&cat=233&lpid=5&search=&ad_cid=1[/url]

today
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[gstott]

I was really having a ton of fun with my Redington 3wt the other day. I think they're great rods for the money and have a lifetime warranty (and they're owned by Sage). Unfortunately the 3wt is only 7'6", but it has worked well for me. I also have a 4,6 and 8wt in the same model and love them all.
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[flygoddess]

Depends on how old your Redington is, Orvis once owned them too.[]

Koch, those are awesome! Heads up however, Winston warranty is original buyer and they do want to know when and where. They will still fix a break, but it will cost
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[gstott]

I didn't realize that. Sounds like they've been passed around a bit. I got my first one back in the late 90s. It finally broke last year after 100s of trips and some pretty nice fish. I have all RS4s now, and I have to say I think they're better rods than the early ones. I haven't tried any of the newer generation rods, so I can't say for sure on them. I did pick up one of their Surge reels for my 4wt and it has done pretty well. I had a couple of Idaho rainbows run me into my backing last year, and it handled them like a champ.
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[flygoddess]

One of the guides I have worked with likes that rod as well. Not my cup of tea though, so I do believe people need to pick up a rod before laying down the cash.
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[gstott]

For sure. There were some good deals on ebay after the RS4 was discontinued and I ended up getting several for around $100 new. They're pretty much all I know now, so they're what I'm accustomed to. If I do ever go rod shopping again, I think I will have to try several out and see if I like something better. I've heard people say the RS4 is a really fast action rod. Knowing you like fiberglass, I take it you like the softer rods? I think for what I mostly do, the RS4 is a good fit. They are great for throwing a dry/dropper into tight spaces and for flinging a big, wind resistant bass bug, which is mostly what I do.
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