{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Rod Recommendations - best value 8-weight

So, I ended up ordering a Sage Motive online, paired it up with an SA line with a fairly aggressive taper. Fished a couple days on the shenandoah throwing a variety of topwater and streamers this weekend. 

Here's my take - the rod needs an aggressive cast to load, and in close doesn't have a ton of touch. That being said, it is an absolute gem from 35 feet out to 80 feet. I was turning over poppers, big bait patterns, and big topwaters with ease, and felt like the accuracy was wonderful. I probably could have gone with a 7 and still done well, but I think this rod will perform well as an all-around bass and salt stick. 

Thanks to all of you for the advice!

On Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 4:22:25 PM UTC-4, Ben H wrote:

I've been doing some research on mid price value selections myself as I'm looking to replace my old 6 wt. I like carrying a 6 and an 8 with me on bass float trips. An 8 is great as a big gun for warmwater fishing.

As others have said, TFO in the BVK model gets great reviews for 8 wt. The Douglas DXF is also highly rated as a mid price rod ($350). 

Sage is replacing their Approach series with the new Foundation. Heard good things about the Foundation if you want a value rod that is high quality (also American made, unlike the other 2 mentioned above). You'll see the more discounted Approach rods now that they are discontinued. Mossy Creek Flyshop has the approach discounted $100 right now.

I've also seen really good reviews about Fenwick Aetos if you want to keep the price point below $200.

Per rod length, a lot of manufacturers have "bass" models at the 7'11" size. Most bass tournaments restrict rod length below 8' and they also assume most of those rods are being used from bass boats where not as much length is needed. I do most of my bass fly fishing is either wading or floating in canoe/kayak and prefer a 9' rod since I am usually low to the water and not in an elevated position like standing in a bass boat.

On Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 10:30:59 AM UTC-4, Andrew LaVigne wrote:

TPFR'ers - I've had a gap in my rod selection for the last year after breaking a terrible/cheap LL Bean 7-weight on a float trip last year. I've got 5 weights, and I've got a 9-weight that I like (Orvis Access), but the 9 feels like overkill when I'm fishing the shenandoah and other smallmouth water. I have thought about getting another 7 weight, but for the bigger stuff I'd like to throw at the bass, I think an 8 is my best choice. Open to suggestion, though...

I am budget-limited - $450 is about as much as I can swing on the rod, but not looking to go cheap just to go cheap. Wish I could go get a super-high-end Sage or the new H3, but it's 

SO: what's your favorite 8-weight in the affordable-to-mid price range? 

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