Ron Thompson Fly Rods

[Mike Dodds]

Yesterday my wife had a casting lesson and is now keen to go further. Her instructor recommended a 9'6" light weight rod with a through action.

 

Firstly I'd like to know if anyone disagrees with that as a choice for ladies. We'll be mainly bank fishing on Scottish Lochs and fisheries.

 

The Ron Thompson Speed

Force Outfit from Mike's Tackle Shop in Portobello seems a good deal on paper. Rod, reel with spare spool, floating and intermediate lines for £55. Has anyone tried this rod and if so what is your opinion.

 

Does anyone know of a web site with more information on the Ron Thompson range, including weights, description of action etc. Most just say it's olive green and extremely light.

 

Many thanks

 

Mike Dodds

[jeepster]

what line weight are you looking at? probably a 6 weight? as it's the rod that does the work (if you cast properly not the angler ) any rod should be fine for a woman.

[Sportsman]

My only reservation with these cheap outfits is that if she enjoys the sport (how could she not ) she will almost certainly want to upgrade and you end up buying twice. Pay a little more and gets something she will be happy with. Don't try and economise too much on line as trying to use a bad line can be soul destroying. A cheap rod and good line is usually better than a good rod and a cheap line IMO.

Whereabout in Scotland are you? some fisheries sell tackle and will have setups you can try before you buy, that would be my first choice. Spend a whole session fishing with it instead of just waggling it in a shop.

Most of all enjoy, and good luck with it

[Mike Dodds]

Hi Sportsman,

 

We are in Limekilns, Fife and the casting lesson was at Loch Fitty. We are on holiday next week at Loch Morlich and the idea was to start her out on the Rothiemurchus fishery (catch almost guaranteed) and then go to Avie Lochan and possibly also try for wild brownies on Loch Morlich (I got a couple of nice brownies there last year and a week permit is next to nothing).

 

What about a Cortland GR4 at £70.

 

or

 

Airflo MT series again £70.

[Sportsman]

Hi Mike

I'm a bit further north on Deeside although I fish over on Speyside quite often (when the Cockbridge - Tomintoul road is open )

The Airflo rods are nice light rods, the problem with lightness is that the tube has thin walls and has been know to snap in use, especially if you have bounced a couple of beadheads off it

I have never fished with the Cortland rod so don't know it. try a search on Google and I'll bet you get it for less than £70.00.

 

Try Here www.firsttackle.co.uk

 

The Lureflash Viper rods get well recommended and seem good value at £50.00

 

This has been mentioned on here before, get the Airflo rod by all means but DO NOT get an Airflo floating line to go with it Whatever the deal it's not worth it, it will reduce you to tears.

If you could make it up to Dundee I know they sell tackle at Kingennie fishings and might be able to advise. Jim Doyle may want to chip in at this point.

I fished Morlich for Pike last winter, superb place. Have fun next week

Dave

 

[ 11. July 2005, 11:27 AM: Message edited by: Sportsman ]

[Mike Dodds]

Lureflash viper ordered, fingers crossed it arrives before Saturday... I'll try the local shops for a reel and lines.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[Sportsman]

Mike

I hope it's OK.

I would be interested in what you think.

Dave

[Mike Dodds]

So do I, the reviewers in Trout and Salmon and Trout Fisherman seemed to like it. It's bound to be better than the rubbish old Shakespeare rod I have. So at least I'll have an excuse if she catches and I don't

[Sportsman]

Oh well, if she decides she doesn't like it, you've got a new rod

[Mike Dodds]

So far she likes it Just a few casts in the back garden though.