I am going to post a few Youtube videos of some of the manufacturer , That should start your playlist and you can find more ...
Fenwick
I found that Fenwick one interesting.
It reminded me of when I bought my first graphite spinning rod, a Shimano Karate Stick (97%), back in 1981. After realizing the advancement in sensitivity and feel I started only adding and using 100% high modulus graphite rods and retired every fiberglass rod I had except a '60s Heddon Pal fly rod that I seldom use.
Every time I see comments regarding the excitement of some of the old glass Fenwick and Eagle Claw rods I wonder, other than for nostalgic purposes, what draw there is to using a slow, dead feeling fishing rod when there are so many better, more sensitive and affordable options out there to chose from? :-\
Quote from: Midway Tommy on June 11, 2026, 05:36:30 PMI found that Fenwick one interesting.
It reminded me of when I bought my first graphite spinning rod, a Shimano Karate Stick (97%), back in 1981. After realizing the advancement in sensitivity and feel I started only adding and using 100% high modulus graphite rods and retired every fiberglass rod I had except a '60s Heddon Pal fly rod that I seldom use.
Every time I see comments regarding the excitement of some of the old glass Fenwick and Eagle Claw rods I wonder, other than for nostalgic purposes, what draw there is to using a slow, dead feeling fishing rod when there are so many better, more sensitive and affordable options out there to chose from? :-\
Once I start using Fenwick Eagle composite rod then HMG rod I never go back to fiberglass rod . Early graphite rods quite easy to get broke but it allow to feel the bite much better
To me, the best thing about carbon fiber/graphite rods is the lighter weight. By the end of the day the heavy static weight and even heavier swing weight gets tiring.
Quote from: oc1 on June 11, 2026, 06:57:53 PMTo me, the best thing about carbon fiber/graphite rods is the lighter weight. By the end of the day the heavy static weight and even heavier swing weight gets tiring.
I totally agree. Plus, I started using graphite rods exclusively in 1981 and have never broken one. My dad had one high dollar UL one piece graphite rod break right in the middle, the manufacturer replaced it and the new one broke in the same place. Obviously a defective blank run or guide loction, but I've never had one break and I have 37 various graphite rods now, all custom made be me except 6, 2 St Croixs, the Karate Stick, 2 Bionic Blades and an Excel .
I generally prefer graphite myself. But my 5'-6" yellow glass fenwick can throw a 1/20th oz lure like it's no big deal. I have an identically rated "IM8" graphite rod of the same length, that have mounted the same reel on, and it couldn't come close. Not the most scientific, but I got to do a direct comparison and the results surprised me.
It's also just fun to fish with. But that's pure opinion.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on June 11, 2026, 08:32:13 PMI generally prefer graphite myself. But my 5'-6" yellow glass fenwick can throw a 1/20th oz lure like it's no big deal. I have an identically rated "IM8" graphite rod of the same length, that have mounted the same reel on, and it couldn't come close. Not the most scientific, but I got to do a direct comparison and the results surprised me.
It's also just fun to fish with. But that's pure opinion.
The tournament guys that I know who cast small plugs in accuracy competitions almost all prefer and use glass rods. These load more easily and more fully.
I prefer carbon/glass combos for my larger saltwater gear, but don't mind glass at all if I don't need maximum casting performance. CF is not particularly forgiving in terms of impact resistance or handling a bit of overload. You have to treat it nice and be aware of its limits.
Even for fly fishing, where lightness and stiffness are highly valued, my favorite bluewater fly rods have a lot of S-glass in them.
-J
Graphite rods are prone to lightning strikes. Run for cover if a big black cloud rolls in
Quote from: Maxed Out on June 11, 2026, 11:56:31 PMGraphite rods are prone to lightning strikes. Run for cover if a big black cloud rolls in
I do that immediately if I hear any thunder or see lightning off in the distance, even if it's 25 or 30 miles away, but then that's pretty easy if your an inland lake fisherman. An aluminum boat is almost always the tallest thing around when you're out on a lake.
If I salt water fished I would probably go graphite/fiberglass composite since the fish are lots bigger & tougher to handle, but since I only fish fresh water and about the biggest fish I need to worry about is a a big old blue or flathead cat. I don't fish where there's sturgeon.
In some situations a nice slower parabolic flex for gentle presentations is desirable. I've only experienced this for dry fly casting. Maybe some would prefer it for delicate bait presentations.
A good mix with "the rise and fall" drama spiced with some continuing success(?) stories.