[Flyfishin Magician]

Hey guys,

I would appreciate some information on drift rods. I currently have a Trophy XL 10.5 foot rod and I wouldn't mind another rod that's a bit lighter and has more tip sensitivity. I guess I'm used to my fly rods! FishFinder recommended looking at a Shimano Convergence. Ortho likes his Fenwick HMX. Any other ideas? I'm not looking for a really expensive rod - just another rod so I have a back-up. Thanks...

FFM

 

[Merc]

Got a price point in mind? I have a Fenwick HMXt 110 which is a heavier rod than the the XL. Still it's reasonably sensitive. I mainly fish with my St Croix now, wild river series. I like it a lot, but it's slightly higher in price, around the 150 mark but more sensitive than the Fenwick and just enough backbone for the white springs in the Vedder. You could look at the Berkeley rods too because basically they're the same blanks used in Fenwicks or so I've been told, and price point will be lower.

 

[coho_killer]

try the shimano CONVERGENCE!!!! it goes for about 90 bones and i've liked them always!! it backs up my fenwic HMX rod! i've had and used my convergence for 5 years and caught tones of fish with it and it still is going strong!!!!

C.K.

 

[Rib]

Flyfishin Magician, I can certainly vouch for shimano products....my backup rod is an older shimano light weight drift rod that they don't make anymore...I've had it for ages, it has always done me proud when called upon, and it's still going strong...
hope that helps,
Rib

 

[fishinmansam]

CUSTOM MADE!!! THATS WHAT I GOT DUDE ITS INSANE !!!!

 

[Guest]

go with a 10'6 mh shimano convergence. I had my mh convergence for 6 yrs and I find it super sensitive and it has lasted a reely long time almost 550 days . Although I have just upgraded to an 11'6 technium (sweet rod) but twice as much $$$ as the convergence.

My 2 cents
Mike <")))))><

 

[spooner]

I've got a mh with a slow tip for the fraser and m action with a fast tip for the smaller systems. Been using them for a long time.

 

[skagit3]

The convergence is a good rod. They are going for $59.99 USD down here. That's only about $65.00 Canadian. You might also want to look at G Loomis. They are great rods, just a little more money.

 

[pin_head]

if you're willing to pay a little more i second merc on the st. croix wild river, they are a sweet stick, i just wish i could find one for the pin

 

[hotrod]

I recently got a St. Croix "wild River" that hjas an 8-14 lb test rating and is med-to light power,mod-fast action.It is awsome! works great and is very sensative but still has the balls to pull in some nice size fish.My son pcked it up at Angler's west for my b-day but it will run you around $200.Can't wait to try it on some steelhead and fall cohos.



Hotrod

 

[wading2fish]

Although I've never had a real $$$ rod I love my HMX 10.5'. It is cheap, sensitive & strong & not as sloppy as my Covergence, however, I returned my first one because the top 3 guides became scored badly. Now on my replacement rod the top one is doing the same. The guides are some kind of new technology they call "oxide" or something, & are supposed to be better than ceramic. I think they may be crap because I'm just conventionally drift fishing w/ 20-25lbs mono mainline (Maxima or Trilene). Other than some trubo Squamish Chums or Vedder Springs no excessive trauma, & no Tuff line, either!

Anyone had/heard of this problem?

 

[Dawg]

Shimano Convergence is an awesome rod, I have 3 of them and they have taken a beating on the Vedder, Fraser Never have broken one yet, I had a Fenwick HMX first time useing it i broke it right by the 2 peices where it goes togther went back to the convergence way better rod in my opinion

 

[Flyfishin Magician]

Wow! Thanks for the response guys! The Shimano Convergence is sounding pretty attractive with the < $100 price tag. Sounds too good to be true! My question is - will the Shimano Convergence be more sensitve and lighter than my Trophy XL? I'm not trying to knock the Trophy - I think it is a very adequate rod for around $100 - 120 price range - and I've done pretty well with it, all things considered. It is the only drift rod that I have experience with. Personally, I find it to be a bit heavy and I would like more sensitivity with the tip section. I find that the float may go under without any feeling at the rod tip - even though my line is tight to the float! Maybe I'm just not experienced enough with the drift rod set-up. I guess it's not really fair to compare tip sensitivity with my fly rods...

Thanks again! 8)

 

[HOOK]

hey FFM

i own both a Shimano Convergence and a Berkley Specialist (have 2 of these)

i have found the berkley to be a great rod and only retails for about 100$ make sure you get the striaght MEDIUM weight rod though

the convergence i have is a medium heavy not as sensitive cause i bought it for bottom bouncing anyhow

if your ever out on the flow when im around ill give you a bit to try out my berkley see how you like it cause i love it

i have landed a 60+ pound spring on that rod and lots of others and it is super sensitive for HO's and Steelies


tight lines

HOOK

 

[darcycote]

i have the convergence,the wife has the xl.the convergence is by far better.stay away from berkley.i busted one in half the first fish ihooked on it.the convergence also has more guides than the xl.

 

[wading2fish]

Yeah, I was thinking my Fenwick guides became scored because there are not very many of them.

 

[HOOK]

i dont know what you were doing with that Berkley Darcy but i have had no problems with either of mine

big fish small fish no problems maybe you got one of those defective ones it does happen even with fishing rods

tight lines

HOOK

 

[curmudgeon]

I've got more drift rods than I care to admit to publically. A year ago, I bought an 11 foot temple fork outfitters drift rod to use with my centre pin. It was only $120, but it is featherlight, extremely sensitive and has enough backbone to handle Springs in fast water situations on the Stamp river.

Best of all it is guaranteed for life.

 

[hotrod]

I found the convergence to too much of a stick for my fishing.For the same price you get into the Quantum cold river rod series.Much more sensative than the Shimanos and more quality for the same price.




Hotrod

 

[woody]

i have the convergence,the wife has the xl.the convergence is by far better.stay away from berkley.i busted one in half the first fish ihooked on it.the convergence also has more guides than the xl.

I have to agree with Hook on the Berkley, Kelly at Searun in Coquitlam recommended the Berkley series one to me when I
was looking for a new drift rod for the Vedder and I have to say, that is an incredible rod, very sensitive and yet still able to
pull in a 35lbs. lunker with no problems. I believe it was around $180.00 so not real cheap but I would spend the money again any day. Add to that a customized Abu 6500 from Mikes reel repair for another $180.00 an you have the sweetest setup going.