Adopt a Rod

There are many worthy causes that can be supported these days and amongst the most popular are pet adoption organizations. There are many pets who are given up for adoption or merely just left to fend for themselves. The right thing to do is to adopt one of these creatures and to give them a warm loving home and to take care of them for years to come.

I however feel that there is a worthy cause that most people and especially in the fly fishing fraternity seem to ignore... I introduce to you, "Adopt a Rod". Many rods and reels are bought every year and with that the previous years models become unused and in certain cases unwanted. The new rod or reel takes preference with the owner and the old rod or reel becomes forgotten, and in some terribly sad cases they seize to ever see the light of day again.

I recently purchased a used Sage TCX 6wt 9ft rod, that was still in a mint condition and I paid almost two thirds less for it than what it's original price was. This is a rod that sold for almost $900 US (R9000 ZAR) before being replaced by the new Method this year.

Earlier this year I also bought a Sage SPL 1wt 8'1ft rod from a guy that did not use the rod anymore. Yes the SPL might be an older model and there are better rods with newer technology available today like the TXL-F but at the time this rod was the benchmark of smallstream rods and still is just as fantastic today as it was back then. On the SPL I have a Click III reel which is also a used item that I bought from someone who wanted to sell it.

What I'm trying to get at is that premium branded rods and reels are not just for the high income earning elite, it can also be affordable if you keep your ear on the ground and shop around for a used model. It is also a good way to be introduced to premium quality brands such as Sage, and once you start using their equipment you understand what the fuss is all about.

I'm not saying don't buy a new rod, if you can afford it go ahead by all means! But buying used rods and reels is a great way to acquire premium tackle at a more affordable price. A wise man once told me that the more confident you are in your equipment, the better you will fish.

© 2013 Hunter Hennie. All Rights Reserved.