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 Post subject: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2021 2:46 pm • # 1 
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Joined: 07/20/18
Posts: 244
Hey guys,

Seems like things have slowed down the forum with the onset of summer, so I thought I'd toss up a somewhat general question to spur some discussion:

What 3wt(s) is/are everyone using? And if you have multiples, which do you consider your favorite.

My current 3wt is a Echo Base 376. I use it primarily for warmwater (bass and panfish) locally, but it is also my preferred small stream trout rod. Overall, I'm a big fan of the rod and really enjoy the medium fast action. It is admittedly not the most accurate rod in my quiver, but makes up for it with its ability to throw larger bugs (think #2 crease flies) and can make longer casts when called upon. It's also light enough to make small fish fun, but has some strength in the lower section of the rod as I learned when I hooked into a large bowfin this spring.

The only other 3wt I've cast recently was a 7'6" Orvis Recon (new version) that I took for a test drive behind the local Orvis shop earlier this week. I've been daydreaming of upgrading with my RMNP trip coming up, and figured I'd at least give the Recon a try as local options are limited. Sadly, I just wasn't impressed (especially at that price point). It's a fast rod and produced some great tight loops once I adjusted my casting stroke, but I just couldn't get over how heavy it felt. While I have no clue how the weight of the actual rod compares to my current Echo Base, the swing weight was notably heavier (at least in my novice opinion) and took away from the general enjoyment of casting an ultralight rod. While I told the guys at the shop I'd think about it and let them know (apparently they only have one left in stock), I just can't see myself investing in the rod even if it were half the price. Perhaps, I'd have a different opinion if I were to spend a day actually fishing it, but I can't see that happening after my initial impressions.

In any case, what 3wt is everyone else throwing these days? I'm certainly curious to hear everyone's opinions and get a better idea of what other great (or not so great) 3wt models are out there.

Chris


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2021 3:57 pm • # 2 
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Joined: 02/06/13
Posts: 136
My go-to #3 is a 389 SLT. But my original 3wt love was the 376 Legend Ultra that I still fish. The most fun one is the shorty, 363 SPL.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:52 am • # 3 
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Joined: 12/27/10
Posts: 2253
Location: Plano, TX
I have a 7', 3-wt St. Croix Imperial that I've used for 19 years. It has become like part of my arm and I don't even feel it when I'm using it.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:21 pm • # 4 
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Joined: 01/26/09
Posts: 617
Location: Oklahoma
I'm pretty sure I have more 3 weights than any other weight. My favorite at this time is the Livingston 703 S-glass rod. This is a very light, full flexing rod. If I am tossing heavier flies or need more distance in my cast, I prefer my CTS 7'6" 3 weight or my Old Beech Quiet Loop 7'6" 3 weight. These are all glass rods. I have several others, but these are my favorites. I still have one graphite 3 weight, an 8' 3 piece G. Loomis Streamdance Metolious, but I haven't used it in years. In the weight range of 4 and below, I much prefer glass rods.

Larry


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2021 4:11 pm • # 5 
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Joined: 07/10/09
Posts: 1555
Location: Plano Texas
Cabelas Stowaway 6, 3 weight, 8'6. I use the OPST Commando 150gr line on it.. can cast tiny to big heavy flies.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2021 6:50 am • # 6 
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Joined: 05/08/20
Posts: 7
TFO Signature series was my first 3wt, loved it enough I moved to a 4pc Pro II 3wt. I use(d) both for cutthroat and bluegill.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2021 10:16 pm • # 7 
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Joined: 08/31/15
Posts: 1042
Location: Coppell, TX
My 3 wts: 10ft Cabela chk nymph I fish with a 3wt line; TFO signature series 7.5 ft (but like to fish it with a 2wt line); TFO 7ft Trout Finess fiberglass 3/4 weight that I like to fish with a 3wt line; Native Custom 7ft fiberglass 3wt that I fish with a 3 wt line.

I have two 4 weights that I fish with 3 wt line, to me they are 3 wts; these are the TFO signature series 8 ft and 8.5 ft.

A favorite is hard to pick out since I enjoy them all.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 9:12 am • # 8 
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Joined: 06/13/16
Posts: 936
Location: Southwest Florida
Its only a 2, but if I had the Batson Revelation in a 3, it would be my favorite. I do fish it with a 3wt line...


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2021 10:26 am • # 9 
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Joined: 08/24/09
Posts: 340
Location: Sylvania, Ohio
Douglas Upstream 3734. Wonderfully slow.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2021 3:16 pm • # 10 
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Joined: 12/27/14
Posts: 126
Location: Michigan's U.P.
Sweetgrass 6'9" Hex Bamboo. It's perfect for me and fishes like a dream.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Thu Sep 16, 2021 7:39 am • # 11 
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Joined: 06/06/14
Posts: 98
Cabelas three forks 763. It has helped me take everything from the smallest
bluegill to 3 pound largemouths and smallies. Great bang for the buck.
Fishes best with a 4 weight line.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2021 9:11 am • # 12 
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Joined: 03/25/17
Posts: 2
That would be my 7ft6in Orvis Tippet that Dennis Franke made for and gifted to me years ago. I have a lot of hours on that one!


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 8:09 am • # 13 
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Joined: 12/07/10
Posts: 212
Location: East TX
2-3 wt I built on an Anglers Workshop 8.5 ft Chalkstream blank back in 2002


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Sat Sep 18, 2021 7:03 pm • # 14 
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Joined: 08/14/12
Posts: 6
My favorite is the 1998 St. Croix UF763. I wish the company still made these two piece rods!


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 12:46 am • # 15 
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Joined: 12/10/21
Posts: 1
Location: Kimberley, BC
I do have multiple 3 wt rods as they are my favourites to fish... The Sage LL 389-2 is my oldest and longest serving. The Winston Air 386 is a gem. The T&T 382 is my newest, and it is a beauty... The Scott GS 773 is my favourite 3 wt rod and one of my favourite rods to cast in any weight. Due to a shoulder injury, I tend to prefer the lightness of graphite over glass even though I like the feel of glass. I did inherit a sweet Payne bamboo rod from my father, but unfortunately I can not justify the expense of ordering myself a few Per Brandin fly rods...that is but a fleeting dream.


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2022 9:40 pm • # 16 
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Newbie

Joined: 03/20/21
Posts: 25
Orvis custom Tippet 2piece
Sage custom 379 LL 2 piece
Green River 1 piece 6' 3wt bamboo
Orvis silver Label 7'9" 3wt 2 piece
T &T custom 802/3 2 piece


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 7:31 am • # 17 
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Joined: 12/29/12
Posts: 1835
Location: Rusagonis, New Brunswick, Canada
juji99 wrote:
Orvis custom Tippet 2piece
Sage custom 379 LL 2 piece
Green River 1 piece 6' 3wt bamboo
Orvis silver Label 7'9" 3wt 2 piece
T &T custom 802/3 2 piece


Those are your favourites? How many do you own?
brent


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:58 pm • # 18 
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Joined: 03/20/21
Posts: 25
Oops ,forgot a custom Loomis Slate-GLX 7'6" 3 piece

I just love light rods. If I can get one for reasonable price,CHEAP, I'll buy it sometimes.Lookinf a 0 or 00 now excpet they are a bit pricey.
I figure if it's a good/great rod I can get my money back. These ain't classic cars. Bought them for about an average of $125, $100-$135, except the T & T which I bought form Martin Desapio for $250 and the Green River for $350. You would not be dissatisfied throwing any one of themLOL

Just went out into the backyard snowfield to throw the Silver Label 7' 9" seems indentical to the Tippet just 3 inches longer! Just took out the Tippet and the Silver label is just about 3 yards longer. Chet


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 2:31 pm • # 19 
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Joined: 07/20/18
Posts: 244
juji99 wrote:
Orvis custom Tippet 2piece
Sage custom 379 LL 2 piece
Green River 1 piece 6' 3wt bamboo
Orvis silver Label 7'9" 3wt 2 piece
T &T custom 802/3 2 piece


Great list of rods. I have that Silver Label in a 2wt (full flex) myself. Fun little rod.

I ended up adding a Echo Carbon XL 376 recently. Casts great with Rio Gold. Was less impressed with my old GPX line. And ended up turning down a TFO Finesse 376 in favor of a box of hand carved and painted poppers at a club raffle last night.

My next investment may end up being another 1wt. I haven't had one in a few years and found someone planning to build out a few custom 8' 1wt blanks for a decent price.

Chris


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 Post subject: Re: Favorite 3wts?
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 5:25 pm • # 20 
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Joined: 12/29/12
Posts: 1835
Location: Rusagonis, New Brunswick, Canada
juji99 wrote:
Just went out into the backyard snowfield to throw the Silver Label 7' 9" Chet


Chet (and others). Got a question - for those of us that live where sub-freezing temps are possible for 6 months of the year, and unavoidable for 4, how do you reckon those temperatures affect the nominal 'weight' of a rod or, given the loss of flexibility in a vinyl line, the effective weight of a fly line?
brent


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