Best Fly Rod Under $350
The Redington Predator fly rod is known for its excellent performance and versatility, making it a popular choice among fly anglers including myself. Here are some of the key factors that make the Redington Predator fly rod so good and worth every penny!
1. Versatility: The Redington Predator is a versatile rod that can be used for a variety of fishing applications, including freshwater (bass) and saltwater fishing (Redfish/Trout/Jacks). I literally use this rod for everything. It’s just cheap enough to not care if it breaks. This means I beat the hell out of it.
2. Power and sensitivity: The Redington Predator is designed with a powerful and sensitive blank that allows for accurate casting and effective hook sets, even when casting large flies or fighting big fish. I’ve thrown everything from a small Shrimp fly to a big meaty gurgler on a flood tide. It just works.
3. High-quality components: The Redington Predator features high-quality components, such as a corrosion-resistant reel seat and stainless steel guides, designed to withstand the rigors of fishing in harsh saltwater environments. - Just wash your rod and move on.
4. Comfortable grip: The Redington Predator has a comfortable grip that allows for extended use without causing hand fatigue. My personal rod I believe is over 6 years old and the cork looks pretty damn good.
5. Affordable price point: Compared to other high-end fly rods on the market, the Redington Predator offers excellent performance at a relatively affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of anglers. Don’t buy the $400-$600 rod. They “TO ME” don’t seem to fill that void for the price. I would rather have a Predator for $350 and a Hardy/Loomis for my Fancy days.
At the end of the day buy what feels right. I don’t have any partnerships with Redington so this doesn’t help me any but I feel that I’ve had the opportunity to fish a ton of rods over the years and this one still seems to not get the credit it deserves. I was a part of a Rod Review Testing thing last year or so and we were surprised by the power and quality of the Predator. Check out their write-up for more specifics.
https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-saltwater-fly-rods/