Eagle Claw, Featherlight Fly Rod, Freshwater, 8' Length 2pc, 5-6 lb Line Rate. Medium Power

The Eagle Claw FL 300-8 "Featherlight" is the sort of fly rod that my brain tells me I shouldn't like.It's too inexpensive to be any good.It's too "low tech" to be any good.My initial impression upon pulling it out of the box was that is a very nicely made rod. Perhaps I got lucky, but some attention seems to have been paid in wrapping the guides in the correct relationship to the spine of the blank. The wraps themselves, yellow with gold tip thread work, leaves little to complain about. A nice grade of cork is used for the handle and that handle is shaped to fit my hand as if bespoke. The cherry wood insert reel seat with its nice quality aluminum components give this rod an elegant, up-market look while keeping my Cabela's Wind River 5/6 reel securely attached to the rod. The rod has a metal winding check at forward end of the grip; beyond that, a hook keeper ring is wrapped to the blank; then there is a ceramic insert stripping guide, followed by seven double-foot snake guides, and a proper tip-top guide. Looks-wise, it looks like a fiberglass Eagle Claw rod is supposed to look, and I wouldn't want it any other way.Where this rod was "shock and awe" to me is in how well it cast; it puts the fly where my casting hand thumb is pointing, it'll hold seventy feet of DT-5F line in the air with no problem, it shoots well, and it feels smooth throughout the full casting stroke. Frankly, I am astounded at how good this rod performs as a casting tool, I have no complaints.As a fish-playing tool, it acts like the fiberglass rod it is, and that's a good thing, as it has no trouble protecting a tippet down to 7X.Really there is little about this rod I that I don't like and over the month I've had, it has fast become my favorite freshwater fishing rod. I shouldn't like the thing this much, but I do. If it were a four-piece rod, and "tip over butt" construction, it would be perfect and I would have nothing to complain about.If you miss real mid-flex first generation graphite through IM-6 rods as much as I do, you might appreciate one of these things as much as I do.It isn't "a good rod for the price." It is a good rod, period and full strop.

Unbelievable rod / unbelievable value. This should be everyone’s first rod. The Eagle Claw 5 wt 8’ is a much better rod than pretty much any entry level graphite rod, especially when the price is considered. For instance, a lower or mid level of the fancy brands will not get you the degree of performance this has.I’ve been flyfishing avidly for the last 25 years. I have and use a quiver of Scotts and Sages, and a couple other brands throw it in for good balance.l - probably 12 or so rods at this point.Straightforward, easy to cast, and very fair. You can poke it out there for an entire line or keep it in close. Goes deep if you need it to and can really get it out there. Excellent on the roll cast too.I bought mine to have as a rod I could keep down at the dock at our cabin, so it’s close at hand if cruising smallmouth are seen, but not so expensive if it walks off I’d shed a tear. An old 6 wt WF line was just right. Highly impressed by it - its a joy to cast. Tried it on the lake with poppers and a stream with nymphs - awesome for both.Only potential downside (besides the bright color) is you’ll need a fairly heavy real to balance it. Used an old Orvis Rocky Mountain around and it seemed to work just fine. Lighter modern reels wouldn’t balance the rod.

It is a cheap, flexible rod. I got it for my son after he broke his starter rod. The rod is strong enough to bring in 18" large mouth bass at a farm pond. It looked like it was bent double but got the fish in.He has a bit of trouble slinging line very far but it is teaching him technique. I can sling line about 40 feet, using about an eight foot leader. It is definitely not a $200 graphite rod and takes more effort to get the lure delivered. Roll casts are easy. My son is getting pretty good shadow casting it.I am going to get myself a 6' 6" for Christmas to put in my kayak for small stream fishing. This rod has me rethinking my small stream strategy. You could use one with jigs to dip fish for panfish as well as fly fishing with it.

Really great rod. Paired with a auto reel this rod really lands some fish.Ive caught trout, Bass and enough panfish to feed the neighborhood.Great for a throw in the bed of your truck (el camino here) and not worry about it.a great set up for that old Gramps style Fly experience.Pros.Sturdy, bump into trees and bushes and not worry about snapping it.nice action. Trout are just as fun as bass. I wouldn't go pike fishing with this rod, but Ill use it for anything under 8 lbs.Cheap. Pick up 4 of these for back ups for your buddies for the cost of an entry level modern rod.Nostalgic. Almost everyone comments that their pops or grandpa had one of these in his garage or boat. Usually makes their day.Cons.Stiff casts. This isn't a top of the line rod. Above 25 yards it starts getting sloppy.cork could be nicer, but doesn't bother me.Over all a good rod to get started with or back into fly fishing.

Just bought this rod a few weeks ago, had a chance to take it out this morning.This rod is fantastic fun, and the learning curve is short compared to other rods. Landed several panfish and a few good size bass without any trouble. Rod bends nearly to the handle during loading and during a fight, gives you great leverage without feeling like a total noodle.Casting is easy, can feel the rod load on the back cast. Action is fairly slow compared to my graphite rods, but I didn't mind the extra second or so to react.Styling is old school. I dig the yellow blank and the ruler built into it.I'd recommend this rod to anyone who wants to get someone else interested in fly fishing, or as an extra rod for your boat.

Great rods. Wish I could receive one that isn't busted up