What’s everyone’s favorite 7wt ? Looking to pair with my new everyglades reel . Mainly fishing for redfish along floridas east coast .
I don’t so much have a recommendation as I have a list of rods. I would like to try. I would like to try Taylor fly fishing rod and a Sawgrass single piece and if I had a other options oat my disposal, I would probably also want to throw a NRX + 2 piece next to a Asquith. I think the rod you throw will feel different depending on your line.
1 Like
Lots of 7wt users here, welcome btw. I have a 7 wt Sage Maverick that is a good rod, however I don’t use it much, so not much help on different 7wts. I would add that an Everglades is a big reel for a 7wt, it might feel very heavy on any 7.
1 Like
They are on the heavier side . It actually has the same diameter and weight of my signature 7-8 just didn’t want to get another 8wt haha
@Loogie is right the Everglades is big and heavy for a 7. They are perfect for an 8 and even go well on a 9.
I have 3 7s that I use regularly. An NFC that I’m not sure I love because it’s a slower blank. A sage Payload which I absolutely love and if it’s not too windy it’s my favorite rod to work the mangroves. I also have an older Loomis Shorestalker that is a joy to cast but not readily available.
Part of the reason of fishing a 7 is its light weight. I would not weigh it down with an Everglades. A Backcountry would be more appropriate on a 7 IMHO.
3 Likes
That’s a difficult question to answer without knowing your casting skills and preferences. Do you prefer a faster rod or a more moderate rod? Do you believe that every rod should be overlined (Yes, there really are such people. I’ve listened to some of them “enlighten” us uneducated heathens)? My favorite rod might be at the bottom of someone else’s list. Evaluate the qualities YOU prefer in a rod and test cast a few that offer those qualities.
2 Likes
Welcome DavidV!
Asking a group such as this is akin to asking a bunch of gearheads what the best make of truck is. My advise is to take your 'glades reel to a local fly shop and cast a few rods. If you have a fly rod now that you like the feel of, start with that make in a 7wt. If not, ask at the fly shop. Be prepared to spend some time, and then use what you learn what you like, buy from them. If they are willing to work with you to pick out a rod you like, go with them for the purchase. Most of the time it’s a win-win outcome.
2 Likes
Welcome aboard David. Regarding your question, my favorite most versatile 7 is the Scott Sector. I’ll put either my BC or my Seigler SF. I also had a Sage Salt but since sold it. That was also a very good rod.
Good luck in your quest 
I should add both rods used AFFTA true to weight lines.
2 Likes
Hey Vinny, how do you like the Seigler SF? I have several BFs and love them for what I do, just wondering if the SF is too much reel for that size fish or not.
Welcome aboard @DavidV Glad to have you join us.
I really like my Thomas & Thomas Salt, but it’s an older discontinued model. As others have mentioned, it’s what best fits your casting style and preferences.
1 Like
I have a Northfork Composites Gamma Beta 7wt. If you want a shelf rod built on this blank you can buy an Edge Rods 7wt. Made in USA, the blanks too! It’s a very fast blank and I have an Everglades with SA Redfish 8wt line on it.
1 Like
I appreciate everyone’s feed back !
@formula1
Fish or rod? I don’t think the Small is too much I also use the BC on the 7 at times. I can’t tell a difference. Honestly I can count on one hand the amount of fish that earned the reel on that combo. Most of the time it’s a tug of war
1 Like
Orvis Helios D or Asquith 7wt are pretty good 7wts. Tibor Everglades is too heavy for these rods. Ross Evolution Salt or Abel TR or Abel Rove are good matches for 7wts.
1 Like
Another vote for the Sector.
2 Likes
Without question my favorite 7 wt is a Sage XP. A bit hard to find these days. It us a light fast rod which I use for bonefish, stripers, snook, redfish. I finally got a 2nd XP so that I can keep one in SWFL and one in Maine. There may be better out there as when I find qhT I like I usually stick with it. Of course pairing with the right line is key. For the last few years I ha e also gone down to a 6wt. Just enough weight difference to make it even easier to throw when seach casting and a hoot when you hook one. Still able to bring in fast enough to protect the fish.
2 Likes
You don’t hear much about them, but I’ve been fishing a St. Croix EVOS Salt #7 this Summer for stripers in Mass. I love that rod. Just has a really light and crisp feel to it with a true to weight line. I’ve also put an 8wt line on it and it handles it no problem. I also tried it with an Everglades, and agree, it’s too much reel. I put a Nautilus GTS on it and it feels so much better.
1 Like
NFC Gamma Beta 7wt is my go-to redfish rod here.
1 Like
Welcome aboard @btpeck14 Glad you made it over to the cool spot!
1 Like
@btpeck14 Welcome aboard, glad to have you!
1 Like