Polling season - Do you CURRENTLY own an Orvis

[NewUtahCaneAngler]

So if I were to get just one, what would it be....?

Depends. Do you fish small streams or big? Big fish or small?

I mostly fish lakes, but also small and medium streams. And as much as I'd like to answer "big" for your second question, the truth is mostly small fish. Blue gills, crappies, sometimes decent largemouth bass, and occasionally brook trout.

Thanks!
Jeff

Well John's recommendation of the 7 1/2' 3 7/8 oz 2-piece is a good one and there were many made, thus they are affordable and easily obtainable. Expect to pay $350 - 650 depending upon condition and 1 tip or 2.

[archer829]

Should I be looking at rods made during any particular time period? Thanks again! Jeff

[NewUtahCaneAngler]

I personally like rods from the sixties. Others tout great things about rods from the 40's and 50's. The grips "grew" a bit in the 70's and since I have smaller hands, prefer the slightly smaller grips of the earlier rods

[One&Duns]

I’m not a collector, so I didn’t vote. But it’s only because of great restraint, that I don’t own 3 or 4:
Flea,
8’- 4 1/8 oz,
Limestone Special,
8 1/2' Wes Jordan 8 wt.

[Wild Skies]

I've got just one, it's an Orvis Battenkill Light Salmon, 8'6", 3/2, 5 oz. for a 7 wt. line. Formally owned by wildlife artist Robert Abbett.

[Havana]

An 8' Battenkill made in 1965. A nice rod

[diamante]

I have twenty or so Orvis bamboo rods but my favorites are a pair of 8’ Nymphs with superfine grips (yes, I like slow rods).

[spruce grouse]

I’ve owned maybe a dozen, but have kept three. A couple I didn’t like. Most I liked, but duplicated other rods I have.
What’s left:
6 1/2’ 2/1 Madison 2 7/8 oz. (heavy duty high water, small stream rod)
8’ 2/2 Battenkill 4 1/4 oz. (first one built in 1955 I’ve found)
8’ 3/2 Battenkill 4 1/2 oz. (all-around workhorse)

[MKA]

I only have one and it's all I need for my small streams...a minty Seven/Four 3/2. Will never sell it...

[St Vrain Angler]

I already voted but have to say the Seven/Four is one sweet casting & fishing rod.

[Skeet1969]

I have 6 (both Madison and Battenkills) in the 7' 3-3/8oz and the 7.5' 3-7/8oz flavors. Also have 20+ classic early Orvis Graphite and Glass.
I love them all, but one 7' Madison is my hands-down favorite.
Mike B

[MKA]

I already voted but have to say the Seven/Four is one sweet casting & fishing rod.

Yep...guess that's why I don't feel a need for another. But I am a collector, so...

[Stuckeysflat]

Two, a 7 1/2' 3 7/8 oz Madison that I use all the time and a Mitey Mite that i need to use more often.

[udiablo]

Currently have 4
7 ft Madison
A Seven Four
Two 7-1/2 ft Battenkill Far and Fines

[PENZZZ]

Just one, an eight foot Model 99 that I purchased in the mid-80’s. Not the first rod that I reach for when I want to fish bamboo.

[Drossi]

I should but I don't. I should sell one of my other rods to fund it but the problem is I can't figure out which one to part with lol.

[Flyman615]

I've collected and fished Orvis fly rods for over 25 years. As many of you know, perhaps no other company produced so many different rods/tapers to cover so many different fishing situations.

And while I've enjoyed and continue to enjoy many 'modern' (1950s-1990s) Orvis tapers, perhaps my very favorite Orvis rods are the un-impregnated, varnished rods produced in the 1940s. I have but two, and they are both singularly delightful fishing tools.

Scott Z.

[bamboo]

I have two Orvis Battenkill rods. A 8 ft 2/2 4 1/4 oz & a 6 1/2 ft. 2 7/8 oz. with the superfine grip. Love them both & fish them often.

[Eperous]

Yes... I own 6 Battenkills, including one Superfine in that count.... all purchased used, though the first cane rod I ever purchased in 1969 was an Orvis 6 1/2' Superfine that I sadly sold, for a good profit--- which I ate up years later when I purchased its replacement used...

I love my varnished rods... some original and most clones of original models... these I tend to fish late May through early September when I'm tossing dry flies and perhaps wets and the occasional unweighted streamer... however, January through late May, and late September through December, when streams are cold, and I need to get down with weighted offerings, I call upon my Orvis Battenkills, as they don't take a set... these fine rods are like Timex watches, they take a licking and keep on ticking....

I have some dozen plus cane rods... if forced into a fire/aircraft going down drill, the last rod I would ever get rid of is one of my Battenkills... others cast better, cost more, feel much nicer to flick a fly with, maybe look better... but a Battenkill will do everything I ever ask of it and more, never once complaining...

Ed

[Southfork]

Yes - 2