Berkley Rods

If you are looking for an entry level glass rod with a godd reputation, then look no further than Berkley.  It's a "blue collar" fly rod and some of them are coveted.  Such as the Parametric rods, Curt Gowdy line or the older Berkleys - the Stream Specialist being one of the rarest.  I'm not a pro or veteran of fiberglass rods but I love to take them on the stream.

Just as most fly rods of the day, Berkley rods were made in the US.   "In the 1960's Berkley entered into the rod business, which lead to international expansion in the 1970's".

 I enjoy casting Berkley rods for different reasons.  They are straight up fun - if you've even casted an Eagle Claw Featherlight, this rod isn't as slow but it will BEND - and will especially based on the model - even a nice 7' 5 piece travel rod will land a nice 14" smallmouth bass.  And that 5 piece Buccaneer feels amazing.  It's like sitting in a recliner - no doubt that Smallie will tug for his life but you know there is some flex and dare I say "feels like butter" - smooth.  I've heard guys say a rod casts like "butter" but when I've got my rod raised up and that bass is tugging, I'm not holding on for dear life.  Everybody's experience is going to be different.

Look for the spigotted ferrules and not the tip over butt rods from later years of Berkley production.  Depending on the model or the year, the rods were produced in Taiwan or possibly even Korea.  There are other "entry level" or "blue collar" fiberglass rods out there like True Temper and even Garcia Conolon.  If you are looking for more information on fiberglass fly rods then visit the Fiberglass Flyrodders.  http://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/index.php

I even have a Berkley spinning rod.  If you haven’t noticed, I broke off the butt.  It’s been repaired and reinforced with a fiberglass stent.

Let me know if you have any questions.