REVIEW: BPS Power Plus Graphite Fly Rod - Model PPG8056-2

As previously mentioned, the old man and I decided to start learning with some cheap--I mean really cheap--fly rod kits. Once we had the basics down, it wasn't long before we were looking to make some inexpensive upgrades. On a visit to the White River Fly Shop, we noticed some rods for less than $20 that had a bit more action than than the cheap Martin's we had purchased. We figured at the price, it was worth taking a risk, and so we came home with two 8-foot, 5/6-weight Bass Pro Shops Power Plus Graphite Fly Rods - Model PPG8056-2.

My first experience fishing with this rod was a quick lesson in two things. Quality in performance cannot be underestimated when purchasing fly fishing equipment. Higher cost does not necessarily translate into linear improvements in performance.

Before I begin, the salesman told us that most people actually purchase this rod as a crappie spinning rod, and that makes sense. Let's face it, most fly fishermen are finicky and interested in a bit of quality and also will probably be more interested in a bit of rustic aesthetic than what this rod offers being shiny and red.

The blank itself is a mostly shiny red fiberglass, and not the highest quality at that. I've not weighed the rod, but it is reasonably light. The grip is foam rubber, and the real seat is plastic with shiny locking rings that I think are more plastic than perhaps aluminum. The stripping guide and to guide are non-ceramic, and the stripping guide is quite a bit higher than one would prefer. That said, the salesman on-duty told the Chief that he should thread his line through the hook keeper first. I highly recommend that you do not do that. There are only five snake mid-guides on this rod, indicating it is not the highest quality right off the bat.

Even considering that this is not a top of the line outfit, once we got on the water, we found it to be an outstanding improvement over the Marlin rods. The ability to cast was so improved by such a modest upgrade that I would now recommend the rod as an excellent, inexpensive rod.

Yet, I found the increased performance so seductive that I immediately began to consider purchasing a true, high-quality rod as soon as possible. I did purchase one a few weeks later, but after I had taken this rod out on the lake, the pond, and the trout stream.