First reds on the CGR 7/8wt

[Piscator]

I bought the CGR a while back when Cabela's had them on sale for half price. I have only used it in the neighborhood lake for bass. Always wondered if this flimsy rod could handle a red. Well today I landed three and lost a couple. Two were over 25 inches and one was 20 or 21. All were teased with a Bass Pro Shop popper. That rod had some serious bend in it on the two big ones. I go them in so the CGR 7/8wt can handle the big fish. Most took two or three teasing to get them to strike. All cast within 10 feet. Not really casting, just a flinging flip. One hit the side of skiff after slamming the popper. The last one came out of the water on the strike. I guess I pissed it off with the teasing.

My old spot off the Neches River has come back. Sort of neat fishing for reds with cypress and pine trees in the background and getting stuck on top of old cypress stumps.

Waiting for Saturday and hope all this rain does not mess with the water clarity.
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[kickingback]

Congratulations! Awesome feeling catching them on the fly!

[Kayak Kid]

To this day, I remember my first red on a fly rod. 2001, the jetties out of Port O'connor. A reddish spoon fly I tied two days earlier.

[karstopo]

Love the 7/8 CGR. I think it’s an ideal redfish rod. Nice getting them on a popper. Thanks for posting.

[Piscator]

My Nano will feel like a broom stick after using the CGR. The popper was on from messing around the bass pond. I will try some other flys next time. I think they would have taken anything.

I will watch for a sale on that rod.

[karstopo]

I switch back and forth between the 7/8 weight CGR and the G.Loomis Short Stix. The Short Stix is very fast and about the complete opposite to the CGR. It could be very similar to the Nano from what I remember about the description of those rods.

I like both rods. The bend of the CGR sure is nice. Comes in handy too when better fish dive under the boat or kayak. The CGR has a lot of feel casting in those short and medium ranges. I do better in the wind with the Short Stix.

I usually take 2 7/8 weight CGRs and a Short Stix out in the kayak. I’m like one of these bass fisherman with multiple rods rigged and ready.

Anyhow, sorry to derail your report. I’m overly enthusiastic about seeing a great report with some really nice redfish caught with a CGR. Carry on.

[Ron Mc]

the discussion fit.
Nice fish.

[Piscator]

Saturday I caught a nearly 28" red on the CGR. Switched the 7'6" one-piece Blackfly Nano and got a 25", two around 20" and a just under 29". Hope the water stays clear through the fall.