The TFO Deer Creek 13’6″ 8/9 4-Piece is a specialized fly fishing rod designed for two-handed/spey casting, particularly suited for larger rivers and heavy flies. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Specifications:
– Length: 13 feet 6 inches (ideal for spey casting)
– Line Weight: 8/9 (handles 550-800 grain lines, perfect for big water)
– Pieces: 4 (travel-friendly, yet robust for spey fishing)
– Action: Likely medium-fast to fast (TFO rods often emphasize power and responsiveness)
– Power: Heavy-duty backbone for big fish (steelhead, salmon, etc.)
Key Features (TFO Deer Creek Series):
– High-Quality Blank: Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) is known for durable, high-performance rods at mid-range prices.
– Spey-Optimized: The extra length aids in long-distance casting and mending line in strong currents.
– 550-800 Grain Range: Designed for Skagit or Scandi shooting heads, making it versatile for different spey techniques.
– 4-Piece Design: Balances portability with performance.
Ideal Use Cases:
✔ Steelhead & Salmon Fishing (Great Lakes, PNW, etc.)
✔ Big River Spey Casting (needs space for long backcasts)
✔ Heavy Sink Tips & Large Flies (handles bulky intruders well)
Why It’s “Rare”:
– The Deer Creek series was a niche spey lineup from TFO and may be discontinued, making it harder to find.
– 13’6″ spey rods in 8/9 weight are less common than shorter switch rods or lighter spey options.
Comparable Alternatives:
– TFO Deer Creek Switch Rods (shorter, if you prefer versatility)
– TFO BVK Spey (faster action, newer model)
– Redington Dually (budget-friendly spey option)
Where to Find It:
Check eBay, spey-focused forums, or used gear sites (like Spey Pages Marketplace). Since it’s rare, patience may be needed.
Would you like help finding one or recommendations for similar rods?