I am going to build a rod for my father who wants to get back into fly-fishing. Last rod he casted was a split cane rod that his brother won in a canival about 35 years ago. I am wondering, what action of rod would be better for a beginner. I am planning on building the rod on a Legend Ultra SC4, or A SC3 4wt in the 8ft range. I have heard somewhere that a moderate action rod is easier to learn on. But i have heard great things about the SC4's...Any input is appreciated.

Thanks
Brian

You hear alot about what action is easier to learn on but I doubt it makes much difference. What is important is that you get a rod and line matched for the distance you are casting so the rod will be loaded. If the caster can't load the rod with the line he can't cast it.

I own both the SCIII and SCIV models and greatly prefer the SCIV. In fact I won't buy another SCIII. Good blank but for the price difference the SCIV is just so much better.

I say a fast action rod is easier to cast. It flexes less in the butt and helps to keep a higher back cast which keeps the line in a tighter loop and off the ground behind the caster. I know this may go against conventional wisdom but I have taught fly casting and beginners nearly always catch on quicker with a faster action rod.

Med-Fast to Fast & Some Stiffness recured to keep loops up-away from ground!
SC4 is great for this, Also (MORE $) Sage VPS-series or POWELL LGA.-

I ran into this exact same scenario with my father a couple of years ago. I chose the SCIII because of the common conception (or mis-conception maybe) that a moderate action rod was better for a "beginning" or "mistake-prone" caster. I also was looking for a rod that would protect fine tippets, as my father tends to set the hook as if he's flipping jigs for bass. The SCIII has worked out really well for him. His casting is fine and he doesn't break off, even with 6X.

However, now that I have both a SCIV 8.5' #4, and a SCIII 8.5' #4, I wouldn't really worry which one to choose. Both rods are phenomenal, and the SCIV--while mod-fast to fast--has a very forgiving tip. My personal favorite is the SCIII, just because I enjoy a more relaxed casting motion. (I do think, though, that most folks would favor the SCIV, just because it's a little more "crisp.") But, both these rods are absolutely amazing. I can't speak for the 8 ft. lengths, but the 8.5 footers are extremely nice.

Brian,

All things being equal, a moderate action fly rod is more foregiving to casting mistakes than a fast action rod.

In addition, there are quite a few related criteria which should be addressed in making the decision:
- will most of the fishing be done on smaller streams or larger streams where wind is often present?
- how often will there be foilage behind the caster resulting in the need to roll cast often?
- what's the preferred fly type (i.e. dries, nymphs or streamers?

it goes on and on, but, if you're fishing for trout, most trout are caught within 20 to 40 feet.......making casting distance less important than accuracy and presentation.