Redington Butterstick Fly Rod Review | 2022 Model
Redington Fly Rods Quick Picks
- Best for Beginners: Redington Wrangler Fly Rod Kit - A simple, ready-to-fish path if you want one box to cover rod + matched components. It’s a practical way to start fishing sooner and spend less time sorting specs.
- Best Value: Redington Vice Fly Rod - A strong choice if you want a faster-feeling rod for wind, bigger flies, and learning to generate line speed. It’s a common “step-up” rod when you’ve outgrown soft, slow outfits.
- Best All-Around Trout: Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod - Great for anglers who prioritize feel, timing, and clean presentations at typical trout distances. The smoother, more moderate action helps protect light tippet and makes dry-fly work enjoyable.
- Best for Tight-Line Nymphing: Redington Strike II Fly Rod - Built around modern nymphing needs like reach, sensitivity, and line control. A good pick when you’re fishing weighted flies and want to stay in contact through the drift.
- Best Two-Hand / Swinging: Redington Dually Spey & Switch Fly Rod - A solid entry into spey and switch casting if you want to cover big runs efficiently. It’s designed to make sustained-anchor casts approachable without jumping straight to premium pricing.
How to Choose Redington Fly Rods
Pick the fishing “job” first (then match the specs)
Action: If you’re mostly throwing bigger flies, dealing with wind, or fishing from a boat, a faster action can help generate higher line speed and tighter loops. If you’re focused on dry flies, small streams, and accuracy inside normal trout ranges, a more moderate action often feels smoother and can improve presentations.
Line weight: Think in terms of flies and conditions, not just fish size. Lighter rods shine with smaller dries and light rigs; heavier rods help turn over streamers, sink tips, and bulky indicator setups.
Match the series to your main technique
Classic Trout: A presentation-forward trout rod when feel and timing matter most.
Vice / Predator: When you need more punch for wind, bigger flies, and aggressive lines.
Strike II: A purpose-built tool for tight-line / Euro-style nymphing where contact and drift control are priorities.
Butter Stick: A fiberglass option for anglers who like deeper flex, slower rhythm, and close-to-mid range fishing.
Claymore / Dually: Two-handed options for anglers swinging flies for trout, steelhead, or salmon and wanting easier spey-style casting.
Outfit vs. rod-only: when a kit makes sense
Action: Choose a Field Kit or rod kit if you want a matched setup and less guesswork (rod, reel, and line pairing already handled). Avoid if: You already own a reel and fly line you like, or you’re dialing a very specific line/tip system for streamers or spey.
Why Trident Carries Redington
Redington is a practical brand for anglers who want real on-water performance without overcomplicating the purchase. The lineup covers everything from moderate trout actions to dedicated nymphing and two-hand tools, which makes it easier to build a quiver over time.
Care & Maintenance
- After each use: Wipe the blank and guides with a damp cloth to remove grit, sunscreen, and (especially) salt residue.
- Ferrules: Keep ferrules clean and fully seated; periodically wipe male ferrules with rubbing alcohol to prevent squeaks and loosening.
- Transport: Use a rod tube for travel and avoid riding with an assembled rod on the car interior where tips get snapped.
- Heat: Don’t store rods in a hot car for extended periods; heat can warp finishes and shorten line life if a rig is left in the sun.
Complete Your Setup
Related Gear
- Fly Reels - Balance your rod and get the right drag for your target species.
- Floating Fly Lines - The most versatile starting point for dries, indicators, and shallow streamers.
- Leaders - Dial turnover and presentation based on fly size and water clarity.
- Rod & Reel Outfits - Great if you want a matched combo and minimal setup work.
Related Guides
- Fly Rod Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Fly Rod for Beginners
- The All-Around 5-Weight Fly Rod Buyer's Guide
- How to Choose the Right Fly Rod for Every Species
- How to Choose the Best Fly Line for Beginners
- How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Bass
Things to Know About Redington Fly Rods
Warranty
Redington fly rods come with a lifetime warranty to the original owner covering manufacturing defects. Accidental damage repairs are handled through Far Bank's repair system for a fee, typically ranging from $30–$50 depending on the rod series.
Price Range
Redington fly rods generally range from around $100 to $400, positioning them as budget-friendly to mid-range options. Outfits and kits that include rod, reel, and line typically fall between $150 and $350.
Models
Redington's core lineup includes the Classic Trout (presentation-focused moderate action), Vice (fast action for wind and bigger flies), Strike II (purpose-built for Euro nymphing), Butter Stick (fiberglass for slower rhythm casting), Predator (warm water and light saltwater), and the Dually and Claymore series for two-hand and spey casting.
Key Features
Redington rods are known for solid performance at accessible price points, purpose-built designs for specific techniques, and ready-to-fish outfit options that simplify gear selection. The brand focuses on practical fishing tools rather than premium aesthetics.
Redington Fly Rods FAQs
Q: Are Redington fly rods any good?
A: Yes, Redington makes quality fly rods that perform well for their price point. They're especially popular with beginners and intermediate anglers who want reliable gear without paying premium prices. The rods are designed for real fishing situations and hold up to regular use.
Q: Is Redington made by Sage?
A: Redington and Sage are both owned by Far Bank Enterprises, but they're separate brands with different design goals. Sage focuses on premium, high-end rods while Redington targets anglers looking for solid performance at more accessible prices.
Q: Who owns Redington rods?
A: Redington is owned by Far Bank Enterprises, a company based in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Far Bank also owns Sage fly rods and RIO Products fly lines.
Q: Are Redington fly rods made in the USA?
A: Redington fly rods are designed in the USA but manufactured overseas to keep costs accessible. This allows them to offer quality rods at lower price points than domestically produced alternatives.
Q: Do Redington fly rods have a lifetime warranty?
A: Yes, Redington offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner covering manufacturing defects. Accidental damage repairs are available through Far Bank's repair service for a fee. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Q: Who makes the best fly rods for the money?
A: "Best value" depends on your budget and fishing style. Redington is consistently mentioned as a strong value brand, offering purpose-built rods across multiple price points. Other brands in the value conversation include Echo, TFO, and Orvis (at certain price tiers).
Q: Are Redington fly rods good for beginners?
A: Yes, Redington has several beginner-friendly options, especially if you want a forgiving action and a straightforward setup. If you’re brand new, a kit/outfit can simplify the learning curve because the components are already matched.
Q: What’s the best all-around Redington fly rod setup for trout?
A: Many trout anglers start with a 9' 5-weight for general dry-fly, nymph, and light streamer work. From there, choose the series based on whether you prefer a smoother (more moderate) feel or a faster, more powerful feel.
Q: What does “fast action” vs. “moderate action” change on the water?
A: Fast-action rods can help you form tighter loops and cut wind, especially with heavier rigs. Moderate-action rods often feel smoother at typical trout distances and can improve touch on lighter tippets and smaller flies.
Q: Can I use a Redington trout rod for streamers?
A: You can, but it depends on fly size and line choice. If you’re throwing larger streamers or sink tips regularly, many anglers prefer a more powerful rod and a line built for heavier payloads.
Q: What’s a “Field Kit” and who should buy one?
A: A Field Kit is a packaged setup designed to reduce guesswork by pairing a rod, reel, and line system for a specific style of fishing. It’s a smart buy if you want to be fishing quickly and don’t want to separately research reel sizing and fly line tapers.
Q: Do I need a special rod for Euro nymphing?
A: Dedicated nymphing rods are typically longer and built for better reach and sensitivity. If tight-line nymphing is your main technique, it’s worth choosing a purpose-built rod rather than trying to force a standard 9' trout rod into that role.
Q: How do I pick the right line weight for bass and bigger flies?
A: Bass often call for heavier rods because the flies are larger and more wind-resistant than typical trout flies. Your local cover, wind, and fly size matter as much as fish size when you’re choosing between a 6, 7, or 8-weight.
Redington Warranty & Resources
Redington warranty service and repairs are handled through Far Bank’s repair system, where you’ll create a repair case and follow the instructions for sending your rod in. Coverage and fees can vary by product series and by whether the issue is a defect or accidental damage, so it’s worth reviewing the policy before shipping.
Learn More from Redington
