Going that short for a 4wt is crazy. Go for a 3wt or 2wt witha double
taper line. I have a Wintson 2wt with a Rio double taper. It's 7'6" and I
can throw two nymphs (size 12 or less bead headed) or one nymph and a strike
indicator. I also can place a size 8 stimulator quite accurately with
heavier tippet (4x).

Brands? Thats up to you but go lighter in weight you'll love it. It's good
that you understand in trout fishing, the rod should match the flies.

We use 4wts to catch 5+ pound rainbow in Duck Lake, Browning, Montana.
"Joe McIntosh" wrote in message
...
indian Joe asks--rainy cold morning here [46 degrees] so spend ing my
time
thinking about buying a new rod. Want to fish N.C. small streams with a
4wt.-7 1/2 ft 3 piece for tossing medium size drys [ #12 foam yellow
humpy that i can see]

I will have about 7 ft of line out- 7 ft of leader and 2 ft of
tippett--making side arm cast across a pool to a spot just behind a log
hanging
in water.
Do i want a light fast tip or a stiff slow tip to load my rod for best
cast?

Any suggestions for rod costing under $239 will be helpful--my squaw just
spent that for a tennis racquet probably made in china for nine

dollars.