Cabela’s CGR 7’6″, 7/8-weight, Fly Rod

Part One A few years back Cabela released their line of 50th Anniversary glass fly rods (CGR). At 99 buckeroos the prices were reasonable, so I got one, a 5’9″, 3 piece, 3-weight. It turned out to be a fine little rod and well worth the money. In April of 2011, I reviewed it on this site.

Recently Cabela introduced a new line of fiberglass rods, that resemble the original Anniversary models. That got my attention. Making matters more interesting, Cabela had placed these rods on the market, for a limited time, at 79 bucks each. Remarkable, and irresistible. I had to pick one up.

Cabela’s CGR 7/8 Weight Glass Fly Rod

Last time, I chose the smallest rod they offered; this time I took the biggest. It is Cabela’s CGR  7’6″, 7/8 -weight, glass fly rod. So let’s do a review. In this post we’ll look at the basic construction and appearance of the rod. Next time we’ll chuck some line with it.

Like the Anniversary models, the 3-piece blank (E Glass) is green and made in China. It weights in at 4.75 ounces, not bad. I don’t have a direct comparison, but this might give you some idea. A typical 9′, 4-piece, graphite, 8-weight would tip in around 4.60 ounces.

The CGR 7/8-Wt weighs 4.75 ounces

The rod has a single up-locking aluminum reel seat, with an attractive bead-blast finish. It also has a permanent 3/4″ butt extension. The grip is a 7″ full wells. It is properly shaped and the cork seems pretty darn good. There is only one stripping guide, followed by 6 snakes guides and a tip-top. All wraps are black, a few of which are tipped in silver. The rod tube is a grey nylon, and measures 34 1/2″. Which means you’ll likely be able to carry it on most airlines. Sorry, no rod sock, but the tube has an interior divider.

Overall, the rod looks fairly nice, and is light in the hand. And the spigot ferrules (no alignment dots ) fit snugly.  So far I’m impressed, especially given the sweet price.

More Part Two         Part Three