Overview

The Dispatch is a fly rod from Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) for anglers who are ready to move past entry-level gear and build real casting skill. TFO sums it up as "Start Seriously". New for 2025, it has a moderate-fast action that loads smoothly and predictably, so you can feel your timing instead of fighting an overly stiff beginner rod, yet it has enough recovery to handle bigger flies and wind.

Every Dispatch is 4-piece, with stainless steel snake guides, lightweight stripping guides that are safe in salt water, a premium cork grip and a clean, functional finish. It comes with a rod sock. We carry all four models TFO makes: an 8'6" 4 wt and 9' rods in 5, 6 and 8 wt.

Which Dispatch Should You Choose?

Small streams, light presentations and technical dry fly work: TF 04 86 4 DH (8'6" 4 wt).

One everyday trout rod for dries, nymphs and light streamers: TF 05 90 4 DH (9' 5 wt).

Larger rivers, bigger trout, heavier rigs and windy days: TF 06 90 4 DH (9' 6 wt).

Bass, streamers and light saltwater: TF 08 90 4 DH (9' 8 wt with the fighting butt).

TFO Dispatch Specs

TFO Dispatch Models

TF 04 86 4 DH - 8'6" 4 wt

The light, short Dispatch, for small streams and delicate presentations where a soft landing matters more than distance. It weighs about 3.3 oz and has the Handle A half-wells cork grip.

Best for: small streams, light presentations, technical dry fly work.

Line pairing: A 4 wt weight-forward floating trout line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Expert (WF4F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity (WF4F).

TF 05 90 4 DH - 9' 5 wt

The all-around trout size and the one to pick if you will own a single Dispatch. It covers dries, dry-dropper rigs, nymphs and small streamers on most trout water. It weighs about 3.7 oz and has the Handle A half-wells cork grip.

Best for: versatile everyday trout fishing.

Line pairing: A 5 wt weight-forward floating trout line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity (WF5F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Trout GP (WF5F).

TF 06 90 4 DH - 9' 6 wt

More power than the 5 wt for larger water, bigger trout, heavier nymph rigs and streamers, and for days when the wind comes up. It weighs about 3.8 oz and has the Handle A half-wells cork grip.

Best for: larger rivers, bigger trout, heavier rigs, windy conditions.

Line pairing: A 6 wt weight-forward floating line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity (WF6F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Trout Expert (WF6F).

TF 08 90 4 DH - 9' 8 wt

The heavy Dispatch, aimed at bass, big streamers and light saltwater fishing. It weighs about 4.3 oz and has the Handle B full-wells cork grip with a cork fighting butt to brace against the body on a bigger fish.

Best for: bass, streamers, light saltwater.

Line pairing: An 8 wt weight-forward floating line, a long-head taper for streamers and bass bugs or a saltwater taper for the flats. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Titan Long Taper (WF8F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam (WF8F).

Dispatch Rod vs Dispatch Kit

The Dispatch rod is also sold as the TFO Dispatch Kit, the same rod with a matched Dispatch reel, backing, a pre-spooled fly line, a tapered leader and a Cordura rod and reel carrier, ready to fish out of the box. Buy the rod alone if you already have a reel you like. For other TFO fly rods, see the TFO Blue Ribbon and the TFO LK Legacy.

TFO Dispatch FAQ

What action is the Dispatch?

Moderate-fast. TFO tuned it to load smoothly and predictably so it helps you develop your casting, with enough recovery for larger flies and wind.

What do Handle A and Handle B mean?

Handle A is a half-wells cork grip with no fighting butt, used on the 4, 5 and 6 wt. Handle B is a full-wells cork grip with a fighting butt, used on the 8 wt.

Does it come with a case?

The Dispatch rod comes with a rod sock. The Dispatch Kit adds a Cordura rod and reel carrier.

What is the warranty?

The Dispatch is covered by the TFO Full Lifetime Warranty. For the registered owner, TFO repairs or replaces a rod that breaks because of a defect in materials or workmanship. Accidents and normal wear are handled for a replacement fee. Register your rod with TFO.

Which weight should I choose?

The 9' 5 wt for most trout fishing, the 8'6" 4 wt for small streams and dry flies, the 9' 6 wt for bigger water and wind, and the 9' 8 wt for bass, streamers and light salt water.