The TFO Pro III fly rod continues the legacy of one of the most trusted rod families in fly fishing. Built for versatility, durability, and performance, the Pro III has become a go-to rod for anglers looking for reliable performance at an accessible price.
Recently, the team at Red’s Fly Shop spent time casting and evaluating several models in the Pro III lineup. According to Joe and the staff at Red’s, the reaction was immediate.
After spending time casting the rods as a group, their conclusion was unanimous: the Pro III delivers outstanding performance and value for anglers looking for a dependable, multi-purpose fly rod.
A Trusted Fly Rod with a Long History
Temple Fork Outfitters’ Professional Series rods have been trusted by anglers for many years, and the Pro III represents the latest evolution of that lineup.
According to Joe at Red’s Fly Shop, TFO was one of the very first fly rod brands the shop ever carried, and they continue to recommend it today for its durability and consistent performance.
That long-standing relationship with the brand gave the Red’s team a unique perspective when evaluating the latest version of the Professional Series.
The TFO Pro III fly rod continues the legacy of one of the most trusted rod families in fly fishing. For years, Temple Fork Outfitters has built rods known for durability, performance, and accessibility, and the Pro III carries that tradition forward with modern performance at an approachable price.
Staff Tested and Staff Approved
When the Red’s Fly Shop team gathered to test the TFO Pro III, multiple staff members cast the rods side by side in several weights.
The response across the group was clear. The rod offered impressive casting performance and versatility at its price point, making it a strong choice for anglers seeking a dependable rod capable of handling a wide range of fishing situations.
In fact, after casting the rods, staff members repeatedly asked the same question: “How much is that rod again?”
That reaction says a lot about the value the Pro III delivers.
A Versatile Fly Rod from 3 Weight to 10 Weight
The TFO Pro III series spans a wide range of rod weights, from delicate 3-weight trout rods all the way up to 10-weight saltwater rods.
This versatility makes the Pro III a great option for anglers who want one rod capable of handling multiple fishing scenarios.
According to the Red’s staff, the rod performs well across many common fly fishing applications, including:
- Trout fishing with dries, nymphs, and smaller streamers
- Bass fishing in lakes and rivers
- Redfish and other inshore saltwater species
- Striped bass and light saltwater fisheries
Because of its versatility, the Pro III is often recommended as a true all-around fly rod.
Product overview of the TFO Pro III fly rod showing the four-piece rod design, protective rod sock and tube, and the two handle configurations used across the series. Handle A is used on 3 through 6 weight rods, while Handle B includes a fighting butt for 6 through 10 weight rods, designed for larger freshwater and saltwater species.
Medium Fast Performance That’s Easy to Cast
Although the Pro III is listed as a moderate-action rod, Joe noted that it behaves more like a medium-fast-action rod in practice.
This balance gives anglers a combination of power and forgiveness.
The rod loads easily at shorter distances, which makes it especially useful in realistic fishing situations where casts often fall within 30 to 50 feet.
At the same time, the rod still has the ability to generate solid line speed when anglers need to reach out further.
That combination of feel and performance is one of the reasons the Red’s staff found the rod so enjoyable to cast.
Built for Real World Durability
Temple Fork Outfitters has always emphasized building rods that anglers can rely on day after day.
The Pro III continues that approach with a straightforward, functional design focused on durability and performance.
Key features include:
- Alignment dots for easier rod assembly
- Double locking reel seat for added security
- Durable cork grip with protective EVA accents
- Large shooting guides on heavier models for improved line management
- Cordura rod tube included for protection and travel
Another feature the Red’s team highlighted is the convenience of TFO’s replacement section program, which allows anglers to easily order individual rod sections if needed rather than replacing the entire rod.
For anglers looking to expand their fly rod lineup and tackle new rod weight sizes for new species like carp, the Pro III is an excellent option. TFO Ambassador Guillermo Gonzalez took a break from bass fishing to target lingering surface feeding common carp with his 6wt Pro III.
Recommended Fly Line Pairings
During testing, the Red’s team paired the Pro III with several popular fly lines depending on the rod weight and application.
Some of the combinations they tested included:
- RIO Gold XP for trout fishing
- Scientific Anglers Grand Slam for saltwater species
- RIO Flats Pro for tropical saltwater conditions
Because many modern fly lines are slightly overweighted, anglers generally do not need to overline the Pro III to achieve excellent casting performance.
A Fly Rod That Delivers Exceptional Value
After spending time casting multiple rod weights, the team at Red’s Fly Shop agreed that the TFO Pro III stands out as one of the best value fly rods available today.
It offers dependable performance, user-friendly casting characteristics, and durability that anglers have come to expect from Temple Fork Outfitters.
For anglers looking for a versatile rod capable of handling everything from trout streams to saltwater flats, the Pro III continues to be a proven and reliable choice.
