#FlyRods

Paul

Jan 22

Redesigned Redington STRIKE II Fly Rods

Words and images courtesy of Farbank/Redington Love reading water? Strategically pick apart every pool and riffle? Determined to catch a fish in that hole despite all the challenging variables? Well then, the new STRIKE is the rod for you. Built specifically for the euro nymph angler, you can maximize your fly fishing opportunities with spellbinding precision. We dreamt up the STRIKE to give the angler an advanced fish catching advantage for specific euro nymphing application

Hardy Aydon 8'6" 4-Weight Fly Rod Review

Paul

Jan 16

Hardy Aydon 8'6" 4-Weight Fly Rod Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship Just released this fall, the Hardy Aydon is a new series of rods featuring versatile medium-fast actions. While I personally gravitate more towards fast-action rods overall, I don't mind a softer rod for smaller fish in more delicate situations. With this in mind, I had an 8'6" 4-weight Aydon sent out for chasing bass and panfish on local ponds. Length: 8'6" Rated Action: Medium-fast Line Weight: 4 Pieces: 4 Material: Graphite Measured Weight: Approx

Paul

Jan 11

New Sage SALT R8 Saltwater Fly Rods

(words/images by Sage/Farbank) For 2023, Sage introduces the next evolution in saltwater fly rod technology with the SALT R8. Whether maximizing your limited shots for Tarpon or blocking the right moon cycle for a Permit trip—or just delivering a quick, confident cast through wind at distance—saltwater is a game where patience and urgency are equally critical to maximizing opportunity. Whether on idyllic flats, coastal beaches, or backcountry mangroves, you need faith—in your

Fly Fishing Rods and Reels: Try Something NEW!

Paul

Dec 12, 2022

Fly Fishing Rods and Reels: Try Something NEW!

If you're fly fishing and catching fish, it's most likely a pretty good time. However, if you're in a constant routine of targeting the same species, in the same places, and with the same tackle, it can take a little off the excitement factor. Don't get me wrong; catching fish is always a great time, but I've always enjoyed changing things up in one way or another. Even if typically fishing the same places every week, just altering your tackle can bring some "newness" to the

Product Alert: New Fly Rods from Waterworks-Lamson and ECHO

Paul

Dec 8, 2022

Product Alert: New Fly Rods from Waterworks-Lamson and ECHO

(images: Waterworks-Lamson) Waterworks-Lamson's new Radius fly rods feature an "ideal mix of deeper flex and quick recovery" for improved feel. Crafted from multi-modulus medium-fast blanks, they sport dark pearl finishes with dark smoke and chartreuse accents, Flor-grade cork grips, SiC stripping guides, and Lockdown reel seats with wood inserts. Available in 9-foot 4-piece 4,5, and 6 weight sizes, each model is priced at $429.99. In addition, the existing Waterworks-Lamson

Paul

Nov 27, 2022

How Many Fly Rods Do You Need?

If you're wondering how many fly rods you should buy, you're likely a true fly fishing enthusiast and are past the beginning stages. That's great! The problem is, as an angler moves forward in the sport, there can be increased confusion (and cost) when building out a tackle arsenal. After all, unless someone's fly fishing opportunities are very narrow, they're likely going to need more than just one setup. Simply put, there's no single answer for everyone. Depending on where

Paul

Nov 9, 2022

New ECHO Boost Fresh Fly Rods

(images and text courtesy of ECHO Fly Fishing) ECHO Fly Fishing’s original Boost fly rods are renowned for their crisp, fast action and balance of power and precision. Updated for 2023, the new Boost Fresh series is designed to help anglers who possess an aggressive casting stroke and are looking for maximum line speed. Boost Fresh are modern, fast action rods that excel at catching all freshwater species, in any conditions. The new updates lighten the rod and refine the acti

Temple Fork PRO III 5-Weight Fly Rod Review

Paul

Oct 30, 2022

Temple Fork PRO III 5-Weight Fly Rod Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) is a brand name that is synonymous with affordability. Although TFO has some higher end, more moderately-priced offerings within their massive lineup, they still offer a healthy number of rods (and reels!) with very friendly price tags. Over the years, I've heard folks say that fly fishing is only for the "elite" or the "rich," but TFO has helped squash that stereotype by allowing more people to access good equipment. Pic

Paul

Jul 20, 2022

New Greys WING Fly Rods

From Pure Fishing/Greys: The all-new Greys WING series has been designed to meet the needs of today’s modern anglers. This family of high-quality rods offers a fully comprehensive range of fishing-specific models, including everything from tiny trout rods to two-handed Spey options. These high-performance rods perfectly marry both diversity and beauty. With today’s anglers targeting all fish in all waters, no trip is out of reach with the WING series. The WING series is built

Waterworks-Lamson Cobalt 7-Weight Fly Rod Review

Paul

Jun 19, 2022

Waterworks-Lamson Cobalt 7-Weight Fly Rod Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship Although Waterworks-Lamson is mainly known for their fly reels, they've recently made a solid push into the fly rod realm. Back in 2019, I had the opportunity to test one of their new saltwater-friendly rods, the Standard Seat (SS) 7 weight. That review proved to be quite positive, as the SS impressed with its handsome looks and composed performance. Despite that rod getting a thumbs up from me, the reel seat didn't really stand out in any way. Howev

G. Loomis IMX-PRO Creek 4-Weight Fly Rod Review

Paul

Apr 28, 2022

G. Loomis IMX-PRO Creek 4-Weight Fly Rod Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship I've always been intrigued by fishing small waters. Whether I'm chasing trout, micro tarpon, or whatever, there's just something different and special about catching fish in these more intimate settings. It's a common misconception that only small fish live in these types of environments, but I can tell you from personal experience that's not always true. In fact, here in Florida, it can be pretty mind-blowing what lives in the smallest of waterways!

Redesigned BUTTER STICK and NEW Trailblazer Rods from Redington

Paul

Apr 6, 2022

Redesigned BUTTER STICK and NEW Trailblazer Rods from Redington

(From Redington/Farbank): Don’t be fooled by good looks—get ready to deliver flies as delicately and accurately as needle to record. New for Spring 2022, Redington has completely revamped the fiberglass cult-classic BUTTER STICK. Its fresh new look carries a strong nostalgic design from the days of shag carpet, roller disco, and Hendrix rippin'. And like all things good and vintage, it's as aesthetically pleasing as it is fun and functional. Whether you're fishing blue lines

Paul

Mar 30, 2022

New Sage R8 CORE Fly Rods

(From Sage/Farbank): Sage Introduces Revolutionary New Graphite Technology & CORE Rod Family BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. (March 29, 2022) – Sage has always been at the forefront of material advancement in the fly rod space, and in 2022 Sage is positioned to do it again, this time with Revolution 8 Technology. “R8” Technology is the culmination of over forty years of perfecting fly rod performance and 8 breakthroughs in material compositions. Since the introduction of Sage’s Grap

Paul

Feb 28, 2022

7 Unique Fly Rods Past and Present

G. Loomis 20 Weight Heavy-duty rods like the Colton Leviathan XS 17+, Cam Sigler 14 weight, G. Loomis CrossCurrent 15 weight, and Temple Fork Bluewater SG 13–15 and 16+ give fly anglers the ability to confidently target the largest saltwater species. Can rods go even heavier? Apparently, the answer is yes, as G. Loomis appears to have crafted a handful of 20-weight fly rods years back! I had no idea these rods even existed until stumbling upon a theflyfishingforum.com post wh

Paul

Jan 31, 2022

Who Makes One-Piece Fly Rods?

One-piece fly rods are nothing really new, but they aren't all that common. You may have heard or read about some of the performance benefits offered by these rods. The absence of ferrules (joints) gives these blanks the capability to bend and flex with the utmost precision and smoothness, thus improving casting feel. On top of this, one-piece fly rods are typically stronger and a bit lighter in physical weight, too. Everything sounds positive so far, but the biggest downer i

Paul

Jan 9, 2022

3 Fly Rods With GREAT Reel Seats

The reel seat isn't the most crucial aspect of a fly rod to look at, but I now take the design into consideration more than I used to. Out of all the fly rods I've fished over the years, a lot of the reel seats were simply unremarkable. Looks aside, it was the function of these seats that often felt somewhat unrefined and failed to blow me away. I can accept a seat like this on a more value-oriented rod, but I've always thought a pricier stick should utilize something more su

Paul

Dec 26, 2021

How are Saltwater Fly Rods Different?

All serious fly anglers should try to experience saltwater fly fishing. There is simply nothing like hooking into that first sizable saltwater fish for the very first time. It's truly a different world and one that I quickly became completely addicted to after I experienced what it had to offer. When coming from the freshwater realm, I can imagine the saltwater game being kind of intimidating. Reading up on it, watching videos, and practice casting on the lawn helps, but it t

Paul

Dec 12, 2021

3 Cool Old Fly Rods to Search For

Have you ever sat back and thought about some of the fly rods you've had in the past? Even though I have fly fished for nearly three decades, if you gave me a few minutes to really think about it, I'm pretty sure I could name every fly rod that I've ever owned! The sign of a real tackle junkie I guess... When anyone thinks about those rods from years gone by, there's likely to be a few that really stand out. Perhaps they felt especially awesome or were just there with you on

Hardy Ultralite X 5-Weight Fly Rod Review

Paul

Oct 4, 2021

Hardy Ultralite X 5-Weight Fly Rod Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship Fly fishing can often conjure up images of softly casting to rising trout on a small mountain stream or maybe sight-casting to bonefish schools on a slicked-out Bahamian flat. While these picture-perfect scenarios certainly do happen, the reality is that things can be much more demanding. When the wind is blowing, casts are distant, and flies are heavy, the average fly rod can come up short. In these situations, higher performance is required...and t

Is a Moderate-Action Fly Rod Right For You?

Paul

Sep 13, 2021

Is a Moderate-Action Fly Rod Right For You?

Faster isn't always better. Fly rods that have a "standard" fast action are undoubtedly my favorites. As someone who mainly fishes streamers and is regularly on saltwater, this should come as no surprise. I really like these rods because they're great for casting bulky/heavy flies and cutting through a breeze, but they still make good all-around sticks for a variety of scenarios. In comparison, extra-fast fly rods can offer even higher levels of performance, but I view them a

DEMYSTIFLY

Demystifying the Gear and Art of Fly Fishing