This fly rod not only gives me the chance to nymph small areas easier but I have the option to use it for casting beyond tight nymphing areas.
The quality on this fly rod is amazing, even down to the rod tube, alignment blank indicators, name tag insert, embossed fly pattern, extra rod tip blank, and the beautifully designed reel seat.
I couldn't wait to get out on the water and give it a test trail. It was an incredible 80 degrees in Jasper on Thursday so fly fishing was my top priority. With my 10 ft. Pelican loaded and my 10 ft. IM10, I started my bluegill quest on Walker County Lake. Everything was positive on this outing but the wind, which was horrendous at times even to point of water splashing into the boat. I had to cross the lake in whitecap conditions. So glad I had the battery fully charged, which was not the case when I left the lake.
Now to the rod review; the first thing I noticed was how easy it loaded the 3 wt. Orvis Clearwater Line paired with my Battenkill II reel. I was even more impressed with how fast the line straightened out on the water surface as I completed the cast. The medium-fast taper action gave the right amount of bend action to make small bluegill seem larger. Yet it still has the power to handle much larger fish such as the spots on Smith Lake. I knew the extra length would give me a longer cast and it delivered. I will admit it took a little time to get used to the extra foot compared to my 7,8 and 9 ft. fly rods. By the end of the trip, the fly rod and I bonded nicely after landing a bunch of bluegill for the afternoon.
Now the next test will be the Sipsey high sticking some of the pocket holes I like to fish there.
Bill, thanks for sharing your review. A 10-footer will be good to nymph with on your larger waters, and a 4-piece in that length will make it a breeze to transport. Here's to a great new season on the rivers!
ReplyDeleteI spent more time digging my fly out of the trees and bushes when I used my 11' Tenkara. I got a 6' 3wt instead. Works much better on small streams at least out here.
ReplyDeleteWalt
ReplyDeleteI've seen too many guys take a spill on the Sipsey due to the moss covered rocks.I think the longer fly rod will enable me to reach some of the outer edges of the seames and pocket water I can't fish now with the shorter fly rods I use there. Thanks for the comment
Lester
ReplyDeleteYou and I are on the same page with the long rod concept. The Tenkara at one time was an option for me but with the Tenkara I didn't have the ability to cast; glad I went with the long fly rod instead.
As for who makes the fly rod, I truly don't know. I suspect it was made overseas, probably in China or some other country. That was one reason I was skeptical about order it. But as stated in post the review were all 5 star so I took a chance. I've only use it once and so far I have been impressed. I do have a 30 day return on the fly rod so if things don't work out I can always send it back. The reel seat is so impressive.It is not wood but metal with a burl look. So impressed with the tube and of course the extra rod tip blank; for 115.00 I think I got a fair deal. I will email him and ask him where it was made, and let you know. He is sold out of the rods now. Let me know when your are using the CZN when you on some of your trips. You can give me some pointers. Thanks for the comment
Mark
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I waited as I told Lester about the Tenkara; although I will say it has it's place on big waters such as tailraces. I'm sure it can be used on smaller streams as well but like you I feel I would lose a lot flies in brush or trees using a 11 ft. rod.
Jason and I will be making a trip to the Smokies in late June to fish for the brook trout in some of the mountain stream there. David Knapp will be our guide, I am planning on carrying my 7 ft. and probably my 10 ft. I don't know if I can use it but I will have that option. Thanks for the comment
Bill it looks like you scored a real nice rod.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is double the length of the rod I use. Fishing big water it is necessary to have that extra reach.
Good luck with it.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI thought I was good with the fly rods that I have; but one who fishes is always on the hunt for more fishing stuff ha!!!! Thanks for sharing
All about the right tool for the job, and looks like you've found it. It's amazing (and perhaps disturbing) how "good" relatively inexpensive rods are these days. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a really nice piece of equipment.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry, I wouldn't use a tenkara rod in your situation either... they shine for chasing trout on blue lines in the mountains.
Michael
ReplyDeleteYes I think I found the sweet spot for the nymphing job to effectively high stick some of the areas on both tailraces I fish. I was amazed the distance I can get with this fly rod. In fact I can actually reach the other side of the Sipsey tailrace in places. Much better than having to wade ove moss covered rocks to place a fly.
Yes there are bargains out there if one will take the time to look.
Thanks for the comment
Bill, awesome way to begin the year. Looks like you may be on to something with the rod.
ReplyDeleteRalph
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to nymphing using the 10 ft. on the Sipsey once all the rain stops. Thanks for the comment.