One of my favorite things to do at fishing expos is to see fly rods I’ve only seen online or heard about on social media. Every once in a while, a company will even reveal a product in development at these events. Better than wiggling them or getting a sales rep’s elevator speech is actually lining them up and casting them myself.
When casting these rods, the first and most obvious observation is how the rod casts. Then, I like to think about how close the rod fits its stated description. Also, I consider what situations the rod might best be used for, or, the angler who would most appreciate such gear.
I was able to go hands-on with a number of new fly rods at The Fly Fishing Show this winter. Big, established companies and newer, smaller labels both had some impressive offerings. These three stood out to me:
REDINGTON BIG GAME
I was excited to cast the 8’3″ models within Redington’s new Big Game series of fly rods. Cutting off nine inches may not seem like a lot, but the shorter length assists when imparting action on streamers and surface flies. The 7-weight picked line up at distance with ease. The fast action will excel at loading a back cast and then laying down big fly presentations. This is a rod I could see using from a canoe, probing weed beds and overhanging branches for warmwater fish.
WHUFF ROD CO. FISH WHISTLE
The Fish Whistle is Whuff’s 9′ 6-weight. The rod is listed as medium-fast, but exists on the softer side of that spectrum when casting a well-matched line at 30′-plus. This makes for a great casting experience. From dries on larger trout rivers to smallmouth streamers, the Fish Whistle would perform admirably. With the fighting butt and saltwater-safe hardware, Whuff made a great lightweight estuary rod. And challenging hard fighting fish shouldn’t scare you, as a spare tip is included.
WICKED FLY ORIGIN SERIES
I love a quick rod with a delicate tip for small streams. At 7’6″, this 3-weight is ideal for small creeks of all kinds. Although a whippy rod seems like a fun way to catch the denizens of diminutive creeks, it isn’t going to be the most effective or efficient casting tool. The Origin from Wicked Fly can send a cast right where you need it to go with its fast action. At the same time, the rod is light in hand and and sensitive where it matters most: protecting tippet and making delicate presentations to environment-aware trout.