24/07/2019
Just a note on rods. If you haven’t had the chance to fish some of the Scott rods, you owe yourself to give them a try. Here’s why - They are FISHING rods. Too many rods perform well only at distance. Thus you have to overline them (some fly lines are even made heavier to account for this), or you fish them tighter with “less” feel. This, in turn, will make accuracy suffer. Unless you are fishing lakes or Salt, there are very few instances where you have to fish distances further than 40 feet. Why not get a rod that allows you maximum feel at “fishing” distances? The Scott Radian series has great line speed, tons of “feel”, and, as a bonus, are up there with the very best at distance. They can handle extra weight (in appropriate line class) to manage droppers and heavy streamers; even in the wind. It’s a great choice for Western rivers.
The G series from Scott is one of my favourites. Again, they are a slower more progressive action, that allows for extreme accuracy at fishing distances, and are a pleasure to cast. The 885 G is a standout.
When trying out a perspective rod at your fly shop, take a bunch out, and cast them at the distance at which you will be fishing. Your casting stroke (powerful, or relaxed), will help you choose which works best for you; but keep in mind how, what and where you’ll be using the rod. As you move up the food chain (in price), you’ll get fancier reel seats and uber technical guides etc. Ask yourself if this is important to you. It’s true that the premium rods may be better, but the incremental benefits might not be value added for you. The Flex series by Scott are GREAT rods, and what I use as “boat” rods for the majority of my clients. They are priced well, and are so close to the “premium” rods that lots of people prefer them; freeing up extra cash to go fishing (which in the end is the most important).
Remember that the vast majority of the rods available today are way more technologically advanced than any of the rods from years past. Thus, arguably, “better” on paper. But who cares? Fish what feels best to YOU, and what works best for your situations. Most importantly-The rod will NEVER make the angler.