Monthly Archives: October 2011

G-Loomis Pro 4X Fly Rod Review

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We recently had a chance to play with G-Loomis newest rod, the Pro 4X.  Building on the success of the new NRX series, this mid priced rod also utilizes some Nano Technology.  The bottom 3 sections utilize Loomis GL3 technology while the tip section uses the same technology as the NRX.  We were curious to see how this translated to the cast, but starting at a price of $300-$350, we were all ears.

This rod is not as fast as the premium rods we sell and fish, but can still deliver the fly accurately at distance.  They are lightweight and accurate.  We had a chance to cast an 8′ 3wt and a 9′ 5wt.  The 8′ 3wt would be an ideal rod for fishing the small streams in Arizona.  It had no issues throwing the weight of a small indicator rig and was really fun to cast to dries.  Distance is not a concern when fishing small streams, but the 3wt could still get the line out there although there is a little better timing and slower casting stroke required.  We were very surprised how much line we could get out on the 9′ 5wt. 

Overall we were very impressed with this new offering from Loomis especially considering the price.  If you are just getting into the sport wanting a quality product that you will not outgrow or if you are looking for a great small stream rod without breaking the bank, check out the new Pro 4X.

Sage One Fly Rod Review by Kyle Bourassa

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This year I decided that I needed a new bonefish rod for Belize. There were a few new rods out on the market that I was deciding from, but in the end I decided to go with the Sage One. When I got the rod I was surprised how light it was, and how small the diameter of the rod blank was. With the new Konnetic technology Sage was able to make to make the new One Rod 25 percent lighter. When I first strung up the rod to cast it, I was surprised how much power the rod had.
 
When I got out to the first flat I strung up my new rod, and went out in search in of bonefish. I was surprised on how it could turn over my 14 foot leader with a heavy bone fish fly in the wind. After hooking a few fish, I found that the rod was great at controlling the fish after they made there runs. The rod excelled more at delivering the fly where wanted it to go. I let some of the guys I was fishing with try it out, and they all agreed that it was one of the best rods that they have fished.

Galvan Rush Light Fly Reel Review

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The Galvan Rush is not a new reel to the fly fishing market, it has been a workhorse in the Galvan lineup for years.  They have updated the Rush for 2012 which features a nice reduction in weight.  The weight reduction was achieved by designing a more basic spool with an opened up lighter frame.  We like the reduction in weight, but are glad Galvan did not go overboard with it.  Galvan’s have never been the lightest reels out there, but they have always been a very durable reel.  This does not seem to have changed.

The compression disc drag is unchanged and still delivers.  It is saltwater safe, corrosion resistant and has a very low start-up inertia.  The spool also comes off very easily with a push button release with no tools required. 

The Rush is listed as a large arbor and today many large arbor reels we see, have gone too far, making it difficult to fit backing and a full fly line on the reel.  The Rush really is more of a mid arbor and the spool is also wide enough to fit ample backing and fly line. 

In closing the Rush Light is one of the best values around starting at $220.  We cannot think of another reel that is Made in the USA at this price point that delivers as much as the Rush Light.  This reel will continue to be a workhorse for us for years to come.

Fishpond Dakota Bag Review

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Since the dawn of the TSA and improved airport security we have received many questions on what is the best way to travel with fishing gear.  The Dakota carry on bag from Fishpond has answered many of these questions for us.  It gives you the ability to carry on all your rods and reels as well as giving storage for terminal tackle.  We feel much better having the most expensive part of our arsenal on our person at all times.

The Dakota will fit up to 6, 9′ 4 piece fly rods in rod socks, safely and securely.  This really is much easier than trying to strap bulky aluminum tubes to other pieces of gear or having an oversized PVC tube that is a pain to lug around. 

 The other side of the case features 3 velcro dividers which create 4 compartments for reel storage.  This will accommodate 6-8 reels depending on size of reels.  Fly Boxes could also be stored here.  Flies are technically approved by the TSA to carry on, however we have heard of some isolated incidents of flies being lost, so beware.  The bag also has a zippered 3 compartment storage for terminal tackle such as leaders, tippets, indicators, etc.

The only downfall we have found with this bag is, it does not have a waterproof or water resistant bottom making it a poor choice for a boat bag.  However for its intended use a carry on for your most expensive gear, rods and reels, we think this bag will solve many of the challenges of modern air travel.