Fly

UNDER $300 A ECHO RIVER GLASS

While graphite and fibreglass rods differ greatly, the choice is yours to make and what makes you content on the water. If you prefer fibreglass rods, however, Echo offers its new River Glass series that come in various lengths to cover an array of freshwater fisheries. Six two- or three-piece models are available and some notable features include chrome snake guides and cork reel seats. The rods also include a fabric-covered square rod case and sock. The rods are offered in lengths including 6’9,” 7’,4” 8’0” or 8’4” and rod weights range from 2.4 - 3.4 oz. All rods are also medium-fast and have line weights from 2 – 5. MSRP: $249.99 www.echoflyfishing.com

B ORVIS CLEARWATER SERIES

While it would take several editorial pages to describe all the fine details of the 27 rods that have been redesigned in Orvis’ Clearwater series for 2019, what we can say is the rods are designed with a specific preference and action that covers a range of skills and anglers – from novices just starting out to those experienced veterans going after big saltwater game fish. While Orvis says the Clearwater series now consists of 10 freshwater, nine big game and eight two-handed rods, each feature black chrome blanks with white accents for a stylish profile, chrome snake and stripping guides with ceramic inserts, plus black nickel aluminum reel seats. Choose from 27, four-piece models that are available in line weights from 3 – 10 and lengths that range from 7’6” – 15.’ Price: $229.00 – $398.00 USD www.orvis.com

UNDER $300 C REDINGTON BUTTER STICK

A slow action fibreglass rod, which makes it ideal for short, accurate casts in smaller streams or rivers, the Butter Stick is all-new for 2019 and comes in six models ranging in line weights from 1 – 5 as well as the heavier 6 and 8 models. While Redington’s T-glass construction and Heritage Tapers are the backbone of the blanks, the lighter rods feature all cork handles with slide rings and the 6 - 8 models are salt-water ready with anodized aluminum reel seats plus an increased butt section to easily handle larger fish. The Butter Stick is also a three-piece rod and comes with a Cordura tube with dividers. The Butter Stick Rods are available in rod weights ranging from 1.9 - 4.8 oz. and lengths include 5’9,” 6’0,” 7’0” 7’6,” and 8.’ MSRP: $249.99 – $279.99 USD www.redington.com

D ST. CROIX MOJO TROUT

St. Croix’s Mojo Trout fly rod has turned many heads since its introduction and even garnered attention at 2018 ICAST after earning the Best of Category – Fly Fishing Rod award. With an arsenal of 11 models, the Mojo Trout rods are built using high-modulus SCIII graphite finished with two coats of Flex-coat slow cure finish. Available in two and four-piece models, each have slim-profile ferrules and some nice touches include Kigan Master Hand 3D stripper guides with aluminum-oxide rings and black frames, Sea Guide snake guides with black PVD coating for added hardness and smoothness, plus an up-locking, machined-aluminum reel seat. A premium-grade cork handle and Kigan hook keeper are also featured. 11 medium-fast action rods range in length from 6’0” to 9’0” and are available in 2-7 line wt. MSRP: $180.00 - $210.00 USD www.st.croixrods.com

UNDER $500 PIEROWAY RODS ELEMENT SPEY SERIES E

Calgary, Alberta--based Pieroway Rods offers its Element series for 2019 and consists of a wide variety of rods, each specifically designed to meet various preferences and styles whether you’re fishing for steelhead, trout, or salmon, in fresh or saltwater. Based on metallic copper blanks, the deep medium-action rods are designed to be versatile and easy to cast thanks to the extra lengths, which also make them very forgiving for various skill levels. Function aside, the rods also look good with stylish trim, attractive wood reel seats plus a series of strong SIC guides. Five models come in lengths from 10’6” – 14’ and rod weights from 4 7/8 – 8 ¾ oz. The rods are also available in line weights from 5-8. Price: $419.00-495.00 CDN www.pierowayrods.com