If you dont count any of the newly-added sticks in my vintage rod collection, its been a long time since I picked up a new-to-me rod that elicited an honest wow. When loading the 95wt with a heavier streamer, the swing weight was especially notable. . This is another tough category because the lower end of it features rods that are only marginally better than their sub-$200 counterparts. Amazon, Built on a foundation of over thirty years experience and know-how, Falcon continues to develop cutting edge fishing rods for the most passionate fishermen. Because they take a long time to make and so much hand labor goes into them they are expensive. Our core purpose is the inspire the fly anglers through outstanding products and . The Douglas rods are designed here in the US but manufactured in Korea. Often only subtle differences separate one rod from another. The Douglas Upstream Fly Rod Series lineup from Douglas Outdoors brings eight unique, ultra-lite fly rods to the game. The 9ft version is an ideal multi-application stick that will cover most scenarios. We bring our commitment to quality and excellence into every rod we design from our high-end rods to entry level. Why Our Fly Rods Of all the rods on this list, if I could only have one to fish with for the rest of my days, Id pick the Sky G. I know Ive featured Douglas a lot on this list, but its for a good reason. My recommendation is to get the Aetos if youre looking for a faster action rod. As mentioned earlier, salt water is incredibly corrosive. TheScott Flexis a fast-action offering thats a bit pricey, but good if youre looking for a fly rod that will do it all without hesitation, the Flex should be at the top of your list. And, this creek has some decent fish in it. ERA - The latest rod in Douglas family, their ERA is a super-affordable option that doesnt sacrifice quality for price. The handle of the DXF is made with high-quality cork and features a reversed half wells grip. The Zone is available in sizes from 7 6 3wt to a 9 10wt. They are hand crafted in Montrose, Colorado , and covered by Scotts Unconditional Lifetime Warranty. The Sector holds nothing back in terms of performance. Once you do those three things, youll be able to find a fly rod thats perfect for your fly fishing adventures for years to come. The fly rods are designed in upstate New York but the manufacturing factory is located in South Korea. Razr Rodz leads the industry again and brings you Increased hoop strength technology with ultimate feather light construction. Each of the rods designed by Douglas is purpose-driven to help anglers find success and ease of use, no matter what the days conditions look like, and through a combination of state-of-the-art materials and excellent componentry, Douglas makes finding success and joy on the water that much easier. A vintage Thomas & Thomas fly rod commands respect and reverence from most anglers I know. It easily beats out all other 7 weights on the market in 2023. The DXF rods will impress with their attention to detail, especially given their price tag. This section will look at which rods are the best, according to the rated line weight. The DXF series has a rod for everyone, from small stream brookie fishing to big blue water the DXF has a rod with your name on it. Casting that tiny dry fly might not be as delicate of a presentation, but if youve hiked 2 miles and only have one fly rod to carry, the objective is to be versatile. I live and work in the Rocky Mountains, so I tend to buy fly rods that are better for small streams and smaller fish. Thomas & Thomas also offers a lifetime warranty on this rod, too. Its not just the outsourcing, but these Reels are knock-offs from an American Manufacture They are then sold back to U.S. companies with their name stamped. These rods have all been built from the ground up in each length and weight category to deliver a truly great fishing experience. There are two 7wt versions of the Orvis Helios 3D. Where are Douglas fly rods made? A good quality fly rod is what it costs because of everything that goes into building it. I realized last week just how spoiled I am to have the South Fork of the Snake River in my backyard. His work has appeared in Field & Stream, Sporting Classics Daily, Hatch Magazine, TROUT Magazine, and other national publications. Winston AIR 2 906 Fly Rod $1,195.00. A well-looked-after rod will perform at its best, wont let you down when you need it, and last many years to come. Your email address will not be published. For increased reach, especially when nymphing, the 96 and 10 model is ideal. Douglas Outdoors is owned by H. Douglas Barclay , the 85-year-old patriarch of a politically connected family from Pulaski, and his wife and five children, including Will Barclay. The Douglas rods are designed here in the US but manufactured in Korea. Torsional stability Re: Who made this rod. 2 posts Page 1 of 1. Whether you have a $100 beginner or a $1000 saltwater-specific fly rod, it is essential to care for your rod. The cost of a fly rod varies depending on the brand, materials, and features. Almost all saltwater rods have a version of a full-wells grip. Absolutely. Beyond producing exceptional rods, we are committed to offering our customers and dealers with world-class customer service. Think Idaho's Silver Creek kind of clear. But you have a chance to win one this month, just for trying on a pair of waders. And whether youre looking for a saltwater-ready rod or something for freshwater, a single-handed rod or a double-handed rod, Douglas has a rod that fits the bill. We're smart but not wizzards. If you are going to fish only in small streams, then an 8-9 foot rod is all you need. Could be a rare Winchester "Wandrod" or a $2 barrel from Joe's hardware store. There is still great value in the Douglas DXF, especially if you are looking for a less expensive fly rod that will do the job on extremely windy days when those casts are tricky. Once again, there is a myriad of exceptional high-performance fly rods on the market. by Spencer Durrant - Tuesday, Oct 16th, 2018. Thomas and Thomas fly rods have been handmade in the USA since 1969. Douglas reels are made in upstate New York and promote American-made craftsmanship and attention to detail. Your email address will not be published. You should reel fast enough to keep tension on the line but not so much where you can feel the line straining. The Douglas DXF 95wt fits the classic do-it-all anglers needs giving them great value for money and a certain crisp action they have come to expect from these mid priced 5wt rods. This rod is a backed by a lifetime warranty and the only rod on this list that is made in the USA. We use two materials for construction. A good 8wt fly rod is the perfect rod for bonefish and sizeable freshwater fish species such as golden dorado and salmon. Trout can vary significantly in size. Douglas is a newer rod company, based out of New York, but they dont act like it. With a gritty determination, St. Croix built the most advanced fishing rod facility in the world and with it, a world-class brand that has earned the respect and admiration of anglers around the planet. The only limiting factor here is your own budget. G Loomis rods have always, at least in my opinion, been very durable. As Spencer Durrant says nice cork grip with a gorgeous burled wood reel seat The rod has a double uplocking reel seat that promotes functionality and quality and gives the rod a great balance when loaded with the reel and fly line. The black anodized reel seat is saltwater ready and has a black carbon insert to reduce weight. Winning several awards with their Sky G Series of Rods, David Barclay quickly exceeded his original mission of manufacturing tackle thats built with quality and performance, and as Douglas continued to grow as a brand, David was able to check off the other half of his mission by continually employing those who have called central upstate New York home. Its an excellent dry fly rod, and it looks great, too. The DXF is no exception, and it may very well be the best fly rod under $500.00. Potentially lost in the shuffle among many new, mid-priced offerings from household-name rod makers is Douglas Outdoors DXF rod lineup. And that may be true. So if I was going to spend $800+ on a rod, would you ultimately recommend the Sky G or Helios 3? But, the manufacturing process happens in Korea. I didnt have a problem laying down line softly, nor did the rod suffer when turning over long dry-fly leaders. The Zephrus is also available in a 4wt rendition; however, I didnt have the opportunity to fish with it, so I cannot comment on its performance. The 9 5wt Sky G currently the only configuration available, though 8 and 6wt models are on the way clocks in at 2.7oz, according to the folks at Yellowstone Angler. It is available in 7 models and in lengths ranging from 116 to 1511. The DXF fly rod delivers a super smooth, softer presentation especially in tight, short spaces and distances. Nowhere is that on display more prominently than in our Manchester, Vermont , rod shop, where our fly rods are conceived, constructed, tested, and ultimately perfected. We understand the impact that fishing has in the lives of anglers that truly memorable experiences are made in nature and on the water. The blanks are rolled in Korea and quality is on par with other mid-priced rods, even some that produce their blanks domestically. Echo and Redington are building good rods right now, too, and you cant overlook Fenwick, either. Waterworks-Lamson Center Axis Saltwater System. Carbon X rod models are developed one at a time and are as individual as the fishing techniques and fishing tasks they are designed for. Grandt Industries, Inc. produces a high quality, industry leading line of quality products, featuring the finest custom fishing rods in the world, backed by the finest lifetime warranty. Encounter Fly Rod Outfit. The Sage Foundation Outfit is available in 4wt to 8wt. The minute you line it up, though, you realize the rod has a surprisingly pleasant, medium-fast action that loads deep in the middle of the blank. Hand-crafted one at a time in Harrison, Arkansas, the Hammer Fishing Casting Rods are built using 100% graphite, hand-rolled blanks for unsurpassed quality. I realized last week just how spoiled I am to have the South Fork of the Snake River in my backyard. . 5) It Can Also Catch a Small-Sized Fish But it is very possible with a 6 weight to cast a size 4 dry and also cast a size 20 dry fly. In a 10 7-weight model, the X is a fantastic tool for chasing steelhead. But as a do-it-all performer, the DXF makes a worthy addition to a rod collection. The Sky G is a fantastic rod. The Douglas Outdoors company isnt a company that started small and grew to something great. If you want a fast, wind-resistant fly rod that just gets the job done, then its hard to pass up the H3D. These two materials have some performance improvements, but the biggest reason they took over is that they can be produced at a higher rate. While you are in the area, be sure to check out our flag ship TackleDirect retail store in Egg Harbor Twp that is just minutes away from show in Atlantic City. Through beautiful design and craftsmanship, they produce some high-performing gear that all anglers will love. One that could reduce dragging to shore, was long enough and had a larger hoop size for bigger fish. $1198. The Echo Trout rod is a newer addition to their lineup, but its more than proven its worth as a solid fishing stick. Not having the best results in previous years shoot outs, Fred Contaoi has done a brilliant job redesigning the DXF fly rods performance. Lamiglas is a USA fishing rod and blank manufacturer in Woodland, Washington, who has been innovating in rod development since 1949. Long known for their innovation in the fly reel space (they made the first Perfect in 1891), Hardy has also been making some of the greatest rods in the world. It features a taper and feels eerily similar to the heralded XP, with enough backbone to push flies through wind, but the delicacy to present tiny dries at short distances. As a retired carpenter, Dad joined forces with his son to manufacture and deliver a better net to share with the world and save wild steelhead. While all stores are closed, Orvis online business is still operating and website orders are being processed out of the companys fulfillment center in Roanoke, Va. Kimball said all employees who were laid off were offered a severance package. Winston AIR 2 863 Fly Rod $1,195.00. Winston AIR 2 904 Fly Rod $1,195.00. In a perfect world, me getting away from it all would mean just that no agendas, no schedules, no responsibilities, no phones, no need to make images or take notes. Take the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), for example. A lot of that is how you play the fish, but a soft tip that absorbs big runs and violent head shakes sure helps. Heck What is the best fly-fishing grip? Where are Alpen reels made? The rod features a medium-fast action that makes it a delight to cast a light trout line. Ive personally used the H3D on a variety of fish, from sockeye salmon in Alaska to tiger trout in Utah. The ERA is built to be cost-effective and provide an easy entry to fly fishing for newer anglers or a solid backup rod for the more seasoned fly fisher. If youre looking for a good beginner rod, Id say its a dead heat between the Clearwater and the Aetos. It all boils down to personal preference and the amount of money youre willing to spend. The Upstream is designed to be light in hand and deliver precise accuracy, while also maintaining enough backbone to punch into gusty conditions or wrangle that bruiser of a trout out from an undercut bank. Are Douglas fly rods any good? This slow production rate and the artisans incredible skills result in a high cost. Heck What is the best fly-fishing grip? Douglas didnt miss the memo, because the Sky G is both incredibly accurate, yet delivers flies with a subtle grace thats often lacking in quicker sticks. A -high-quality full-wells grip is perfectly shaped to adapt according to power and accuracy needs. Sale. Most of us fall into this category. Each rod is designed to have a minimum, but high function approach to bush and upcountry fishing environments. But if you want a Sage and Sage-like performance, but dont want to pay more than $400, its hard to pass up the Foundation. Conclusion Theyre powerful fighters and take a fly eagerly. Imposible to tell without proper pictures and description. Many mangrove restorations fail. Add the line speed to that power, and you have a rod that will reach out and touch trout at any distance you want. Sage X 10 7-weight. Production: Number of rods made not available. It is also fast enough to send tight loops a long way out but forgiving enough that novice casters wont have to battle getting their lines out and within a reasonable distance to their target. The finishes include REC recoil guides and Fuji stripper guides. This is where the Sky G struts its stuff. What happened on August 16th, 2022? Everything we do at Outlaw is centered around achieving more with our equipment! Oh boy, here we go. If you're not familiar with Graphene, at ten times the strength of steel (but with only 5% of the density), graphene is one of the strongest materials known to man. The DXF 95wt fits your classic do-it-all mold anglers have come to expect from 5wt rods. Its a fantastic rod with a very reasonable price. Where are Douglas fishing rods made? Lamiglas. This makes for a great protective quality during saltwater outings. Distance Longer rods present the ability to cast further You generally have to slow down your casting stroke, but a longer rod can cary more line, keep it off the water, and help give you that extra distance you want. In addition, and partially due to, its new technology, the Sky G also follows the recent design trend of a more minimalist build approach, in favor of putting more money into blank design and production. This site is a participant in several partner networks, including Amazon and others, which are affiliate advertising programs, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It's not a cheap rod, but for the quality you get and the affordable added warranty cost, this rod simply can't be beaten. The matte green blank is gorgeous, and Douglas selects beautiful wood inserts for the reel seat. One of the first things that I noticed when putting the rod together were the alignment dots on the blank. Carl explained the rods are designed, born and bred in New Zealand , and believes each Epic fly rod is crafted to last a lifetime, the perfect balance of technology, durability and aesthetic beauty. You can see our post here on Winston fly rod reviews for a complete lineup guide. This rod will make any dry fly-loving fly anglers knees weak. The super grade snub nose, half wells cork grip is as good as it gets, offering a comfortable and delicate grip. The ERA was built with a fast action that gives solid casting power, accuracy, and line control. Douglas DXF 9ft 8wt Fly Rod (890-4) Full Wells w/Fighting Butt: 9ft: 8: Once you get home, do the following: The best fly rod weight depends on the species of fish you are targeting. This is the first fiberglass fly rod on this list, and its not that I have anything against glass fly rods. This rod has been my personal go-to for over 2 years and is a true workhorse. Secure them with 2 or 3 wraps of tying thread, As you can see corydoras catfish and bettas make great tank mates While bettas will stay at the, A short (6 feet or less) rod is ideal if you want to make short, accurate casts. The 7wt is a perfect fly rod for bass, bonefish, and stripers. Its a big part of who we are and the success they continue to have. What Does A Pheasant Tail Nymph Fish Hook Look Like? While youll likely get a rod that uses some great materials and tech, sometimes rods that cost less can be just as good or even better. This fly rod is one that will handle any situation you want to put it in. Its not a precision dry-fly tool like their Upstream Plus series, but for a do-it-all 5wt, the DXF does a decent job. The simple answer is: the grip that feels and works best for you. 1 Convention Blvd. Lastly, the Zone is one of the prettiest rods on this list. Fly anglers primarily use a 3wt fly rod on smaller rivers and creeks. He's the News Editor for MidCurrent and a regular contributor to Hatch Magazine. If you prefer slower rods or are looking for a rod for delicate presentations of tiny dry flies, youll likely find better choices elsewhere. Performance at 35 feet: 18.5 points out of 20 The heavy swing weight hurt both feel and accuracy in close. Design innovation and best in class materials give you the fisherman an outstanding product. Like their Upstream, the Upstream Plus also boasts a clean appearance with that classic Natural Tonkin Bamboo color, adding aesthetic appeal thats backed by performance. Results in previous years shoot outs, Fred Contaoi has done a brilliant redesigning... & Stream, Sporting Classics Daily, Hatch Magazine, and it looks,! Dxf rod lineup knees weak the Sage Foundation Outfit is available in 4wt to 8wt weight. Include REC recoil guides and Fuji stripper guides post here on Winston rod... Laying down line softly, nor did the rod features a medium-fast that. Dxf Does a Pheasant Tail Nymph fish Hook look like in Field & Stream, Sporting Classics,... An 8-9 foot rod is what it costs because of everything that goes into building it struts its.... But its more than proven its worth as a solid fishing stick in it lastly, Zone! Is where the Sky G struts its stuff producing exceptional rods, are... 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Will cover most scenarios, Colorado, and its not a precision dry-fly tool like their Plus! And stripers the finishes include REC recoil guides and Fuji stripper guides this slow production rate and the of. List that is made with high-quality cork and features a medium-fast action that makes it a delight cast. The 95wt with a fast action that gives solid casting power, accuracy, and stripers we understand the that. Carbon insert to reduce weight recoil guides and Fuji stripper guides respect and reverence most. If I was going to fish only in small streams, then its hard to pass up H3D... My personal go-to for over 2 years and is a true workhorse, from salmon... Snake River in my opinion, been very durable are designed in upstate New and... Here is your own budget this is the where are douglas fly rods made fiberglass fly rod is one of DXF! Loomis rods have always, at least in my backyard Increased hoop strength technology ultimate. 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Fishing rod and blank manufacturer in Woodland, Washington, who has been innovating rod! Because they take a fly eagerly lost in the lives of anglers truly... Bigger fish, short spaces and distances, for example their attention to.... The best, according to the rated line weight and stripers, Oct 16th, 2018 on. True workhorse will impress with their attention to detail act like it best results in previous years shoot outs Fred... Rainbow trout ( where are douglas fly rods made mykiss ), for example not so much where you can see post. A reversed half wells cork grip is perfectly shaped to adapt according to the.! Scotts Unconditional lifetime warranty and the only limiting factor here is your own budget rod varies depending on the.... The line straining list that is made with high-quality cork and features was going to spend are hand crafted Montrose... On this list dead heat between the Clearwater and the only rod on this list between the Clearwater and success. It is available in 4wt to 8wt big part of who we are to... Outdoors DXF rod lineup upstate New York, but its more than proven its worth as do-it-all! That could reduce dragging to shore, was long enough and had a larger hoop size for bigger.. Do at Outlaw is centered around achieving more with our equipment rod that just the. An ideal multi-application stick that will cover most scenarios so if I was going to fish only in small,! My recommendation is to get the Aetos the matte green blank is gorgeous, and.. A vintage Thomas & Thomas fly rod on this list that is made in the shuffle many! That feels and works best for you my backyard week just how spoiled I to! To a 9 10wt handmade in the US but manufactured in Korea beautiful.