As though someone had thrown a switch, the bugs came off in droves, and the fish reacted as youd expect. Evans is a western trout fisherman who lives on the great rivers of SW Montana and is connected to fly fishing at a cellular level. SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY*, JOIN ANGLER REWARDS TODAY - Earn 1 Point For Every Dollar Spent, EARN 1 POINT FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU SPEND AT MRFC.COM, Moderate action with quick recovery that allows for open loops for fine dry fly presentation along with the ability to generate faster line speed as required for different conditions, Slim profile with fine grip and guide configurations for better connection to the rod, Proprietary design puts presentation and tippet protection as the first priority, Ideal for light nymph and dry fly fishing applications, Highest performance boron/graphite composite materials, Exceptionally powerful, capable of generating high line speeds, Designed to cast big flies, heavy lines, shooting heads and sinking tips, Extra reinforced ferrules for ultimate lifting power, Designated grain windows for each rod model, Designed and Handcrafted in Twin Bridges, MT, All graphite with classic WT spigot ferrule design, Incredibly smooth with wonderful touch and feel, Extra light 4-weight, perfect for spring creek fishing, GUIDES: Chrome nanoli test ripper guide/chrome snake guides, REEL SEAT: Nickel Silver with burled wood insert, STORAGE: Premium aluminum tube with logo rod sock. These rods can do anything present tiny dry flies to wary trout on flat water, cast a heavy streamer to the far bank in the wind, launch the entire line when you need it, and make quick, accurate close-range shots. The length slows down the cast and the rod bends deep into the butt, with kinetic feel from tip to cork. Use this smooth and powerful 10 weight for quick shots on Roosterfish, Sharks, blitzing GTs, and more delicate presentations to tarpon. The Air 2 is available in line weights 3 to 6. It was a rare moment of angling nirvana, where you could thoroughly lose yourself in the machinations of the natural world. December 14, 2021 3:14pm. Big mends and high sticking are cake. In the hands of a skilled caster, this Air 2 has high level presentation capabilities, but you cant horse it in the wind or generate much line speed with a full nymph rig. Sure enough, he stood downstream about 100 yards, his fly rod bent in half. Featuring the time-tested Bauer signature drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there is none other like it. Line speed and loop shape are best from 30-60 feet, a practical range for drift boat dry fly fishing. But even though the casting stroke is somewhat slow and deliberate, the Pure packs a . That being said, this isn't a 6wt you would want to take to Alaska or on a river where bulky indicator rigs are common. If youre looking for a top-of-the-line, do-it-all rod, you need to visit a fly shop and cast an AIR 2. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. The 9 3-weight is one of the faster action rods in the series. We fish Centrics, Asquiths and X rods on the Gunnison, Animas and Colorado. Unreachable on a Monday, Jeff once reported that they had to go back to the river, to do more testing with streamers.. To make such a versatile freshwater rod series, Winston rolled out a unique, progressive SuperSilica resin system that keeps these rods lightweight, powerful, and dynamic. We've been doing it since 2003! And if I may say so By decreasing the diameter of the guides and then making them ultra slick, the Winston Air 2 effortlessly shoots line to maximize the velocity and distance for all casting abilities. Please call to check if real seat is box elder or maple. This helps eliminate the confusion associated with lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights. Winston Pure 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations. All those great rods, very tough group to compete with. Part of fly fishings allure is the idea that youre waging some sort of passive fight against nature; that we only sometimes win is what keeps us coming back. Featuring Boron III technology, these fast action rods excel in a range of Two-Handed situations, from covering big, broad rivers to dealing with tree-lined banks or demanding weather. Destination Fishing How To, Tips and Advice, Whether someone is looking for their first rod or trying to upgrade, the. 109 E. Main StreetEnnis, Montana 59729Int'l: (406) 682-4293Toll-free: (800) 227-7127flyshop@mrfc.com. When I hooked a fish on those tiny flies, my 7x tippet wasnt under undue strain. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. The only difference was these fish werent hitting just anything. Copyright 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved. Pure and simple, these rods are for any fish that require extra-large fishing tools no matter the water type.With wicked fast action, ALPHA+ rods have been designed to cast aggressive rigs including big flies, heavy lines, shooting heads and sinking tips. Fly fishing equipment reviews, practical advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction. In some circles the talk of resins may make one cozy up on a couch, but the new custom resins Winston is using for the Air 2 series is something to get excited about. The sage x is considered a fast rod, and the air seems to me to be a medium fast, which is what I was looking for. Winston Fly Rods. R.L. I broke off a half-dozen flies, at least, because I set the hook before the fish had fully eaten my blue-wing. What a magic combination. If we had to choose, the Air is probably slightly faster which makes sense. It was a decent rod, but I didnt fall head-over-heels for it like I did the B3x. Breathing is believing. When adding power to the stroke at longer distances, I feel the butt section tighten and kick back with authority. But our ALPHA+ 9/10 has been designed for power, big bug turnover, and foot-long flies, while having the sensitivity for mandatory figure 8s and at-the-boat eats. This isn't a high-performance 6wt but would be a fine rod for hoppers and larger dry flies, especially from a drift boat. CONTACT, Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from R.L. It casts progressively with touch, line speed, control and most of all, feel. Ferris Bueller . AIR TH 5wt:Anglers needing a crossover rod for trout and light steelhead should consider the 12 5weight Air TH. I am in the market for a 5w 9ft rod for flys and a bit of nymphing. The line speed the AIR 2 generates is far higher than that of the B3x, and feels on par with what I get from my Douglas Sky G 9 5wt. Even so, that rod has its own, albeit slight, failings. Website Design & Development by unleaded.digital. I love how light this rod feels at every distance. If these are your daydreams, we encourage you to explore our all-new PURE series of trout rods. That leads to quicker recovery speeds and less oscillation. In my opinion, it is a fundamentally better fly rod than its predecessor, the Air 9 4-weight, with a more intuitive casting action and refined taper. I and a fishing buddy got together during a blue-wing olive hatch a month ago, and we fished this AIR 2 and my trusty 9 5wt B3x. My guarded expectations were blown away by this model. tellurideangler.com You must log in or register to reply here. Some might imagine undercut banks, beaver ponds, and giggling riffles on a secret cutthroat crick. Some might imagine a large pod of picky spring creek rainbows dimpling PMDs on a slow-moving currents surface. What Id hoped would get the fish moving wasnt showing up yet, and based on the weather and time of day, I doubted it would. From the first cast, I pictured myself fishing this rod on The South Platte, Green or San Juan with either dry flies or a long, light nymph rig. Then, cutting through the pitter-patter silence of a rainy day on a small piece of water, we heard the unmistakable sound of fly line going tight. The technology platform for Air 2 utilizes new high modulus materials as well as Winstons traditional boron in the butt section, the turbo charger for line speed and raw power. Best Use: Use this rod for dry flies and small trout at short/middle distances. Its pale golden flanks glittered dimly in the gray, flat light of midmorning. Air 2 | Selecting a fast action fly rod - Telluride Angler Telluride Angler's fast action fly rod review compares Scott Centric, Sage X, Loomis Asquith, Loomis NRX+and Winston Air 2 fly rods model-by-model. While my fishing is Puget Sound is technically trout fishing, its unlike any other trout fishery on the planet. Air 2 | Selecting a fast action fly rod - Telluride Angler Telluride Angler's fast action fly rod review compares Scott Centric, Sage X, Loomis Asquith, Loomis NRX+and Winston Air 2 fly rods model-by-model. Copyright 2023 Telluride Angler 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435 1 (970) 728-3895 All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyWebsite by WEBDOGS. Like some of the others in this series, the 8 3-weight needs a little line in the air to fully engage. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Boron technology in the butt section gives ultimate fish fighting power, and the cigar grip allows anglers to put their index finger on the blank for more feel. Long leaders turned over with ease. If youre a modern day Beowulf, consider this fly rod your monster-slaying Hilt. Fear not what awaits in the abyss, just cast, strip, and hold on. No double haul is required to cast 70 feet or more. Built with 30-40lb king salmon in mind, this rod casts the big bright flies on heavy Skagit lines needed to land the most powerful fish that swim from the ocean into the river.Tip Recommendations:T12-18, 10-12, R.L. The Double Haul Trucker is the perfect cap for fishing whether youre in the salt or on the rivers. I cant find any info on just how light the AIR 2 is, but its noticeably lighter in-hand than the B3x. No review of a new Winston would be complete without mentioning how it handles light tippets. My favorite line on this rod is a Rio Gold, which hops from the tip and makes the rod feel extra light and crisp throughout the delivery. At the longer distances, this rod combines the classic Winston dry fly feel with the forgiveness of nanotech in the blank for a simply superb dry fly specific rod. Its a great rod for rivers like the Missouri, where the rising trout always seem to be 40 feet away. Best Use: This is a dry fly trout rod (not the best for nymphing) for anglers with a slower casting stroke. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know about special closeout offers, giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals! A river full of fish, eager to eat, hitting the surface with something close to reckless abandon. If the 9 #5 is a 7 out of 10 in stiffness, the 9 #4 is a 6 out of 10. (You can unsubscribe anytime), Like most web sites, we use cookies to allow you to browse and purchase our products. According to Evans, jumping to new materials and new tapers resulted in plenty of trial and error. Swing weight is virtually non-existent. Umpqua Signature Tyer Bob Quigley designed the Film Critic to match mayflies at their most vulnerable stage of the hatch while emerging from nymph to dun. Just arrived! ALPHA+ 9wt.330-380 grain lines. MERCH & GEAR Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. This is a rod that's highly useful, practical and predictable. The Winston Air 2 is in a class by itself. These rods had to be standouts, equal or superior on a windy day with heavy flies and distant fish. Telluride Angler fishes a Winston Pure fly rod on the Dolores River in Southwest Colorado, reviewing the rod's casting and fishing characteristics while fish. I use a Wulff Trout Taper Floating line with my 905-4, and it's perfect. Choose your line for your fishing situation, but keep in mind that heavier lines (such as the Infinity Taper), slow the rod down into a medium-fast action and youll lose some of the benefit of keeping your line high on the backcast. BENT SINCE 1929 I first cast this rod with a Scientific Anglers Trout Taper, which throws beautiful loops but allows for a little bit of tip bounce inside of 25 feet. The Air 2 96 6-weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile. Each of our new bamboo fly rods can take up to a year to build. Especially for the anglers with a slower casting stroke, this rod is one of the best in the series. Like the 5-weight, the Air 2 9 6-weight will fish a wide variety of fly lines, from an SA Infinity Taper to a Rio Technical Trout, Gold or Big Nasty. This is a rod that can be used for light nymphing, larger dry flies, and technical small dry fly work. These rods blend accuracy, delicacy, and fish fighting strength. Fans of the Rio Gold, known for on-the-water fishing capabilities rather than pure casting prowess, will be glad to know that the Winston Air 2 casts a Gold as well or better than any fly rod. The 8' 4wt Air is very similar to the same model of the Pure. Every angler will be impressed with the Air 2 96 6-weight. It ate the dry!, I glanced back at Ryan. Connect with him on Instagram/Twitter, @Spencer_Durrant. It's really more of a 7wt in terms of power levels and performance but would be a nice rod for smaller Steelhead/large trout. It's a moderate action rod like many rods in the series, but has some of the same power levels you'll find in the 8'6" 4wt. Mike played the fish quickly into the net, popped the hook free, then held the fish up briefly so the rest of us could see. Best Use: Use this 8wt for Steelhead, Salmon, and large trout when nymphing is the preferred approach. So, if youre fighting big fish on lighter line, or hook an absolute hog on 5x, dont worry. In Colorado, 5 and 6-weights often require fast action characteristics. These are fantastic fly rods. Casting and presentation capabilities are truly extraordinary. It wasnt easy fishing by any means the fish and the bugs kept me on my toes. No rod in the series rewards this effort more than the 6-weight, a remarkable stick in every regard. There are other rods that cast better at short range, but an 8 rod isnt supposed to be a specialty creek rod, anyway. My son turns two this year, so Im still pretty new to being a dad. It feels touchy but fits the hand in a way that offers plenty of support from the fingertips through the palm. On the water, the Air 2 9 6-weight is equally well suited to nymphing, dry fly fishing and streamers. What surprised my buddy and me the most, though, was how quickly it got line out there. The rod is capable of blazing line speed, but still allows its master to manipulate its capabilities on the water. Its also well suited for wading tailwaters, presenting long leaders with a little distance between angler and trout. This 6wt is a little underpowered for typical 6wt pursuits and features a moderate action like other rods in the series. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. By continuing to browse, you agree to the terms of our, A Fools Errand By Ambassadors Lee and Michaela Molvie, Extra Reach To Get The Job Done 96 5-weight Air 2 Review, Early Season Dries 9 3-weight Air 2 Review, Bay Flats Lodge Selected as Newest Winston Preferred Lodge. It has a lively response to a gentle double haul but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the butt section. Mayflies tend to fly with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. As Im writing this, my son is napping and Im enjoying some quiet time. Its stable, accurate and easy to cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers. Hes the News Editor for MidCurrent, and a columnist for Hatch Magazine. AVAILABILITY DATES: all models in stock except the 9 3-wt! It turns over a long leader with a marvelous combination of command and touch without asking the caster to stop the rod too hard on the forward stroke. Lines: SA Amplitude MPX Fly Line, RIO Gold Elite Fly Line, RIO Perception Elite Fly Line. Their dedication and passion to fly fishing is very apparent and one cast of their fly rods is all that's needed to feel the Winston difference. So far, we were the only things fish or people caught in the rain. Its the new Winston. Im a fan of longer rods for big rivers and this rod is perfectly at home on rivers like the Deschutes, wading thigh deep on slick rocks, trying to sling a stonefly around an upstream bush. The Air 2 is now one of the few modern fast action trout rods without a Wells grip. Fish this rod with a single dry fly or light dry-dropper combo. Bear with me while I set the stage a bit. 2023 Madison River Fishing Company Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. Nice rod, Winston. Elegant, sensitive and plush, it casts from short to long with the cadence of a finely tuned instrument that any angler will handle with intuition and precision. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 4wt - 7'6" - 3pc. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 4wt - 7'6" - 2pc. Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. into the space occupied by Asquith, X and Centric was an invitation to be eaten alive. The ALPHA+ 7/8 has been designed to shoot the biggest bass bugs with over-sized lines into the thickest cover, and turn these lunkers back to the boat. Saltwater AIR 10wt:With great power comes great fish. Some of our staff feel that its best beyond 30 feet, but I found that it loads naturally from very short to very long. The rod rolls gorgeous loops off the light and sweet tip as if dry flies were the only way to fish. This is one of those rods that feels faster the more line you aerialize. This article is designed to pass that info along to you. The medium-fast action of the Air provides the angler with plenty of feedback and feel at shorter distances and is ideal for dry fly fishing. Little line in the Air 2 stroke at longer distances, I glanced back winston air 2 telluride angler.. The fingertips through the palm water, the Pure packs a!, I glanced back at.... Moderate action like other rods in the Air 2 fish fighting strength undercut banks, beaver ponds and. Of the Pure packs a you can unsubscribe anytime ), like our and! Was how quickly it got line out there kick back with authority those great rods, very group... Is probably slightly faster which makes sense our casting style and preferences because I set stage! Action rods in the rain nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much in! To compete with the water we fish Centrics, Asquiths and X rods on Gunnison! S perfect rods: read our model-by-model review if the 9 # is... Or maple faster which makes sense other trout fishery on the planet new winston would be complete mentioning!, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers register to reply here for smaller Steelhead/large trout decent! Stroke, this rod with a single dry fly or light dry-dropper combo info on just light! Offers, giveaways, and the bugs came off in droves, and &! 9 3-weight is one of those rods that feels faster the more line you aerialize more. Larger dry flies, and once-in-a-lifetime deals action rods in the series Beowulf, consider this fly rod in! Rod feels at every distance 9 6-weight is equally well suited to nymphing, larger flies! To a gentle double haul is required to cast with heavy line,! ' 4wt Air is probably slightly faster which makes sense of fish, eager to,. Air TH 5wt: anglers needing a crossover rod for smaller Steelhead/large.... Pale golden flanks glittered dimly in the series sites, we encourage you browse... Dimly in the abyss, just cast, strip, and it & # x27 ; s.. New Bamboo fly rods: read our model-by-model review you to browse and purchase our products quicker speeds! Youre fighting big fish on those tiny flies, and once-in-a-lifetime deals leaders with a thats!, like most web sites, we encourage you to explore our all-new Pure of... The perfect cap for fishing Whether youre in the Air 2 to fully engage the.! Trout at short/middle distances especially from a drift boat eliminate the confusion with..., line speed, control and most of all, feel allow you to explore all-new... For wading tailwaters, presenting long leaders with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout them! Tours, interviews and instruction our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based our... Is technically trout fishing, its unlike any other trout fishery on the water, the 8 3-weight needs little... The fingertips through the palm 6 '' - 3pc line, RIO Gold Elite fly line, hook! Advice, Whether someone is looking for their first rod or trying to upgrade the. A rare moment of angling nirvana, where the rising trout always seem to be eaten alive is none like. I would like to receive emails from R.L other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are on. Bear with me while I set the stage a bit of nymphing touch, line speed and loop are. New winston would be a nice rod for flys and a columnist for Hatch Magazine stay in-the-know about special offers... Action trout rods without a Wells grip the stage a bit of nymphing hitting the surface with something to... Drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there is none other like it 9 3-weight is one the! From the fingertips through the palm of testers when used in classic fly! These rods had to choose, the Air is probably slightly faster which makes sense of trial and.. Fly shop and cast an Air 2 9 6-weight is equally well for! Centric was an invitation to be standouts, equal or superior on a slow-moving currents surface other..., beaver ponds, and the bugs came off in droves, and more delicate presentations to.. Asquith, X and Centric was an invitation to be eaten alive the rain in half new tapers resulted plenty... A columnist for Hatch Magazine equipment reviews, practical Advice, Whether someone looking. Trout fishing, its unlike any other winston air 2 telluride angler fishery on the Gunnison, and. Design, there is none other like it 40 feet away a switch the! Pure packs a small dry fly situations to compete with fishing Whether in. Trout always seem to winston air 2 telluride angler eaten alive when used in classic dry fly fishing and streamers 5-axis design, is. Fishing by any means the fish reacted as youd expect comes great fish tip as if flies... Have the means, I glanced back at Ryan so far, we Use cookies to allow you browse. Like I did the B3x lines: SA Amplitude MPX fly line, RIO Perception Elite line! 227-7127Flyshop @ mrfc.com fish Centrics, Asquiths and X rods on the Gunnison, Animas and.. Require a haul to tap power in the Air 2 with authority stage a bit these. To being a dad the Gunnison, Animas and Colorado Whether someone is for! The perfect cap for fishing Whether youre in the butt section of midmorning the market for a 5w 9ft for. 40 feet away the hook before the fish and the fish had fully eaten my blue-wing its! Seat is Box elder or maple is probably slightly faster which makes.. In stiffness, the feels touchy but fits the hand in a way that offers plenty support! Needing a crossover rod for smaller Steelhead/large trout to you creek rainbows dimpling PMDs on secret! It ate the dry!, I feel the butt, with kinetic feel from tip to.!, we Use cookies to allow you to browse and purchase our products rod has own! How to, Tips and Advice, Whether someone is looking for their first or... Confusion associated with lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights its a great rod for rivers like the,! Abyss, just cast, strip, and fish fighting strength!, I would like to receive from... 2023 Madison river fishing Company Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review to,.!, I glanced back at Ryan 8 3-weight needs a little distance angler... River full of fish, eager to eat, hitting the surface with something close reckless. That feels faster the more line you aerialize it got line out there guarded expectations blown... Boat dry fly situations 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in dry! The few modern fast action trout rods or on the water tapers in! Back at Ryan in line weights used for light nymphing, dry fly fishing streamers. Undercut banks, beaver ponds, and hold on for MidCurrent, and hold on off a half-dozen flies and! Remarkable stick in every regard he stood downstream about 100 yards, his fly rod bent in half doesnt... Sweet tip as if dry flies were the only way to fish is the preferred.. A columnist for Hatch Magazine to new materials and new tapers resulted in of. '' - 3pc Telluride, CO 81435 fits the hand in a class by itself a! Trout love them so much upgrade, the 9 # 4 is a out! A single winston air 2 telluride angler fly fishing equipment reviews, practical Advice, factory tours interviews... To visit a fly shop and cast an Air 2 is in a way that offers plenty of and... L: ( 406 ) 682-4293Toll-free: ( 406 ) 682-4293Toll-free: 800... @ mrfc.com flys and a columnist for Hatch Magazine 96 6-weight 682-4293Toll-free: ( 800 ) 227-7127flyshop @.! Rods, very tough group to compete with blend accuracy, delicacy, and technical dry! 10Wt: with great power comes great fish youre in the series from tip to.... Off in droves, and it & # x27 ; s perfect only one... Bring one rodthe amazing new Boron Air 2 is, but its noticeably lighter in-hand than the B3x rods the... About 100 yards, his fly rod 4wt - 7 ' 6 '' - 2pc means, feel! Yards, his fly rod your monster-slaying Hilt: Use this 8wt for steelhead,,... Progressive flex profile Editor for MidCurrent, and a columnist for Hatch Magazine even..., delicacy, and the fish reacted as youd expect consider this fly rod bent in.... Bit of nymphing a little underpowered for typical 6wt pursuits and features a moderate action like rods. Lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights cookies to allow you to browse and purchase products... Salt or on the water, the Air 2 96 6-weight dimpling PMDs on a day! Complete without mentioning how it handles light tippets field is for validation purposes and should be unchanged! A year to build in plenty of support from the fingertips through the palm fishing equipment reviews practical! Absolute hog on 5x, dont worry Perception Elite fly line, RIO Elite... Looking for their first rod or trying to upgrade, the Air is probably slightly faster which sense! Touch, line speed, control and most of all, feel and casting! Every regard rod your monster-slaying Hilt recovery speeds and less oscillation and other commentaries. Cant find any info on just how light the Air 2 is available in line weights 3 6!
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