Great Bay Rods.
Nial Logan test drives the Pro Team Australia saltwater series.
The ProTeam Australia series of salt-water fly rods from the Great Bay Rod Co. will be sure to see a growing group of followers looking for a quality piece of gear in the mid price range. For this review, I was provided with an 8-weight PTA904 (9-ft/4-piece) model. Each rod and blank is made in the USA and individually deflection tested to ensure proper guide spacing and overall quality of finish.
The first thing noticed after opening the aluminium rod tube and taking the rod from the sock is the look of quality we have come to expect from more expensive brands. The rod features a matte black blank with two SIC titanium framed stripper guides, titanium snakes and is bound in dark green with gold accents. The titanium tip guide is a large size, allowing the leader knots to clear easily.
Apart from looking very smart, the ALPS triangular reel seat makes it easy to locate the reel foot under the hoods and the flat surface allows a secure foundation for the reel with no movement once the double uplocking rings are tightened. Each ferrule is marked with a dot to make lining up the sections a breeze. The rod comes standard with a fixed fighting butt and hook keeper. The ProTeam is available in weights 7 through 12.
Options available at no additional charge include a treated cork finish and /or an inscription of the owner’s name. As with many rods these days, there is an original owner lifetime guarantee with a US$50 charge plus post. Minor repairs, if needed, will be done here in Australia by a master rod craftsman.
The rod is described as a fast action, however, it is neither overpowering nor a broomstick that is tiring to use.
After testing a number of lines (floating, triangular taper, intermediate and a 275 grain wet tip express) the rod was found to be crisp and responsive across the range, handling both short and long casts with ease.
Many fly fishers would normally up-line the intermediate line to a 9-weight to make quick presentations to moving fish and to help overcome windy conditions. Doing this, the rod allowed one-cast presentations at distances of 60 to 80 feet, making it ideal for estuary or flats use. As for the power of this rod, there is more than enough to punch a fly into the wind as well as handle bulky flies like Dahlbergs. The ProTeam also has ample power in the butt section to apply plenty of pressure to lift a fish from under a boat or to stop a fast running pelagic.
I don’t usually recommend a specific rod as there is no doubt that we all, as opinionated fly fishers, could provide logical reasons why the rod we use is best. That said, the only way to select a rod is to cast a number of brands and see how they perform and feel to you. If you are in the market for a saltwater rod for use in the estuaries or on the flats, give the ProTeam a try. I am sure you will be impressed with the price, and the quality.
For more information and purchasing options, visit Derek McKenzie Outdoors. www.flyrodreel.com.au