Loomis Czech Nymph Rods
Danny Spelic waves some long rods.
Following my article on European Nymphing in FlyLife #57, the team at EJ Todd and Son has advised of two new rods in the G.Loomis range, due to be released in November this year.
Through researching Czech nymphing techniques among top European competition anglers, the company’s leading rod designer Steve Rajeff believes that the primary factors contributing to high rod performance with this style of fishing are sensitivity, speed of hook set, and a shock absorbing tip that helps keep fish hooked. In tournament fishing, numbers of small fish often score more points than a few large fish, and the smaller fish stay on better with the quick response of a fine diameter and light tip.
With this in mind, Loomis has developed two new rods with extra fast tapers and extremely light tips to provide the utmost in feel, with firm mid-through-butt sections for quick hook sets—a 10-ft, 3- weight 4-piece (FR1203-4 GLX) and a 10-ft, 4-weight 4-piece (FR1204-4 GLX). REC components and GLX graphite materials also contribute to the light weight and quick response of these rods, and reduce shoulder fatigue from extended periods with raised arm position.
Many anglers will use fine-diameter level floating fly-lines, or even no fly line outside of the rod tip when Czech nymphing. However, for those interested in a fast rod action suitable for longer casts in still water or for nymphing with an indicator at typical casting range, it is possible to use a weight-forward line in the rated size on these rods.
The handle size has also been reduced, as many anglers prefer to rest the index finger directly on the blank for added feel and sensitivity.
I received a sample of the 10-ft 4- weight, which was on display at the recent Fishing Tackle Trade Show on the Gold Coast, and used it at Tantangara on midging rainbows. The sensitivity in the tip proved its worth with soft takes registering down the rod blank, resulting in more positive hook-ups, whilst the firm mid and butt section of the rod easily handled a 54-cm turbo charged brown that took a liking to a heavily weighted Woolly Bugger fished on the point.
I am really looking forward to the opening of the season and the opportunity to use this rod for nymphing on the rivers, though I can tell you that its versatility means that it will now follow me to the lakes as well—especially on those calm bright days when long leaders, fine tippets and wary fish can really test your skills and patience.
Like all rods in the Loomis range, the Czech Nymph rods come with the Loomis Xpediter warranty ($150, no questions asked, lifetime guarantee), a rod sock, and handsome rod tube.
The FR1203-4 (3-weight) will retail for $999 and the FR1204-4 (4-weight) for $1015. Trade enquiries to EJ Todd and Son: (02) 9533 7700.