A Go To Steelhead Rod
BILL SPICER—F.F.F. Master Certified Casting Instructor
and host of
The New Fly Fisher Show.
Just a note to let you know I have used the Mystic 10'3" #7 wt. rod for a solid week of marathon steelheading. I must say it is now my go to steelhead rod. First off the look of the rod is second to none. The polished aluminum reel seat with the light maple reel is beautiful, and the windings with the single silver trim is a nice addition. I see that high quality cork is used for the grip and the fighting butt.
“I would rank this rod with any of the top
rods on the market—well done!”
In the past I have used two different rods for steelheading, one for dead drifting nymphing style, and another for swinging flies. With this rod I was able to do both jobs with one rod. The tip is soft enough so you don't break tippets on setting the hook and the butt section has got enough beef in it to keep the fight to a minimum. This is paramount in catch and release fishing, keeping the mortality rate of the fish to a minimum.
I started off dead drifting flies and I was impressed with how light the rod was when high sticking my line. My shoulder did not tire as it does with my other steelhead rod. The ten foot length made mending the line very easy. I was able to use light tippets of 4 lbs test at times and I didn't break a tippet when setting the hook. This is a very important feature when nymphing. I then began swinging flies using a type three sinking leader. I was really surprised at how the rod was able to cast this heavy system easily. The rod had enough backbone to set the hook very efficiently when a fish hit. I congratulate you on a rod with enough sensitivity for nymphing and enough back bone for swinging flies.
When I look at the retail price for these rods I am pleasantly surprised. I would rank this rod with any of the top rods on the market—WELL DONE!
BILL SPICER is a F.F.F. Master Certified Casting Instructor and host of The New Fly Fisher Show. You can reach him at his Web site: www.thenewflyfisher.com