Gear Guide: Fly Rods Under $1000

by

By Perry Mack

Winston Nimbus

Winston calls them ‘The Best 100% graphite fly rods out there for every angling situation out there.' Using the same multi modulus graphite as their other Boron rods, along with versatile mid-tip flex tapers, this fast action rod is smooth casting, with a combination of both power and finesse. Offered in a full range of freshwater, saltwater, and spey models, Nimbus rods are finished in a beautiful Big Sky Blue colour (which makes sense they are built in Montana). You’ll find Chrome nanolite stripper guides, light wire snake guides, and a reel seat of white anodized aluminum with burled wood insert on 3wt. thru 5wt. While the 6wt. through 10wt. get chrome nanolite stripper guides, chrome plated snake guides, and a Titanium anodized aluminum reel seat with the Winston signature logo. The dork used in the handles is the same top quality that is used in their flagship rods like the Winston BIIx and Air.

12 fast action models, 7’6”-9’0”, 3-10 rod weight.

Single hand rod - MSRP: $650; Double hand rod (6,7,8 wt) - MSRP: $750 - Winstonrods.com

Orvis H3 Rod

If Orvis is to be believed, this is the most accurate fly rod in the history of mankind, and so far the reviews support their claim. This rod will make even an amateur angler better the way that shaped skis changed skiing in the 1990’s. The increased accuracy is a function of the reduced vertical and horizontal frequency at the tip, at the end of the casting stroke – in layman’s terms - less line wobble. The blank is completed with type III anodized aluminum reel seat, SiC titanium stripping guides, REC recoil snake guides, Rod outfit includes rod, reel, line, backing and aluminum rod tube.

Four 4-pc 9’0” models are available, line weight 5-8 lbs, F for moderate action and D for heavier weight flies.

MSRP: $850-$900 USD - Orvis.com

Scott Fly Rods G Series

The original G series kicked off in 1976, but construction techniques in this year’s iteration has little in common with the other classic, other than in name.

These medium action fly rods have a hollow internal ferrule to make them more flexible, stronger, and more than 20% lighter. Their fibre and resin systems create stronger bonds between the fibres, multi-modulus layups produce a rod that loads and unloads smoothly in conjunction with new multi-slope tapers create a rod that both bends deeply, remains stable and generates higher line speeds. The blanks get titanium guide frames with silicon carbide (SiC) rings and Snake brand guides.

12 medium action, four-pc models range from 7’7”-9’0”, 2-6 wt line, with two styles of grips.

MSRP: $845 - Scottflyrod.com

Sage Salt HD

The SALT HD is another series of purpose built fly rods. The genie in this bottle is KonneticHD Technology, which is the sum of proprietary graphite/resin composite and high density fibre positioning. The result is a blank that reduces vibration for improved accuracy, and improves the strength and stiffness to weight ratio, so you have a light high energy rod. These rods also feature oversized hard chromed snake guides and tip-top, heavy-duty up-locking anodized aluminum reel seat and a full-wells cork handle.

Jerry Siem, Sage chief rod designer says “With that in mind, each rod in this family was designed specifically for a purpose - allowing for quick shots and even quicker second shots yet having the pulling power and ability to perform delicate presentations when needed.” We say – with this rod you’ll always be ready when the fish of a lifetime appears.

10 models from 8’6”-9’0”, 6-16 rod line weight, weighing 3 ¾-6 5/8 oz.

MSRP: $950 - Sageflyfish.com

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