Fly Fishing Rods - A Truly Personal Service
Carbon fibre (graphite) rods were first seriously developed in the 1970’s and usually had slow actions rather like split cane, however there were exceptions and Mike has a rare powerful 2 piece model from that time, so it was possible. Since then carbon fibres with increased strengths have been developed and have typically, been made into 4 piece rods incorporating many advanced design features, which have produced wonderful improvements. As a result many rods are now faster and stiffer, which has led to some line makers making their offerings somewhat heavier than AFFTA standards. Some lines are also now ‘slicker’ and shoot much better than previously, with an excellent choice of head lengths from about 30’ for beginners to longer than 40’, for distance casting. Recently, graphene has been added to blanks, which appears to improve damage resistance. Finally good reels made of fibre reinforced resin, imitating metal but less susceptible to damage, are being offered at sensible prices.
In order to make the most of precious time spent at the waterside, these developments need serious consideration by the discerning fly fisher.
Endless testing with many helpers commends a 9 ½’ #7 rod for general stillwater trout fishing, river sea trout and even low water salmon. It will cast good distances, control line and leaders well and is, thankfully, not too tiring. Only choose 10’ or 11’ rod lengths for line and dropper control reasons, as when fishing a short line from a drifting boat on stillwater, or when European nymphing a river. For small stillwaters and large rivers 9‘ #5 is an excellent choice of rod, whereas for streams 8’ #4 provides accuracy and delicacy of presentation. Lighter lines such as #3 can be tricky to cast particularly when it’s breezy, but will be needed for low, clear water, picky fish and the hook-holds of small flies. Regarding extreme single handed casting, Mike has made winning casts of over 60yds with the maximum rod length of 9’ 9”, then he tried a 9’ 3” length and eventually cast over 70 yards. However, it was not winning that was important, but the application of the technology to fishing. The result being a very clear understanding of how for any individual caster, rod length and stiffness, as well as line weight must be matched to the type of fishing intended.
With this uncomplicated assessment in mind, you have to wonder why the countless pages of technical jargon and complicated named features are written to describe fly fishing equipment?
‘GRAND PRIX' XD HIGH PERFORMANCE FLY RODS
Mike has channelled his wide experience into a short range of ‘Grand Prix’ XD high performance fly rods, to cover a wide range of requirements for aspiring fly fishers. These are built to his precise design by an award-winning rod builder in the UK, making any descriptions about quality unnecessary and they are available at sensible prices, considering their exceptional performance. Incidentally to help to confirm this, the following photographs are deliberately taken in the fly rod’s natural environment – the great outdoors where their performance shows.
So, what you might reasonably ask, constitutes ‘high performance’? Well, here are a few pointers to the pleasures that await the users of beautiful ’Grand Prix’ XD rods, each one is supplied in a very good quality, fully partitioned rod bag made of easy to dry medium weight cloth, and with stainless steel metal fittings throughout:
The ‘Grand Prix’ 9.5’ #7XD 4pce – weight 4.5oz (128gm) – in rod bag for transport in carrying case.
- This rod will cast very good distances with 47’ headed (or even longer), weight forward lines given help from the slightest breeze, so Mike uses it exclusively for maximum distance demonstrations and its tuition. This rod is uniquely effective on stillwaters, and casts ‘light-in-the-hand’ for distant trout.
Parcel delivery including tube if ordered – £6.00
- It will cast significant distances with double taper lines into strong breezes or in dead-air conditions - again, very effective on stillwaters. Here, the camera angle shortens a 30yd. DT line, to record the full line’s reel end about to leave the rod tip, cast into a breeze. Unfortunately, an image of a long-headed WF line wasn’t possible due to its lack of contrasting colour and its extra distance.
- For sea trout and low water salmon, this rod will greatly improve casting reach and careful presentation on various rivers.
- All XD rods will routinely cast very delicate, short line loops when necessary. In other words, the elusive combination of a fishing rod with soul, for beginners or experts, but with enough backbone to deliver distance when needed.
- The USA highly polished ceramic lined rod rings throughout keep the line off the rod when casting, provide super slick shoots and retrieves, will not groove and are very tough in use.
- A Full Wells cork handle is fitted, which promotes good casting by resisting the temptation to grip tightly. Standard diameter 1.1” (28mm), other sizes available by special order. A high quality fast acting carbon fibre ‘in-line screw push-pull’ reel fitting saves much fiddling. A patterned carbon spacer, stainless steel trim rings and a 1” long fighting butt complete the assembly. Incidentally, in normal light the rod blank is a less intense blue.
The ‘Grand Prix’ 9’ #5XD 4pce – weight 3.4oz (97gm) - in rod bag for transport in carrying case.
Parcel delivery including tube if ordered – £6.00
- For delicate presentation with lighter leaders at long range, this rod is the equal of most #7’s, using 47’ headed weight forward lines on stillwaters. It catches trout that heavier lines won’t!
- It will cast good distances with double taper lines into a breeze or in dead-air, again very useful for weather conditions and areas of stillwaters other anglers avoid.
- The 9’ length makes it ideal for precision casting on stillwaters when dry fly fishing, or nymph fishing for visible trout.
- With the above comments on lines in mind we come to this rod’s other major application, that of larger chalk streams and rivers, where it is superb for trout and grayling at long range.
- Its crisp action will straighten a leader well, even with large flies in tough weather. Mike has often enjoyed exceptional fishing, which has been by-passed by other anglers.
- The 9’ length and a light feel in the hand give rise to precision casting without effort.
- The specifications for the rod rings and handle fittings provide the same benefits as for the #7 rod above.
The ‘Grand Prix ‘ 9’ #9XD 4pce – weight 4.5oz (128gm) – in rod bag for transport in carrying case.
Parcel delivery including tube if ordered – £6.00
- This rod has the power to cast large, fluttering flies, to attract and deal with exceptional visible or deep fish. It is also equally at home on freshwater or saltwater fishing. However, when casting standard WF #9 lines, surprisingly gentle presentations are possible.
- Casting good distance is easy on the arm, even in rough and windy conditions.
- The 9’ rod length allows quick, accurate presentation when needed. It also provides good lifting of deeply sunk lines and stubborn fish.
- Extremely smooth ceramic rod rings maximise feeling offers and hooking, particularly where deep fish are concerned.
SPECIALLY DESIGNED UK TUBE FOR ROD WITHOUT CARRYING CASE - if required please order with its rod
Order with rod so no parcel delivery charge
- The strong resin, self-coloured tubes are exceptionally light weight - making them very helpful to fly fishers with walking to do. There is no fabric to deteriorate, no closure zips to jam or to slip from fingers.
- Light hand made leather caps close the tubes’ ends, one fixed and the other hinged, thus providing ‘soft’ ends, unlike ‘hard’ aluminium caps. The tube gradually turns brown with exposure to light.
- The hinged cap can’t be lost and its press stud closure is quick to operate, even with cold hands. Whereas heavy aluminium caps are slow to fit and easy to drop, which damages the thread.
- The press stud and other fittings are made of brass and coloured gold, to prevent corrosion.
- The rod identification details are pressed gold into the hinged leather cap.
ALTHOUGH THE ‘GRAND PRIX’ RANGE COVERS MANY OF YOUR FLY FISHING NEEDS, INCLUDING HIGH PERFORMANCE, MIKE IS HAPPY TO MAKE OTHER RODS FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL FISHING, SO PLEASE CONTACT HIM.
Email: mike.marshallbfcc@hotmail.com
Tel: 01277 214568 (9am to 9pm – not Sunday please)
Without commitment for other rods you are offered a personalised quote by email, complete with a buy now button. However, when making contact, your full name, delivery address and email address will be very helpful.
Payments are accepted by credit and debit cards through Stripe.
