Streamer/Bass 7wt - Anyone tried the new Echo 84B?

[Aleforme]

So I'm on the hunt for a streamer rod that will do double duty for bass in a 7wt, 9ft. I've been looking mainly at the Echo Ion XL which a quite a few folk here seem to like per another thread and a Fenwick Aetos. I looked at the Echo Streamer X but we're not talking double the money. I'm not opposed to spending more but not sure the Streamer X is worth the extra coin. Definitely a faster rod though.

Now, in comes the Echo 84B 7wt and it looks very interesting. Has anyone tried one of these out? I haven't been able to find much in terms of reviews or use reports out there given it's pretty new to the market. I think this would work well for both streamers and bass but hoping someone here might have some hands on experience with the rod? I've mainly just used 9ft rods but I do have a little TFO Pro II 3wt 7'6" that I love casting so I don't think 8'4" would be an issue for me.

Thanks in advance,

Jim

 

[mcswny]

@Jake Watrous

 

[Jake Watrous]

So I'm on the hunt for a streamer rod that will do double duty for bass in a 7wt, 9ft. I've been looking mainly at the Echo Ion XL which a quite a few folk here seem to like per another thread and a Fenwick Aetos. I looked at the Echo Streamer X but we're not talking double the money. I'm not opposed to spending more but not sure the Streamer X is worth the extra coin. Definitely a faster rod though.

Now, in comes the Echo 84B 7wt and it looks very interesting. Has anyone tried one of these out? I haven't been able to find much in terms of reviews or use reports out there given it's pretty new to the market. I think this would work well for both streamers and bass but hoping someone here might have some hands on experience with the rod? I've mainly just used 9ft rods but I do have a little TFO Pro II 3wt 7'6" that I love casting so I don't think 8'4" would be an issue for me.

Thanks in advance,

Jim

@Aleforme / Jim,

I've been playing with one since January. A little over 70 hours in, and I can tell you it's legit for everything you'd want to do with a 7wt in the PNW, and almost everything you'd want to do worldwide except things like permit at a distance. Handles a large variety of lines and casting styles with ease. It's fast, but call it moderate-fast.

I recommend a shooting head line in the 230-270 grain window unless you want to carry a bunch of line, in which case I'd recommend something around 190-210. Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan and MPX are nice on it, as is the old version of the Airflo 40+.

Check this site for a review--as soon as Evan or Josh approves it--but my recommendation is to get the Eight Four-B.


Edit: January, not December. Just like apparently today is February 5 and we're not in January anymore. Yeesh.

 

[Jake Watrous]

https://pnwflyfishing.com/forum/index.php?articles/review-the-peerless-echo-eight-four-b.43/

 

[Aleforme]

@Aleforme / Jim,

I've been playing with one since January. A little over 70 hours in, and I can tell you it's legit for everything you'd want to do with a 7wt in the PNW, and almost everything you'd want to do worldwide except things like permit at a distance. Handles a large variety of lines and casting styles with ease. It's fast, but call it moderate-fast.

I recommend a shooting head line in the 230-270 grain window unless you want to carry a bunch of line, in which case I'd recommend something around 190-210. Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan and MPX are nice on it, as is the old version of the Airflo 40+.

Check this site for a review--as soon as Evan or Josh approves it--but my recommendation is to get the Eight Four-B.


Edit: January, not December. Just like apparently today is February 5 and we're not in January anymore. Yeesh.

Thank you Jake! I'll take a look at your review but it's saying I don't have permission? Appreciate your time reviewing this rod!

 

[Jake Watrous]

Try again? I think Evan has now made it public. May require a browser refresh?

 

[Aleforme]

Try again? I think Evan has now made it public. May require a browser refresh?

Yeah, still nothing.

 

[Jake Watrous]

Yeah, still nothing.

Lame. @Evan B , what gives?

 

[Jake Watrous]

@Aleforme are you in the greater Seattle area? I can let you play with this one.

 

[Evan B]

Lame. @Evan B , what gives?

Fixed

 

[DanielOcean]

@Jake Watrous I read the article. Great professional work!

 

[Jake Watrous]

@Jake Watrous I read the article. Great professional work!

Thanks!

 

[Aleforme]

@Aleforme are you in the greater Seattle area? I can let you play with this one.

I am, and I might just take you up on that in the next few weeks. I've got a lot of travel over the next couple of weeks so maybe after that. I might hit you up once things slow down a bit and I can actually find some casting time. I appreciate the offer.

I'll read your review in a bit.

Jim

 

[Divad]

Fenwick has the WORST warranty service I’ve ever come across with two rods I’ve owned + ghosted emails and calls. Wouldn’t touch one of them if I were you. The TFO LK is a fast rod, not extra fast and can huck.

To be be honest the 8’4” sounds like a lot of fun. Assuming you’re not mending indicator rigs the length is very applicable to streamer fishing.

 

[Jake Watrous]

Fenwick has the WORST warranty service I’ve ever come across with two rods I’ve owned + ghosted emails and calls. Wouldn’t touch one of them if I were you. The TFO LK is a fast rod, not extra fast and can huck.

To be be honest the 8’4” sounds like a lot of fun. Assuming you’re not mending indicator rigs the length is very applicable to streamer fishing.

Yeah, mending was a bit of a readjustment/head scratcher at times, and not always successful. Fortunately the rod lends itself to aerial mends and the stiffness helps a bit because you don’t have to overcome a bendy long rod.

 

[Divad]

A flick mend can be adapted too as a substitute with a little learning curve.

 

[Jake Watrous]

Plus there’s a very twisted joy to being the second person stepping in with an 8’4” nymph rig, behind a stranger who just swung it with a 13’ Spey rod.

The look on his face was priceless.

 

[Aleforme]

Fenwick has the WORST warranty service I’ve ever come across with two rods I’ve owned + ghosted emails and calls. Wouldn’t touch one of them if I were you. The TFO LK is a fast rod, not extra fast and can huck.

To be be honest the 8’4” sounds like a lot of fun. Assuming you’re not mending indicator rigs the length is very applicable to streamer fishing.

I appreciate it. I’ve only had Fenwick gear rods in the past and luckily never had a reason to use the “warranty”. But Fly Rods are a different animal and definitely more prone to breaks.

 

[Aleforme]

Yeah, mending was a bit of a readjustment/head scratcher at times, and not always successful. Fortunately the rod lends itself to aerial mends and the stiffness helps a bit because you don’t have to overcome a bendy long rod.

Luckily, this will just be a dedicated streamer and bass rod.

But, might see some SRC/Rezzie use. Regardless, mending needed.

 

[Aisosks]

How does it compare to the Echo Streamer X? I'm looking for an 8wt that can chuck poppers and streamers at cruising hampala barb.
Oh btw I think I'ma use a WF8F Rio Elite Warmwater Predator