Wanting to move into mid range nymph rod

[Pigs]

I’ve been using a Cabela’s CZN 11 ft 4 wt with a mono rig as my workhorse nymph setup on big rivers like the D. It’s heavy, and honestly its best application is huckin big indo setups. I also have 10ft 2wt Orvis Clearwater. It light, sensitive fun to fish. I really like it. but it’s a little small for bigger water. It’s perfect for smaller stream work.

What I really want is a workhorse 3 wt. I want something that’s a little advanced. Sensitive, good recovery rate, etc…I’m thinking up to like $650 range.

So far, I’m kind of dialing in on the Cortland Competition MKII 10’ 6” 3 wt, vs the Diamondback Gen 4 10’ 7” 3 wt….not sure I can find a diamondback right now though!

Thoughts? Other rod recs?

 

[DerekWhipple]

I don't actually own one (I have a Contact 2), but Joe is THE euro rod designer, and the Gen 4 is his latest offering (he also designed the Ideal, T&T Contact 2, and the Cortland Comp rod).

Tacticalflyfisher would also be a great resource, send them an e-mail with what your fishing situation is, and they can recommend a rod for you.

 

[Pigs]

I don't actually own one (I have a Contact 2), but Joe is THE euro rod designer, and the Gen 4 is his latest offering (he also designed the Ideal, T&T Contact 2, and the Cortland Comp rod).

Tacticalflyfisher would also be a great resource, send them an e-mail with what your fishing situation is, and they can recommend a rod for you.

Tactical Fly fishers review of the Ideal Nymph is what has me pretty fired up for a Diamondback.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to pick up an Orvis Clearwater 10’ 3 wt cuz I have Cabelas gift cards…..I really like the 2 wt. it’s a sweet lil stick. The 3 will be about perfect for most of my fishing I think……except in the biggest, heaviest water where I’m throwing two 4.5 tungsten flies. I’m sure the 3wt Clearwater will handle it, but why not get more arrows for the quiver? Haha I fish big, and heavy pretty often in the D…..So I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for 10’10” Ideal Nymph in a 3 wt. according the TFF, that stick will handle big water, big fish, and heavy rigs like a champ.

 

[Pigs]

I’ve mentioned elsewhere I ended up with an Echo Shadow X 11ft 3wt. based on Devin Olsens rec. After several sessions to get a feel, I couldn’t be happier. It’s a super sweet rod. I’ve mostly been fishing a mono rig straight up euro style, and then adding an Oros indo on the leader for when I want a longer drift. This rod will launch a reasonable indo setup on a thin mono rig. Next, I’m going to try a dry dropper setup. I’m sure it will perform great.

 

[Zak]

Not sure it is up to your high standards, but I like my Echo Carbon XL 10' 3wt Euronymph rod. I overline it with a 4wt line. I currently have a Rio multi-tip 4wt line on it. It is a pretty great "do everything" rod and costs a lot less than $650.

 

[Pigs]

Not sure it is up to your high standards, but I like my Echo Carbon XL 10' 3wt Euronymph rod. I overline it with a 4wt line. I currently have a Rio multi-tip 4wt line on it. It is a pretty great "do everything" rod and costs a lot less than $650.

I have a few Echos and love all of them! I have carbon XL 9ft 4 wt that is a nice little dry rod. I have an old Echo Edge 9ft 6 wt that I use for chucking meat…again sweet.