G Loomis EastFork 9ft, 5-wt Fly Rod - 09/09/2009
When fishing various river methods it can be difficult finding a rod that performs them all well. The EastFork from G Loomis could be the one to fulfil your needs, though.
There’s something really enjoyable about using a small, light fly rod when river fishing. The difference between a lightweight set-up and the usual 10ft, 7/8-wt fly rods, that we tend to use for almost everything that swims here in the UK, is very noticeable. A light, responsive fly rod can make a real difference to your day on the water. Being able to lift all your line off the water so that you can cover another rising fish can pay dividends. With some fly rods this isn’t an option, but with the EastFork it’s a doddle. There’s real power there.
Dry-fly fishing is a real joy with this little wand. The action and fast recovery time allows for nice tight loops, which, in turn, means that your presentation will be a whole lot better. Don’t think that this is its only job in life though as its capable of a lot more. I found that presenting nymphs at short range, using the Duo and Trio method, in fast, reasonably deep water, gave this rod a really good going over. Up on the Derbyshire Derwent I caught grayling after grayling on the edge of a really fast current. Once these things were hooked, they immediately went into the flow and getting them out of it again on a softer rod would have been a real struggle. The EastFork’s extra backbone meant that I could bully the fish back into slack water and, even though it’s a fast-actioned rod, I was never in fear of breaking my fine 3lb leader.
The whole blank comes into play when playing a fish, and this is what makes it a real pleasure to use, it has real ‘feel’ about it. Some fast-actioned rods have a tendency to be a little too stiff, and this often means that playing a fish becomes very much a one-sided affair, in favour of the angler. I’m sure I’ll use this rod for much more than just river fishing. It would be great for prospecting around the edges of stillwaters at dusk with dry flies.
Details At A Glance
- Four-piece fly rod
- Powerful fast action
- Cabernet-satin-coloured blank
- Ported reel seat with branded logo
- Supplied with a solid, sealed rod tube
Distributor: 01386 425826
RRP: From £364.99
Web: www.shimano-eu.com
E-mail: nbr@shimano-eu.com
