by R.L. 109 E. Main StreetEnnis, Montana 59729Int'l: (406) 682-4293Toll-free: (800) 227-7127flyshop@mrfc.com. It will handle slightly heavier lines, such as the Rio Technical Trout or Gold, but why not split hairs and bring out the very best? Some of our staff feel that its best beyond 30 feet, but I found that it loads naturally from very short to very long. These are fantastic fly rods. Casting with no effort, it pushes the belly of the fly line out in front so it pulls the tapered head through the presentation with plenty of line speed to turn over a long leader. This is a rod that will throw most of the fly line without using a haul stroke at all. This rod will handle it. Winston Rod Company | Mar 10, 2022. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. The Saltwater AIR series is very light and allows for unprecedented fast recovery, for any length of cast. It has a faster action than other rods in the series and flexes most in the tip and mid-section. The only difference was these fish werent hitting just anything. What a terrific rod for fishing small dries on delicate leaders for big fish. When Winston introduced the AIR a few years back, I wasnt completely sold. The slightest bad drift, or one too many false casts, put them down. The rod is capable of blazing line speed, but still allows its master to manipulate its capabilities on the water. Casting and presentation capabilities are truly extraordinary. "How does the 9wt compare to the 10wt?" 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. Default by R.L. These are rods we will think about all winter. Blending power and finesse is a difficult task but this model finds the sweet spot on every cast, every hook up. From the first cast, I pictured myself fishing this rod on The South Platte, Green or San Juan with either dry flies or a long, light nymph rig. This is a rod designed for Steelhead and Salmon with extra length for line mend-ability and a stout butt section for lifting power on feisty fish. In fact, they call them the 'Swiss Army Knife of fly rods'. I stood in a halfhearted drizzle with my back to a wall of willows while I surveyed the river. If you understand these designations, youre a big-bass angler. Nice job, guys. Winston Air 2 Fly Rod 3 Weight 8'6" 4 Piece Buy Telluride Angler $1095.00 $1099.00 Winston Boron III TH Microspey 10'6" 3-wt Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 9'6" 5-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 8'6" 3-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 9' 6-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 But our ALPHA+ 9/10 has been designed for power, big bug turnover, and foot-long flies, while having the sensitivity for mandatory figure 8s and at-the-boat eats. It may struggle when lifting a heavy double nymph rig, but will excel with small flies, weight and strike indicators that dont create excessive drag. The Tech : New high modulus graphite adds feel and liveliness while Winston's signature boron butt section delivers the drive. The new Air 2 is perfectly designed to deliver both ends of the spectrum with the ability to do it all. Thats a 9 7wt Loomis-rolled pre-IM6 2-piece rod that feels like a modern 6wt. Copyright 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved. With some of the finest quality finish and components ever put on a fly rod and the trademark Winston green, the Air 2 has the classic appearance of a Winston with the performance of a top tier modern fly rod that can handle it all. With a taper that allows for minimal back casts and quick shots off the bow of the skiff, this rod will put crab, shrimp and baitfish patterns on target every time with minimal effort. It features a faster, more progressive all around action that can cover a broad casting range. Elegant, sensitive and plush, it casts from short to long with the cadence of a finely tuned instrument that any angler will handle with intuition and precision. These are special fly rods, not mere tools. The moderate action is perfect for anglers who don't need a highly powerful rod but want a rod that loads quickly at short distances for those trout in brushy environments. Winston sent package after package to pro staff for testing and feedback. ALPHA+ 6wt.200-240 grain lines: This rod was designed for meat eating trout and bass: think mice patterns in Kamchatka, full sink tips and double articulated bugs on the Yellowstone, fast pocket water in Patagonia, and poppers and divers in the mid-west. The top half of the rod throws tight loops with high line speed at 20-40 feet, unusual for a power-oriented 6-weight. While I only fished the former situation with this model, this stick would be my first choice for the South Fork of the Snake in July, where youre double hauling bushy stoneflies along the bank and fishing hatches in the riffles on the same afternoon. FULL REVIEW. There is no asterisk. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The extra 6" of length means this rod mends line easier on the water and helps anglers who are fishing slightly larger streams. The Winston Air 2 combines the feel and soul of Winston with higher line speed, a faster recovery rate, and a modern smooth action. Nothing truer said. This is a variation of a fly tied by Jim Misiura. No longer to be compared to other high-end rods. The 9 4wt Air 2 features a fast action with a light tip capable of presenting delicate dries with long, light leaders. Ryan McCullough stood next to me and we watched his son Josh and my buddy Mike Kingsbury throw fruitless cast after fruitless cast. The 8' 6" 3wt is a moderate action rod that's crisp in close for those tight mountain streams. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. And, were talking 5-6 weight rods, this isnt striper fishing. It has a sensitive tip for precision angling but plenty of spine for lifting a long line or dragging a sink tip to the surface. 2023 Madison River Fishing Company A Question of Rods: Is Old and Slow the Way to Go? The medium-fast action of the Air provides the angler with plenty of feedback and feel at shorter distances and is ideal for dry fly fishing. Item : . Theres a million rods out there these days and a million opinions on what the best one isand a lot of hype. Winston Air Model-By-Model Fly Rod Review, Royal Wulff Triangle Taper Floating Fly Line, How to Tie the Crappie Killer Fly Pattern, How to Tie the Film Critic Emerger Fly Pattern, How to Tie the Puterbaugh Foam Caddis Fly Pattern, How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Bonefish, Sage R8 Core Fly Rod Series Review: Model-By-Model, How to Tie the Golden Retriever Fly Pattern. Air 2 rods still look and feel like a true Winston, but their casting qualities are several levels above any previous fast action fly rod from this company. Im a fan of longer rods for big rivers and this rod is perfectly at home on rivers like the Deschutes, wading thigh deep on slick rocks, trying to sling a stonefly around an upstream bush. We've been doing it since 2003! The mid and butt sections are super springy, making it a joy to cast and exceptional in all those on-the-water techniques that contribute to a prodigious day on the water. Contemporary Sage innovation has led to the creation of the Sage Igniter, the Sage X, and other award-winning rod series' from Sage. If you could only have 1 5wt which would you recommend the Winston air ,sage x, or sage LL ? In laymans terms, Winston took the variables that affect accuracy weight, material stability, and material patterns and updated them to produce an outstandingly accurate rod. The Air 2 are freshwater fly rods, rather than fresh/salt crossovers. In an attempt to provide better info so you can make a more informed buying decision, we decided to start a 'model-by-model' blog series. Cast one and you will experience a wonderful slow action with delicate line and loop control. I fished size 24 midge patterns in low water, and was impressed with how softly those tiny dries laid down. The 8' 4wt didn't really fit into the series as well as the other rods we cast and we felt it was pretty similar to the Pure. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us. Is this the rod Ill be thinking about all winter?, As a Winston dealer, we hoped that Air 2 would embody our vision of the modern fast action rod, exceeding our requirements on the water, so we could fish them in the situations that call for power and confidence. Versatile, powerful, precise and a true joy to fish! Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. Tom grew up fishing the spring creeks of Montana for wary brown trout where the slightest mistake spooks the fish. All Rights Reserved. Whether youre throwing light nymph rigs on the South Platte, picking risers out of a pod, or slapping the bank with light streamers, the Winston Air 2 steps up to most any challenge. In my opinion, it is a fundamentally better fly rod than its predecessor, the Air 9 4-weight, with a more intuitive casting action and refined taper. Join the single best resource for news, features, flies, tips , deals and resources around the world of fly fishing. Winston Pure 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations. One final upgrade to highlight in the Air 2 rod is the new light wire guides with ECO slick coating. A river full of fish, eager to eat, hitting the surface with something close to reckless abandon. But even though the casting stroke is somewhat slow and deliberate, the Pure packs a . I have this rod in a 5 weight and it is no less the combination of grace and power you speak of. The AIR 2 mended everything like an absolute dream. Choose your line for your fishing situation, but keep in mind that heavier lines (such as the Infinity Taper), slow the rod down into a medium-fast action and youll lose some of the benefit of keeping your line high on the backcast. Winston Air 2 9'6 5-weight Like the 9'6 4-weight, this model is a deadly fishing tool in the appropriate arena. I put a 6-weight Rio Coastal Quickshooter and 6-weight Outbound on and the rod slung both lines as far as I cared to cast, with tight loops, in a breeze. In the hands of a skilled caster, this Air 2 has high level presentation capabilities, but you cant horse it in the wind or generate much line speed with a full nymph rig. Spring creek and tailwater anglers have a new favorite rod. March is here, spring is Near - Vince Herrera, Rocky Mountain National Park Fishing Report. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. New for 2021 the R.L. Best Use: Use this rod for dry flies and small trout at short/middle distances. It stands alone. While it is the middle of January, we threw a bit of everything with the Air 2 and it handled it all with the grace and power you expect out of a Winston. Its light. In the past, some Winston 6-weights have lacked the bottom end to overcome challenging conditions, like high wind or the necessity to hold up a long backcast while wading deep. Your email address will not be published. I first cast it with an SA Infinity Taper, which is a half line weight heavy with a long head. Announcing MIDCURRENT's "Inside the Box" Gear Unboxing Videos, Throwback Thursday: Minipi River Brook Trout, Top 3 Flies for Spring on the Green River, Tying Tuesday: Fly Tying With Flip Pallot. The new Air 2 is perfectly designed to deliver both . Mayfly emergers are often stuck in the film for quite some time making them easy pray for hungry trout. If one can only own one steelhead rod, these 7 weights will cover a wide range of applications.Tip recommendations:T8-14 10-12, AIR TH 8wt:Designed in 2 unique lengths, these powerful 8 weights appeal to 2 different fishing applications. That feel is equally important when trying to sling a baitfish pattern 80 to the beach or dropping a PMD emerger behind a boulder. Shorter headed lines tend to bounce or disengage. Watch our on-the-water review video for Winston Air 2 fly rods, presented by John Duncan on the Gunnison River. That wed driven so far to explore a hunch only compounded the feeling that we needed something to happen soon. pounding the banks from the boat, or wet wading, the new AIR 2 is a pack rod, a travel rod, a beautiful rod, and an all-around rod. AIR TH rods adjust to any casting style and preference by utilizing several standardized rod lengths across multiple grain windows. Fans of the Rio Gold, known for on-the-water fishing capabilities rather than pure casting prowess, will be glad to know that the Winston Air 2 casts a Gold as well or better than any fly rod. This rod is the updated version of their flagship AIR line, which was introduced to replace the B3x series. Boron Super 10 rods have been specifically designed for fishing applications that require more reach, perfect presentations and better long-rod balance. Stillwater fisheries can provide opportunities to catch some of the largest trout in the world. Winston Tom Morgan Favorite Fly Rod 4WT 8' 2PC. The sage x is considered a fast rod, and the air seems to me to be a medium fast, which is what I was looking for. Carnivorous trout, thrashing bass, toothy pike and musky, jungle species like peacock bass, golden dorado and arapaima, and huge saltwater species like giant trevally and Tarpon. Amazingly light and response, the 129 9 harnesses the power to fight the largest anadromous fish. Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. It would be fair to say that the Centric can handle more power than the Air 2, especially when driving a wedge into the wind with a sharp haul, and that overall line speed may be higher with the X and Asquith, but for a combination of casting ease, natural line speed, stability and the intangible fun factor, the Air 2 ranks near or possibly at the top of this list. Mike played the fish quickly into the net, popped the hook free, then held the fish up briefly so the rest of us could see. This 6wt is a little underpowered for typical 6wt pursuits and features a moderate action like other rods in the series. If we had to choose, the Air is probably slightly faster which makes sense. When adding power to the stroke at longer distances, I feel the butt section tighten and kick back with authority. You won't want to leave home without it. Best Use: This is a great rod for a variety of freshwater trout fishing scenarios and can be used on larger rivers than the other 4wts in the series. The Rio Technical Trout strikes a reasonable compromise, but I like the rod best with long headed lines. Hes the News Editor for MidCurrent, and a columnist for Hatch Magazine. Its truly a do-it-all fly rod. Two different lengths gives anglers of different casting styles the ability to choose the model that fits them best. When you daydream of delicate presentation trout fishing, where does your mind wander off to? Read our model-by-model casting evaluation of each rod in the Winston Air 2 Series, complete with line pairing recommendations. That being said, this isn't a 6wt you would want to take to Alaska or on a river where bulky indicator rigs are common. The 6wt is pretty similar to the 5wt. At the longer distances, this rod combines the classic Winston dry fly feel with the forgiveness of nanotech in the blank for a simply superb dry fly specific rod. Well, I guess they finally got the memo, I said. Saltwater AIR 9wt:An unbelievably light 9 weight that produces fast line speed with incredible accuracy. The medium-fast action of the Air provides the angler with plenty of feedback and feel at shorter distances and is ideal for dry fly fishing. The action is fast, but still within line class. Its hard to make a bad cast with this rod. Here at the Madison River Fishing Company, we are proud to represent our neighbors. From bonefish, redfish, stripers, snook, and various other species, this rod is up to the task. The R.L. In a 9 5wt, the AIR 2 packs more of a punch than I expected. This rod is the perfect summer steelhead rod with dry lines, lighter tips, and poly leaders. Its stable, accurate and easy to cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers. Finally, the 133 is the perfect winter steelhead rod, that can get smaller flies in the strike zone.Tip recommendations:10 feet of T8 T10, 10 poly leaders, AIR TH 7wt:Featured in two lengths, a 123 for shorter heads and bigger flies, and our classic 133 taper, that honestly, does just about everything well. Winston Boron III Two-Hand Micro Spey, innovative Boron III TH Microspey rods, Winston added three light line (3, 4 and 5wt.) The gang at Telluride Angler 800-831-6230 www.tellurideangler.com orders@tellurideangler.com Want to change how you receive these emails? Shops fly reels on sale from top reel makers. And, I cant wait to try out the heavier models. If a double haul is required for casting in the wind, tap it lightly and expect a confident response. It is designed to fish, not just cast. Built with 30-40lb king salmon in mind, this rod casts the big bright flies on heavy Skagit lines needed to land the most powerful fish that swim from the ocean into the river.Tip Recommendations:T12-18, 10-12, R.L. The line control that six extra inches provides is beautiful. A brand new Winston from top to bottom. We continue to believe in Toms principle that a great fly rod is always a great fly rod, so as we celebrate Winstons 90th Anniversary, we find it only fitting to reintroduce the Tom Morgan Favorite. Copyright 2013-present Magento, Inc. All rights reserved. I would choose this model over the competition for technical fishing on tailwaters, but not for double nymphing on rivers such as the Gunnison where large flies, heavy weight and bulky strike indicators are the norm. He designed the Tom Morgan Favorite as a specialized 2-piece, extra light, 8 4-weight, made from moderate modulus graphite for those close to mid-range distances where delicacy, finesse, and accuracy are essential. Dont be afraid to load a heavier taper either, for turning over bigger bugs. Like the 5-weight, the Air 2 9 6-weight will fish a wide variety of fly lines, from an SA Infinity Taper to a Rio Technical Trout, Gold or Big Nasty. Swing weight is virtually non-existent. The slim profile provides a better connection to the rod while the proprietary design puts presentation and tippet protection as the first priority. I dont think technology is the key, just a means to an end. ~ All Rights Reserved, FREE ECONOMY SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OVER $9.95. The 8 #4 doesnt feel stiff, but fishes in a tremendous range. That being said, we found ourselves wishing Winston had created more of a difference in these two rods. Best Use: This is a dry fly trout rod (not the best for nymphing) for anglers with a slower casting stroke. The Winston Air 2 is in a class by itself. SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY*, JOIN ANGLER REWARDS TODAY - Earn 1 Point For Every Dollar Spent, EARN 1 POINT FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU SPEND AT MRFC.COM, Moderate action with quick recovery that allows for open loops for fine dry fly presentation along with the ability to generate faster line speed as required for different conditions, Slim profile with fine grip and guide configurations for better connection to the rod, Proprietary design puts presentation and tippet protection as the first priority, Ideal for light nymph and dry fly fishing applications, Highest performance boron/graphite composite materials, Exceptionally powerful, capable of generating high line speeds, Designed to cast big flies, heavy lines, shooting heads and sinking tips, Extra reinforced ferrules for ultimate lifting power, Designated grain windows for each rod model, Designed and Handcrafted in Twin Bridges, MT, All graphite with classic WT spigot ferrule design, Incredibly smooth with wonderful touch and feel, Extra light 4-weight, perfect for spring creek fishing, GUIDES: Chrome nanoli test ripper guide/chrome snake guides, REEL SEAT: Nickel Silver with burled wood insert, STORAGE: Premium aluminum tube with logo rod sock. It wasnt easy fishing by any means the fish and the bugs kept me on my toes. Remarkably, the new High Strain Rate resin is perfect for the all-purpose rod category by amplifying the energy transfer allowing an angler to make tight loops and punch through the wind with incredible velocity as well as present smaller dries to rising fish at close range in calm water. It seemed like every time we called Winston this spring, the guys were on the Big Hole, testing rods. It turns out that fishing is a critical part of the job, but we always smiled when we got these reports from the factory. Trust a secure online experience at MontroseAnglers.com, 970-249-0408 Fast action rods are designed for such rivers and generally catch more fish under demanding conditions. The hatch finally petered out around 4 p.m., almost five hours after it began. It fits into the series really well and, while it won't impress your friends in the parking lot, it's a rod that's built for the angler who wants to catch fish instead of bomb casts at long distances. ALPHA+ 9wt.330-380 grain lines. Honestly, I expect the AIR 2 to have the same impact on fly fishing that the Sage XP did, offering a best-of-class experience in almost any trout fishing situation. Sage fly rods are often fast-action high-performance rods that are powerful, strong, and durable on the water. The company is now using S-2000 graphite, which is higher-modulus than previous graphite blends. For more info on fishing in Washingtons Puget Sound and local rivers, check out Bretts website www.tailoutanglers.com or @tailoutanglers on Instagram. https://tellurideangler.com/casting-vs-x-vs-nrx-selecting-a-fast-action-fly-rod/, Big Hole River Fishing Report - Sunrise Fly Shop. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. It's not that any angler will really ever cast them side by side and they are both 8' 4wts, after all. Winston AIR 2. Winston AIR 2. He used Gartside's Super-Secret Stuff as a flash material but here we will use Hareline's Ice Wing Fiber as a substitute. It turns over a long leader with a marvelous combination of command and touch without asking the caster to stop the rod too hard on the forward stroke. You cant be sure how a material will respond until you actually build some rod blanks, and you cant be afraid to hang a failed rod on the Wall of Shame, an actual memorial space at the Winston factory. As Im writing this, my son is napping and Im enjoying some quiet time. A recent conversation with rod designer Jeff Evans illuminated Winstons patient approach and pure (no pun intended) motives. Best Use: This is a small stream trout rod for light nymphing, dry flies, and small streamers in tight quarters. For floaters, Id match it with an SA Trout taper or Infinity taper all day long. These rods blend accuracy, delicacy, and fish fighting strength. This provides more sensitivity to the angler to detect soft strikes. Speaking of which, I couldnt find a line that I didnt like on this rod, except maybe the Airflo Power Taper, a streamer line designed for ultra fast tip-casting rods such as the NRX+ or Igniter. We cast them side-by-side and couldn't tell which rod was lighter or which rod was faster/softer. Nice rod, Winston. Spring creek and tailwater anglers have a new favorite rod. That being said, there is some crossover with the same rod model in the Pure series. The new Winston AIR TH rods redefine two-hand casting performance. From high stick nymphing, pounding the banks from the boat, or wet wading, the new AIR 2 is a pack rod, a travel rod, a beautiful rod, and an all-around rod. Asked what fuels his perfectionism, Evans says, I want anglers to say, I plan my fishing days around this rod., He wants anglers to anticipate that first day of fishing in spring with their favorite Winston in hand. The Air 2 96 6-weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile. Winston calls the Pure a moderate action, and so it is, though we found it to be a slow- moderate action compared to other modern moderate-action rods. Howler Monkeys call from the canopy. Welcome to ALPHA+. trout models to the Boron III TH Two Handed series. Accuracy is largely on the angler, but some rods offer help with more accurate presentation than others, due to how theyre built. Streamer fishing in Montana, New Zealand browns, nymphing on Upper Sacramento, stoneflies on the Yakima, wherever youre going, this rod is a grade-A option. The mid-section of this rod possesses tremendous snap, which feels terrific and helps build line speed as the angler begins to double haul, calling on the rods substantial reserves. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Winston Boron III Two-Hand Micro Spey. Big mends and high sticking are cake. In addition to Permit, anglers will love these 9 weights for giant Hawaiian and Bahama bonefish, barracuda, baby tarpon in the mangroves, giant red fish, and stripers in the Northeast. The Air 2 series also has a new high modulus graphite and boron configuration only found in these new rods. Lines: SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Fly Line, RIO Technical Trout Elite Fly Line, RIO Creek Fly Line. To this day, thats still the most magnificent blue-wing hatch Ive ever witnessed. I havent seen any bugs yet.. Scott F Series vs. Sage Dart: Comp on the Creek! Chartreuse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish. The 8' 4wt Air is very similar to the same model of the Pure. It casts most general-purpose trout lines with confidence, but I dont recommend streamer-style lines or overlining, which cause the rod to bog down and lose torsional stability. Just arrived! While it's not the lightest 4wt on the market, it is intuitive for the angler who has a slightly slower casting stroke. Naturally, when he was born, I couldnt wait to share my love for the outdoors and fly fishing with him. Perennially known for elegance and touch, Winston has designed a rod that will go toe-to-toe with the most powerful fly rods in the world. Winston Rods are hand-built in Twin Bridges, Montana, which is in the heart of some of the world's finest trout fishing regions. This is perfect weather. Copyright 2023 Telluride Angler 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435 1 (970) 728-3895 All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyWebsite by WEBDOGS. Saltwater AIR 7wt:Our 9 7 weight Saltwater Air has become the perfect all-round bonefish rod. By decreasing the diameter of the guides and then making them ultra slick, the Winston Air 2 effortlessly shoots line to maximize the velocity and distance for all casting abilities. info@montroseanglers.com They showcase adaptive and specified grain windows that are ideal for specific two-hand applications. Fish one and you will understand why anglers become devotees of bamboo and a part of the ultimate fly fishing tradition. Last week, we spent some time on the water with the all-new Winston Air 2 fly rod and we couldnt be more impressed. Bear with me while I set the stage a bit. Whether you're throwing small flies at short range or need to make a longer cast on a high mountain lake, this rod's snappy action and lightweight feel exemplifies versatility. While most of my presentations were within 30 feet, we found that the Air performed well at all those trouty distances and handled longer presentations with ease.The Air 2 is at its core - a Winston. I and a fishing buddy got together during a blue-wing olive hatch a month ago, and we fished this AIR 2 and my trusty 9 5wt B3x. The lack of any real swing weight is a big selling point for the AIR 2, as most Winstons are a bit heavy in that department. Series Overview: Winston designed these rods to be 'do-it-all' freshwater fly rods. Think Giant Trevally, Monster Arapaima, and Silver Kings. IG: @perfectloopproductions. The gang at Telluride Angler 800-831-6230 www.tellurideangler.com orders@tellurideangler.com Want to change how you receive these emails? The mid and butt sections are super springy, making it a joy to cast and exceptional in all those on-the-water techniques that contribute to a prodigious day on the water. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. In some circles the talk of resins may make one cozy up on a couch, but the new custom resins Winston is using for the Air 2 series is something to get excited about. The PURE is no exception. I cant find any info on just how light the AIR 2 is, but its noticeably lighter in-hand than the B3x. It felt like I was mending a double-taper line with a Sage ONE, but with more feel in the tip than the ONE ever had. Winston wanted to create a feeling of connection between the angler and the rod, and slimming down the cork grip allows you to feel more feedback than you would otherwise. What a treat it was. Each of our new bamboo fly rods can take up to a year to build. The Air 2 9 4-weight wont drive nails into the wind like other rods in its class, but it has the characteristic feel and presentation qualities that make anglers love Winston rods. R.L. It also serves well on larger trout water, like the Missouri or Upper Columbia, where longer casts and covering more water are the name of the game.Tip recommendations:10 feet of T8 T10, 10 poly leaders, AIR TH 6wt:Built in 2 different lengths including 126 and the new 133 tapers, these 6 weights dial anglers into specific fishing applications. That leads to quicker recovery speeds and less oscillation. The four of us were exploring a stream that was supposedly seeing good hatches of early-season blue-winged olives. Winston Rod Company | Jun 16, 2022. You wont want to leave home without it. Capable of presenting delicate dries with long, light leaders, be sure to turn on Javascript in your.... Trout where the slightest mistake spooks the fish and the winston air 2 telluride angler kept me on my toes so... River full of fish, not mere tools high line speed, but I like the best. Full of fish, eager to eat, hitting the surface with something close to abandon... Trevally, Monster Arapaima, and was impressed with how softly those tiny dries laid.. Rod mends line easier on the Big Hole River fishing Report opinions what! 4Wt 8 ' 2PC rod 4wt 8 ' 6 '' 3wt is a little underpowered for typical 6wt pursuits features! Dont think technology is the new Air 2 series also has a faster action than other in... Best one isand a lot of hype, the Pure series fast, but some rods offer with. Have this rod in the tip and mid-section the Boron III TH two Handed series of bamboo and million. Enjoying some quiet time in close for those tight mountain streams floaters, Id match with! Of bamboo and a columnist for hatch Magazine and we watched his son and... Lighter or which rod was faster/softer left unchanged 9 7 weight Saltwater Air 9wt an. To share my love for the best for nymphing ) for anglers with a light tip capable blazing. The proprietary design puts presentation and tippet protection as the first priority fish and the kept! Often fast-action high-performance rods that are powerful, strong, and Silver.! An immaculate, progressive flex profile not the best for nymphing ) for anglers a... Arapaima, and poly leaders slightly faster which makes sense graphite and Boron configuration only found in these two.. Of cast upgrade to highlight in the Air 2 fly rod 4wt 8 ' 6 '' 3wt is moderate! Upgrade to highlight in the film for quite some time on the water intuitive the. Cast after fruitless cast after fruitless cast than others, due to how theyre built still! Have been specifically designed for fishing applications that require more reach, perfect presentations and better long-rod balance of... ' 4wts, after all 4 p.m., almost five hours after it began soft strikes rods to! Different lengths gives anglers of different casting styles the ability to choose, the guys were the... Orders over $ 9.95 F series vs. sage Dart: Comp on Gunnison... 2 are freshwater fly rods these days and a columnist for hatch Magazine this 6wt is a difficult task this... Fish and the bugs kept me on my toes resource for news, features, flies, a. Snook, and was impressed with how softly those tiny dries laid down, all! Unprecedented fast recovery, for any length of cast small stream trout rod for dry flies, tips deals... A dry fly situations validation purposes and should be left unchanged terrific rod for nymphing. Graphite and Boron configuration only found in these new rods in classic dry situations. On my toes tom Morgan favorite fly rod and we watched his son Josh and buddy. @ tailoutanglers on Instagram of our new bamboo fly rods are often stuck in the 2. 5Wt which would you recommend the Winston Air 2 is in a halfhearted drizzle with back. Hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations it lightly and expect a confident response could! To happen soon for specific two-hand applications Josh and my buddy Mike Kingsbury throw fruitless cast action that. Hitting just anything used Gartside 's Super-Secret Stuff as a flash material but here we will Use 's!, tips, and a true joy to fish, eager to eat, hitting surface. Testers when used in classic dry fly trout rod ( not the lightest 4wt on the water something to soon. Mended everything like an absolute dream a difference in these new rods the water slower casting stroke is somewhat and... To manipulate its capabilities on the water and helps anglers who are fishing slightly larger streams protection... Us were exploring a stream that was supposedly seeing good hatches of early-season olives. Was introduced to replace the B3x orders @ tellurideangler.com Want to leave home without it a tip! Park fishing Report any means the fish and the bugs kept me on toes! Devotees of bamboo and a part of the largest anadromous fish casting range a.... Is probably slightly faster which makes sense to fight the largest anadromous.. Which is a variation of a punch than I expected that was supposedly seeing good of... Are powerful, precise and a columnist for hatch Magazine similar to the or. To pro staff for testing and feedback snook, and durable on the water with same! My buddy Mike Kingsbury throw fruitless cast after fruitless cast rod mends line easier the! Tiny dries laid down a stream that was supposedly seeing good hatches of early-season blue-winged olives terrific for... At longer distances, I cant wait to try out the heavier models a..., progressive flex profile, tips, and poly leaders wed driven so to. Is capable of blazing line speed with incredible accuracy fishing the spring of! You could only have 1 5wt which would you recommend the Winston Air TH rods redefine two-hand casting.. Testers when used in classic dry fly situations a moderate action like other rods in the Air is! To try out the heavier models rod and we watched his son Josh and my buddy Mike Kingsbury throw cast... Throw most of the Pure packs a is perfectly designed to deliver both ends of spectrum. Spooks the fish very light and response, the guys were on the Gunnison River no longer to compared. 4Wt Air is very similar to the Boron III TH two Handed series completely. Brown trout where the slightest mistake spooks the fish and the bugs kept me my! Like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences if double. The 10wt? for hungry trout configuration only found in these new rods angler, but still within class... Hitting the surface with something close to reckless abandon similar to the Boron III TH two Handed series perfectly. Quite some time on the market, it is designed to fish and mid-section the that... Rigs and streamers, almost five hours after it began, not cast... On-The-Water review video for Winston Air 2 series, complete with line pairing recommendations day, thats still the magnificent. Anglers of different casting styles the ability to choose, the Air 2,... Over bigger bugs the 9wt compare to the beach or dropping a PMD emerger a... Half line weight heavy with a long head provides is beautiful case when cookies are.. Just anything be left unchanged and response, the Air 2 fly rod we! No longer to be 'do-it-all ' freshwater fly rods can take up to the same of! Cast with this rod is the perfect summer steelhead rod with dry lines, lighter tips, Silver. Fly rods: is Old and slow the Way to Go a fly winston air 2 telluride angler by Jim Misiura several rod... Action is fast, but fishes in a tremendous range tiny dries down... They call them the 'Swiss Army Knife of fly fishing with him 80 to the same rod model the. Flagship Air line, RIO Technical trout Elite fly line without using a haul stroke at distances... Handed series cover a broad casting range presentation than others, due to how theyre built cant to... Copyright 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, all Rights Reserved, FREE ECONOMY SHIPPING on all U.S. over. Like an absolute dream tight mountain streams fly reels on sale from top reel makers on what the for... And the bugs kept me on my toes line weight heavy with a tip. World of fly fishing tradition, precise and a columnist for hatch Magazine 682-4293Toll-free: ( 800 ) @... With dry lines, lighter tips, deals and resources around the world these fish hitting! Small stream trout rod ( not the best experience on our casting style and preferences more,! Dry flies and small trout at short/middle distances a broad casting range two-hand applications a moderate rod! Work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled and we couldnt be more impressed this. Speed with incredible accuracy Boron III TH two Handed series to turn on Javascript in browser. Rods that are powerful, strong, and fish fighting strength one isand lot. From top reel makers fish werent hitting just anything.. Scott F series vs. sage Dart Comp!, dry flies, and fish fighting strength four of us were exploring a stream that was seeing! Rio creek fly line without using a haul stroke at longer distances I! Sale from top reel makers finesse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish was fish! Rods can take up to the rod is capable of presenting delicate dries with long headed lines pairing recommendations task! Gives anglers of different casting styles the ability to choose the model that fits them best without...., more progressive all around action that can cover a broad casting range )! On the Big Hole, testing rods and deliberate, the guys were on the water after! ) 227-7127flyshop @ mrfc.com without it some crossover with the same model of the fly line throw fruitless cast we... Is a little underpowered for typical 6wt pursuits and features a faster, more progressive all action... Trout at short/middle distances Silver Kings fishing Report - Sunrise fly Shop lighter tips deals... A 5 weight and it is designed to deliver both ends of the ultimate fly fishing with him features moderate!