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Capt. Andrew DerFEATURE STORYFly CastingFly FishingHelios Fly RodsLefty KrehOrvisSlideThom Glace

A good fly rod is the link to angling confidence

By November 21, 2024No Comments

‘Flats fishing’ casting counts here. A great angler aboard makes life easy. Derr photo.

I relish the saltiness of my time

Henry Clement-Rehoboth Beach August 2023 . . .

By Henry Clement 

It is a clean sweep with new fly rods—two for sure and maybe three. I have never owned a nymphing rod, so I will have to ask Angie Roth; no one knows more about nymphing than she does. I do not know George Daniel, Kelly Galloup, Joe Humphreys, or Tom Rosenbauer. The window of getting out on the water, no matter the weather, travel difficulties, or cost, freshwater or saltwater, is a snack menu now.

No longer filet mignon and a la carte légumes affordable

Now it is trouts, brook, brown, rainbow, and hybrid striper. Occasionally, an invite from Capt. Andrew Derr, my stepson, to fish for stripers, blue fish, and false albacore off the coast of Long Island, New York. If I feel physically up to it, I take a wading-required trip to the Canadian Maritimes to catch at least one more Atlantic salmon.

Why not take it seriously and enjoy the quest of exploring the fly fishing enterprise for fly rods?

Imagine the thrill of handling a lineup of fly rods designed to make casting a breeze, regardless of age or physical demands. Whether it’s one-handed, two-handed, switch, sidearm, Belgian, roll, spey, or even delicate nymphing, these rods are essential for any passionate angler always looking for the feel of that perfect cast.

The man who taught a thousand to fly fish and tie flies is missed, Lefty Kreh. Photo Clement

But finding the right series of rods is no walk in the park

With a dazzling array of options, the search can be overwhelming. Surprisingly, some rods in the low to mid-range pricing tiers are shockingly subpar, making you wonder how they made it to the market.

Once upon a time, Lefty Kreh famously remarked in the 2000s that “it’s hard to find a bad casting rod today.” Times have changed. Unfortunately, fly rods that aren’t worth a dime are now out there. 
Perhaps it’s because today’s high-end offerings are reaching a level of excellence that’s hard to surpass. As TJ Douglas humorously predicted, we might soon see the arrival of a self-casting fly rod.
Just input your favorite coordinates, pour yourself three fingers of Glenlivet 18-year-old, light up a Cuban, and wait for that exhilarating tug of the line! The future of fly fishing is looking incredibly bright for the AI consumed.
In the world of fly fishing rods, no U.S.-made high-end rod maker has the stigma of being labeled as inferior.

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout by Thom Glace – award-winning watercolorist and illustrator. Courtesy image.

A melancholy rises with time, prompting the realization that holding onto old fly rods may not always serve my best interests

Over the nearly three years before my purchases, I researched and test-drove various fly rods. This involved borrowing different rods from fly shops, guides, and friends, each lending a unique experience and perspective. Interacting with sales representatives and getting samples proved invaluable.
Two seasons spent attending the fly fishing show circuit added to my understanding. I also purchased a few promising-looking fly rods made overseas, rounding out my exposure to the market.

Helios D 9′ 9-Weight Fly Rod Outfit is a complete kit to target big-game saltwater fish. $

The burning question remained: what is the ultimate fly rod for me, you, or anyone?

Through extensive testing of at least a dozen rods thought to be keepers, primarily in 5-weight and 7-weight varieties, I discovered several that I would never part with. Yet, only one-rod series left a profound impression on me: the rods said, “Go easy on me,” a gentle finish that barely retorted when I cast it. These particular rods surprised me, revealing remarkable qualities as the last fly rods I expected to shine in every aspect. They left me thoroughly satisfied, proving to be an exceptional fit for me.

‘Two nights in Lynn Canal. I won’t be putting this spot on the map.’ Photo credit Joseph – Wikipedia Commons image.

ORVIS

Orvis’ Helios series of fly rods, the F and D, are exceptional. They are designed for extended use without overwhelming even an 85-year-old angler, which speaks volumes about the Helios rods’ impact.

Lift and turn

While they may not be the quintessential lift and turn rods, I’ve caught hybrid stripers this spring in Georgia that address any concerns. In the fall, Angie Roth landed five Atlantic salmons in Newfoundland, Canada, without encountering any issues with her Helios rods. Similarly, TJ Douglas successfully hooked two tarpon in the Florida Keys last year and confirmed there were no problems regarding lift and turn.
While I complained about lift and turn, Angie [8-, 9-weights] and TJ [10—and 11-weights], both in the Helios D series, said they used better lift and turn rods in the past, but neither would trade the casting ability of the Helios rods.

ORVIS Atlanta.

Power

These Helios rods derive power from NASA-grade carbon fibers and adhesives through meticulous construction and assembly. Check out Orvis via the Fish Food video below for a deeper dive.
During my testing of the Helios rods (I only cast 14 rods and did not test any spey or switch lengths), I also experienced a nymphing rod. Most of my casting sessions with ORVIS rods took place with professional guide Adam Powell, formerly of Atlanta ORVIS.

Limiting reverberation is a standout attribute

The standout feature across all the Orvis Helios rods I tested was the extraordinary feel during hauls and minimal post-cast wobble, known as reverberation. This stability instills confidence while fishing with Helios.
Caucasian senior male tying a fly on his fly fishing line while fishing for salmon and searun

Waiting for salmon in Washington.

With a Helios rod, the angler becomes the engineer of each cast rather than a mere power generator. This distinction greatly enhances the fishing experience, making it more enjoyable and less physically taxing for older anglers – any angler.

Castability

The inherent casting capability of the Orvis Helios line elevates any angler’s performance, allowing for a greater focus on presentation and outcomes. The boost in confidence provided by a Helios rod is undeniable.
When I cast a Helios, it feels artful—akin to anything I’ve ever thrown, served, or bowled. It’s a thrilling experience to fly cast with a Helios rod.
Excelling in a skill is exhilarating.
The downside? A Helios fly rod comes with a hefty price tag. There’s no escaping that reality. But let’s face it: a Lexus offers a superior and much more comfortable ride than a Honda Pilot. Both are good, but the pricier option outperforms the budget-friendly one.

I’ll follow Ben Franklin’s and my mother’s advice

‘The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.’

The Orvis Company, Inc.
178 Conservation Way
Sunderland, VT 05250
802-362-3622

Watch Fish Foods’ [their info found in the video] review of making ORVIS fly rods 

 
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