“These rod’s are a joy to cast and fish for days on end. With an ultra efficient action and design, the Renegade series of two handed rod’s are a much needed loveable, dynamic connection in a world of minimal to zero stretch casting systems.” -Jerry French
[dropcap]J[/dropcap]erry French is no stranger to the steelhead and skagit world of fly fishing. He has been an important innovator and fixture in the realm for many years. Now he has designed the Renegade series of fly rods for Pieroway Rod Company. The idea was to design a line of rods that was simply easier to cast for everyone. “Across the board, rods under 12 feet were far more versatile fishing and casting tools for the beginner to the advanced angler alike. However, the greatest advantage I found was the massively reduced learning curve. Due to a much easier overall working system length, everything is easier”. Part of the equation here relies on the use of a slower action to accomplish an easier learning curve and achievable casting consistency. French explains, “the action is a progressive medium fast that loads easily and recovers quickly.”
The Renegade single hand rods are available in an 8′ 6″ 3 weight, a 9′ 4 weight, and a 9′ 6″ 5 weight, and are the perfect length for their intended purpose. The buttery action will single hand Skagit cast a compact head system equally as well with your favorite single hand lines for streamers to dry flies while also improving casting accuracy and allowing for a more delicate presentation. The action also improves fish fighting and landing ratios, not to mention protecting that ultra-light tippet material.
The Renegade two handed rod series are available in a 10′ 6″ 6 weight, an 11′ 7 weight, 11′ 6″ 8 weight, and a 12′ 9 weight, and are designed with the same powerful yet buttery action at the most efficient lengths for their intended purpose.
The Skinny
Versatile and user-friendly, Renegade rods can be matched with any ultra short head line system. Every detail, from rod length to handle style, is designed to minimize the learning curve of new casters and maximize the performance of experienced anglers.
Each rod length is matched with an ultra compact Skagit or Scandi line, just like the OPST Commando Heads. Using a wide tip window, this will allow the caster to maximize versatility, with total grain weight to rod ratios for easy Skagit casting. Optimal casting and fishing performance with absolutely no guess work.
Single to Switch
The smaller rods in the Renegade series are designed to be cast as a single-handed rod or two-handed.
The removable bottom handle gives the caster the option to use both handles for easy two-handed casting and it also makes an awesome fighting butt. Remove the bottom handle to cast single hand Skagit or overhead without the bottom handle interfering with the running line.
Review
The rods are currently being produced and will soon be available for our review. We truly look forward to fishing these rods. They are conceptually intriguing and designed by a stalwart of the sport. Please stay tuned for our forthcoming in-depth review of these sweet sticks. Check out the Jerry French website for more information or to purchase one of these rods at the reasonable $475-$525 retail pricing.
Questions
If you have any questions about this series of fly rods, get it straight from the horse’s mouth. Email Jerry directly with your questions.
