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By BlackFly from Phoenix, AZ on 06/23/2008 Pros: Accurate Casting, Good Tip Action, Strong butt section, Well balanced Best Uses: Fly Fishing, Large Fish, Ocean Fishing Describe Yourself: Avid Fisher Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend After reading about the benefits of two-handed rods in fly-fishing magazines over the past several years, I decided to give it a try, cold-turkey. Sierra's price for the 15' 10-weight enticed me to buy the Albright rod which I recalled were endorsed by Lou Tabory, from whom I learned a great deal when I lived on the East Coast. I hitched up my reel from my regular 10-weight, stepped in the surf, and taught myself how to cast. Unlike traditional spey-casting, however, I used the road as if it were a super long fly rod and worked on backcasting and hauling. The rod threw incredibly long, tight loops and it wasn't long before I was casting the entire 105' line with minimal effort and false casts. The rod was well balanced and I was able to strip with one hand or tuck the reel under my arm for two-handed strips. Most impressive, however, was the fish-fighting ability. I hooked a number of 12 to 18 pound bluefish and striped bass from shore and boat. The strong butt section (I called it a telephone pole) whipped these strong fish into submission quickly allowing for easy releases of understressed fish. Further, having the ability to throw the whole line was a significant mental and practical advantage. There were twenty other flyfishers on the beach but I was into fish first, had the most hits and consistently caught the largest fish. Although I was an oddity and local celebrity (the "Spey Guy"), I can guarantee that I won't have the only two-handed rod on the beach going forward. The performance was that impressive.
Downsides, though minimal, are lack of portability. My other 10-weight is a 7-piece travel rod that fits in a knapsack. The Albright rod tube is almost four feet long which eliminates the ability to carry-on flights. I checked the rod and it arrived without incident but I have to believe that it is susceptible to being misplaced (lost?) in an airplane cargo hold or baggage carrier. Also, the rod can be tough to maneuver in tight spaces or angles. When on the 17' skiff, I had to stand on the bow while the captain grabbed the leader at the stern. On the beach, it was tough to back a big fish onto the beach and remain "down and dirty" in the butt section keeping the most pressure on the fish. Breakage or lost fish can occur at this critical juncture (as with any fly rod). Another niggle concerns line management which is not really a rod problem. However, a good stretch of the line is imperative because the entire line is in the stripping basket and bird's nests and loose knots are inevitable. You'd hate to get a strike with 50' of line out and a tangle at the stripping guide. (I'm sure I'll have the same issue with the 120' spey line I recently purchased). Finally, moreso than with a regular fly rod, I'd recommend mashing the barbs and always making sure the fly is downwind. The rod generates a lot of line speed and I shudder to think of removing a very deeply embedded hook from anywhere other than a fish's lip. By the same token, make sure there isn't anyone behind you when you cast as well.
All in all, it's been three days since my fishing trip and I'm as excited as a kid before Christmas to go back to Martha's Vineyard again in August. Maybe I'll have a "Spey Guy" superhero logo stitched to my waders in advance. Tight lines!
By Strada from Seattle, WA on 01/27/2008 Pros: Accurate Casting, Durable, Good Tip Action, Sensitive Cons: No cons at this time Best Uses: Ocean Fishing, River Fishing Describe Yourself: Avid Fisher Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: When I was looking for a good large river two hander, I was told a good all around rod should be about 14 ft, 9 wt, fast action. This rod has been a delight to use and delivers everything I was looking for: long casts of 80 to 90 ft to reach the other side, good rod length to help mend line, light enough for all day fishing, good strength to lift the fish out of the deep pools. The very nice rod finish is a bonus.
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