Tightline/ESN Rod suggestions please

Tom Butler · Jan 26, 2024

Thanks for all your suggestions, I've been reaching out, got some ideas. May end up with something like 10'6" and/or a 2wt. Not quite where I started but learning more. Still thinking I may need to go try. Whatever I figure out I'll put this on it. Just as I got him wore out ring ring.

Tom Butler · Jan 28, 2024

I was noticing how beat up the cork is on my CBXL yesterday, and thinking about all the things I've talked to folks about, and decided I really just don't know enough yet or have enough experience to make a decision. Decided just to replace what I got with an order for the Echo Shadow 2 from Red's. I'll screw on the glued together fighting butt from my Stillwater, and it should weigh a hair less than I'm used to and balance well with the new reel. I'll see if I like faster action and notice a more sensitive feel. And if I break it, warranty, with backup. I don't abuse my gear so would not feel bad about a claim. And if I do something stupid, $40.

Tom Butler · Jan 30, 2024

Well, that tip sure looks skinny! Balanced out just ahead of the swell with a fighting butt and 2 large weights. We'll see. Somehow feel like Raider fan. Fast shipping.

mcswny · Jan 30, 2024

Tom Butler said:
Well, that tip sure looks skinny! Balanced out just ahead of the swell with a fighting butt and 2 large weights. We'll see. Somehow feel like Raider fan. Fast shipping.
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Tom, that's what I've fished with for the past 5 or so years and really is a great rod. I've destroyed one FB and another came unscrewed on the bank and I lost it (make sure you tighten it down). I've also broken one tip (my fault!). But over all it's. been a great rod (my only ESN rod so I have nothing to compare it to). It's definitely showing it's use, but like you, I don't know what I'd replace it with (mostly because it's not my favorite style of fishing short of in the Winter).

Enjoy!

Tom Butler · Feb 6, 2024

I have really been enjoying fishing the Shadow 2 with the Danielsson dry fly reel. Only today I realized no click, haha. The large arbor is great. My hand naturally likes to sit at the front end of the grip near the blank on this rod, so I took out the 2 weights saving 20 grams. Nice and light in hand. I find it as advertised, noticeably more sensitive. I also notice how quickly it stabilizes (dampens?). My cast precision is improved and I'll say it casts 50% farther . I'm not sure if there is more fish landing power, maybe, but it's been doing fine. No regrets, really happy with it.