Author Archives: Christopher Justice

Patagonia Waders Sale!

Sale – 35% off!

                                                                                              Retail price              Sales price

Men’s Rio Gallegos Waders     Regular          XL            $499                       $325

Men’s Rio Gallegos Waders     Regular          L              $499                       $325

Men’s Rio Gallegos Waders     Regular          LM          $499                       $325

https://www.backwaterangler.com/product/patagonia-rio-gallegos-wader-2/

Middle Fork Packable Waders   Long             XL            $349                       $227

Middle Fork Packable Waders   Regular        M             $349                       $227

Middle Fork Packable Waders   Regular        ML          $349                       $227

Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Waders

 

 

G. Loomis NRX Fly Rod Sale

 

In stock G. Loomis NRX Fly Rods – 35% off

 

Model                                                  Size                      Retail price            Sales price

Light Presentation (LP)                  7’6” 3wt             $720                        $468

Light Presentation (LP)                   9’ 4wt                $745                        $484

https://backwaterangler.com/product/nrx-lite-presentation/

Nymph                                        10’ 3wt               $775                        $504

Nymph                                        10’ 4wt               $785                        $510

https://www.backwaterangler.com/product/nrx-nymph/

NRX                                                      9’ 8wt                $805                         $523

G. Loomis NRX +

 

        

Six Weight Fly Rod Reviews

A 6wt fly rod is not necessarily the ideal rod for the Gunpowder River, but it’s a good stick for larger rivers and the bigger trout and smallmouth they hold and ideal for sinking lines and flies. A sturdy 6wt can also manage chunky largemouths and carp in local ponds. And it can still hold its own on most Gunpowder situations. At Backwater Angler, we have several 6wts to chase these fish on larger bodies of local water such as the Susquehanna River, North Branch of the Potomac River, or local reservoirs.

Entry level

St. Croix Mojo Trout – $200

Mojo Trout Fly Rod

These are extremely smooth casting, versatile fly rods ideal for beginners and intermediate anglers alike. The Mojo Trout features premium, high-modulus SCIII graphite across the two- and four-piece models. On the Gunpowder, these 6wt fly rods do cover all the trout-specific fly fishing applications – streamers, dries, nymphs, terrestrials, wets – without breaking the bank. When I cast this rod, it feels appropriately like a 6wt: not quite the heavy tightness that larger rods possess, but sturdy enough for a taught, accurate case and durable to manage average and larger fish alike. In short, these four-piece rods are the heavier end of lighter-weight rods. The classic feel of its cigar grip reminds us of exactly that.

 

St. Croix Imperial – $300

St. Croix Imperial

The rod makers from Park Falls, Wisconsin created the Imperial series from a dynamic blend of high-modulus/high-strain SCIV graphite and premium quality SCII graphite, and in doing so, set the standard for a premium U.S. built rod. These lightweight, fast action rods are extremely versatile and perform like a much more expensive rod. The 9’ 6wt offers light action, a classic cigar grip, slim profile ferrules, and a classic Kigan hook keeper. The Sea Guide snake guides come with a black PVD coating for extra hardness and increased smoothness. The reel seat is uplocking and machined aluminum. These four-piece rods come with a rugged rod case with a handle and polypropylene liner.

 

Mid-level

Loomis IMX Pro – $495

G Loomis IMX-Pro

Built to the unrelenting specifications of professional fishing guides, the IMX-PRO series is comprised of 15 purpose driven designs to meet the performance demands of modern freshwater fishing. Striking the ultimate balance of handsome appointments, positive feel, and unflinching durability, IMX-PRO is a game-changing addition to the serious angler’s quiver. The 9’ 6wt model provides excellent action, easy casting, and maintains an ideal balance of being both sturdy and agile. This four-piece rod really excels at the reel seat, where it boasts a Full Wells grip, a useful reel butt for playing larger fish, and an aluminum reel seat and screws.

 

Higher-end

Loomis Asquith – $1,000

G Loomis Asquith

The Asquith series is the culmination of global cooperation in design, materials, and manufacturing techniques. Built on Shimano’s proprietary Spiral X platform, the Asquith boasts superb power transfer from tip to hand, quick recovery, and increased sensitivity. Designed by world casting champion Steve Rajeff, the Asquith is an exploratory step into the future of rod manufacturing technology. With fast actions, generous power levels, titanium guides, and exceptionally light swing weight, all rods in the series excel in fishing situations where developing high line speed and making precise casts means success. The four-piece, 9’ 6wt model of this series offers fast action excellent for casting short and long distances.

 

 

Review of 4 weight fly rods

 

The Gunpowder River is an ideal river for 4 weight (wt.) fly rods. Some anglers have fun with 3 wts., and  a 5 wt. is understandable, but 4 wts. are the choice for many anglers. At Backwater Angler, we have an impressive range – regardless of your budget or experience level – of 4 wts. for your fishing adventures.

 

Entry level ($180 – $320)

St. Croix Mojo Trout – The 9’0 model provides fast action and some extra stretch for nymphing. An ideal rod to start one’s fly fishing life, the Mojo trout features a Kigan hook keeper, solid cork handle, aluminum reel seat, and smooth, black snake guides. This is a very reasonably priced rod.

St. Croix Imperial – The 4 piece 8’0 of this model is my favorite as it provides light, fast action. Growing up as a spin fisherman, I often used ultra light rods, and this model emulates that action well. Complete with slim-profile ferrules, Sea Guide snake guides, an uplocking reel seat, premium-grade cork handle, and a Kigan hook keeper, this rod is another ideal port of entry into small stream trout fishing. Landing some wild browns with this one should put a smile on any angler’s face.

Mid-level ($350 – $500)

Echo 3 – The 4 piece 8’6 and 9’0 versions of this medium-to-fast action rod are advanced, high-modulus graphite rods with modern resins, making it light and sensitive while maintaining backbone to go 10 rounds with an angry fish. It’s crisp on that 70′ cast, but not so fast you can’t feel the rod. These rods fish dries to nymphs, lakes to rivers, and various fish. The ECHO 3 is arguably the most well-rounded family of rods we offer. They also come with a lifetime warranty, which is hard to overlook.

Scott Flex – These 4 piece 8’6 and 9’0 rods are light and handcrafted and excellent for generating line speed and effortless tight loops. The strong butt section is ideal for strong hook sets, and the 9’0 model gives an extra stretch for nymphing. I prefer the 8’6 model myself, but the 9’0 is equally effective and feels more like a 4/5, which depending on your preference could be a real advantage.

St. Croix Legend Elite – This 4 piece 9’0 rod is slightly higher-end for this category, but is a rod that will cover a lot of fishing for a long time. Its gorgeous finish and incredible balance impress. With the first cast you’ll revel in the smoothness and deceptive power of the crisp SCV graphite blank with Advanced Reinforcing Technology and Integrated Poly Curve technologies. The rod feels like a one piece but is a four. 

Higher-end ($745 – $795)

G. Loomis NRX – The NRX is perfect for the Gunpowder, with the high modulus carbon and a softer tip than the original NRX, which allows for delicate presentation with protection on fine tippet. This rod feels lighter and active, ideal for dries yet strong enough for streamers, yet at 9’0 allows for that extra stretch when nymphing too. This is a versatile rod that covers lots of bases for the novice to experienced fly angler.

Scott Radian – The greatest strength of the 4 piece 9’0 and 10’0 Radians, arguably, is their blend of power, line speed, touch, feel, and accuracy. It’s hard to find rods that combine those elements, but the Radian has them all. The React technology brings together X-Core with new complex materials and a taper system to dramatically increase recovery speed. Meanwhile, the X-Core technology offers an enhanced feel, incredible stability, and unparalleled performance. Fiberuse resin provides stronger bonds between fibers, and the Advanced Reinforced Carbon technology reduces torque and increases rod strength.