reviews

Scott Radian Review

It’s a real statement in the current market when a rod truly stands out from the rest and remains one of the most popular freshwater rods 8 years after it’s introduction, but that’s what the Scott Radian series does. Despite their fast action, they have a very unique feel which allows for a wide range of uses from delivering small dries on light tippet to banging weighted streamers against the banks. The quick recovery rate and springy action really makes for easy casting rods. Many modern fast action fly rods simply don’t offer this level of control from short to even long range casts. We …

Read more

Abel VAYA in Stock!

We have in 3 gorgeous new VAYA reels from Abel. These are partially ported, leaving just enough surface area to highlight the hand anodized finishes. The frame interior also features varying sets of milled fly patterns for those who appreciate the attention to detail. The large arbor spool features a precision-balanced dual-pawl drag engagement design with a fully sealed adjustable drag. The rigid machining, design and finishes are of the highest quality as you’d expect from Abel. We currently have the following: Vaya 4/5 Brook Trout Finish  – $995 Vaya 4/5 Dark Green Finish – $645 Vaya 5/6 Satin Black Finish – $645    

Patagonia Danner Boots & Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Waders Review

Over the past 4 years at the shop, I’ve been blessed to try and use the best waders and boots offered by both Simms and Patagonia. Since April, I’ve put a lot of time on the river wearing the Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Waders and taken them through dense brush and green brier, and they are holding up fine. They breath fantastically well on the hottest of days whilst having extra security from biters on your legs, particularly ticks, having dealt with Lyme disease before. I tend to wear waders even in July and August. The Durable Water Repellent Finish is really nice too; they …

Read more

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 …

Read more

10 Foot Fly Rod Review

As ‘Euro-Nymphing’ has grown in popularity here in the states over the past few years, longer 10’ and even 10’6’’ and 11’ rods have become increasingly popular as well. Typically, these rods have an extremely sensitive tip section and a stronger backbone in the mid and lower sections of the rod.  The sensitivity in the tip section allows the angler to feel their nymphs/weight/shot throughout the drift. One often over looked benefit of a 10’ rod for dry fly fishing and indicator nymphing is the ability to manage line across different seams in the river. The longer rods make reaching tough to reach areas much …

Read more

Patagonia Wading Boots built by Danner in-stock in Maryland

Danner’s reputation for building the best boots is unrivaled the world over. So much so the US Military has been using Danner Boots for years. Now they have partnered with Patagonia Fly Fishing to create a revolutionary wading boot that is not only comfortable, supportive with excellent traction but also the last pair you’ll need to own. As is with all soft goods that are put to good use, the original stitching and the sole won’t last forever but these boots are made to be completely recraftable and resoleable in house, by hand in Danner’s factory in Portland, Oregon. We have a size run of …

Read more