This is undoubtedly my go-to trout rod nowadays. Really nice up close with a tip that allows you to fish .10mm/7X and flies smaller than 22 – we are talking technical river trout fishing here! But also with the backbone that allows you to throw a long line into the wind when you need it.
It was originally designed for fly fishing in the Balkans where long fine leaders are essential (and the trout and grayling a very respectable size) but it very quickly became my all-round trout rod.
I think where it really shines is for exactly the sort of fishing this rod is off to do; ie sight fishing for stillwater brown trout in Tasmania. On my last trip I discovered times when I needed to delicately fish leaders of .14mm, which is getting fine for stillwater trout fishing, particularly when the fish are of a decent size!
All in all it’s a really fun rod to fish! Email me on paul@sexyloops.com if you have any questions!
It’s that Autumn/Spring transition – as the Northern Hemisphere turns frigid, the Southern Hemisphere begins to bloom. November/December are my favourite months in New Zealand, there is usually plenty of water in the rivers and the Brown Trout can be numerous and in prime condition, having recovered from spawning which happened as long as six months before. I would always aim to be touching down in NZ by Guy Fawkes night (5th November).
I’ve heard that NZ is far busier nowadays, compared to when I used to fish there for six months/year. And I really noticed changes over the 20 year period that I made summer fishing there my home. In the end that became a real problem for me, because I almost always prefer my own company to others when fishing. Anyway this year one would expect the rivers to be far quieter than in normal years.
This rod, the HT6, was designed for New Zealand fishing. Typical set-up is three flies on an 18-22’ leader. Top dropper being an indicator style dry fly (like my RFU) and then the bottom two flies being nymphs, one with tungsten and the other a smaller nymph tied off the bend.
Fish are relatively big, particularly so in the backcountry, where they can average 5 or more pounds. 4lbs in the backcountry is small. It’s not even considered a big fish by NZ standards until it’s at least 8lbs.
The HT action is a fast rod that flexes to the grip and feels comfortable at all ranges from up close, poking through the trees, to longer shots. In NZ you often need high line speed to deal with the strong winds that pop up just as you are about to take your shot!
It is designed true-to-weight. In other words for a fly line that truly weighs 160 grains at 30 feet. If you want to fish a line that weighs 185 grains (7WT) then buy the HT7!
And very importantly, I think, is that it has a matte “no-shine” finish. Shiny rods spook fish in NZ; I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
Anyway, this one is in stock. If you order it today you will probably arrive by next week. Ooh – wouldn’t that be fun!!
