trumps all my other nymph sticks. Best on the market or best recommendation for someone’s first nymph stick? Having a light rod that is well-balanced with your reel is an important thing to consider when picking up a rod of this type. A short description from Echo on the Shadow II series: “Light and fast, the Shadow II offers critical line feel and control with an action that will also toss a loop when the bugs start flying.” At the Shadow II’s price point ($249.99), I think you will be very pleased with its feel and performance. 34 95. Messages 1,722 Reaction score 421. The weight of the rod varying in the opposite direction (3.7oz with 1 counterweight, 4oz with 2, 4.41oz with 3...etc. This rod is packed with innovative features to reduce fatigue, encourage balance, and increase casting accuracy. This rod has a lifetime warranty, comes in a hard rod tube, and the rod costs $675. We have affordable options to get started Czech or Euro Nymphing- the Echo Carbon Xl Euro Nymphing Outfit is an excellent option to get you started. I have the 11’3’’ 3wt and I think it might be the best rod I’ve ever fished relative to its intended purpose on a river. Models available: 10' 2wt., 10'0 3wt., 10'6 … In the longer lengths, its best use is for euronymphing in big rivers, where casting gestures are more ample and slow (prospecting in shadowy water, for example). Cortland Indicator Mono. Cortland Top Secret - Ultra Premium Fluorocarbon Tippet. The Echo Shadow II is a rod with a very sober look, where the black colour predominates (whether that be on the rings, the matte blank or the reel seat in anodised aluminium). Instead I take the Syndicate to nymph and end up fishing dries if I have an opportunity. His range now consists of robust products, no frills, at a reasonable price. I’m currently looking for a 10-11ft 3 weight rod that someone would recommend for a euro nymphing setup. Here's a recent review of the T&T Contact I wrote up: http://brflyfishing.org/fly-fishing/euro-nymphing/thomas-thomas-contact-nymphing-fly-rod-review. It gives you the ability to fish 6X or even 7X tippets and therefore catch the wariest of trout. The Competition Kit allows you to adjust the length, Andrew Wading Boots Review : Creek and Fly, Fishing modern dry dropper methods (tandem flies), Review : Vision XO GRAPHENE 9'7 5wt, 10'3 and 11'4 3wt, Review : Thomas & Thomas Contact II 10' 2wt. I also have a 8.5' 4wt that I love, but it has pretty much become a dry fly only rod, and since I rarely (if ever) go to the stream with the purpose of fishing dries, I rarely use this rod. The 2100 is a great small water stick. It consists of: The Common Cents System protocol was first applied to the rod in its original 10' version. Customers love the Echo Shadow II rod and it has proven itself both effective and durable. The results are presented in the 3 tables below. In terms of rods for tight-line nymphing, the Thomas & Thomas Contact is hands down the best rod I've tried. In 10', the Echo Shadow II requires 24 cents to be folded over a third of its total length, so its ERN is 2.53, giving it an ideal line number 2. Even with the longer rods, weight is becoming less and less of a concern when it comes to the performance of the rod, though it’s still something I like to at least consider. O. osseous Well-known member. Not OP, but I have a related question that I'd love to hear your thoughts on: I currently have the Syndicate 10' 2wt, which I really like for nymphing. Cortland competition nymph line level taper 0.022" This line provides very little mass to help load the rod for casting which takes some getting used to. In 10', the Echo Shadow II requires 24 cents to be folded over a third of its total length, so its ERN is 2.53, giving it an ideal line number 2. Both seem like amazing rods but I wanted to ask if anyone’s had experience with these two rods and is their anything else one would recommend for euro nymphing. Pretty much all the factors that go into making a rod shine. Echo Shadow II Competition Kit. Probably one of the better write-ups you'll find out there: https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/blog/2018-european-style-nymphing-fly-rod-shootout-fly-rod-review/. Cortland Competition Nymph 10' 6'' 3wt. ), the BTW remains at 10.9oz whatever the chosen configuration. Echo Shadow 2 Rod Review Its amazing how specialized fly fishing has become in our current modern world. Available with an optional Competition Kit ($74.99) that includes two 6” extensions, a removable fighting butt, and counterweight washers to fine-tune the rod’s balance. They offer the angler a light tip and touch to help connect them to their nymphs and obtain perfect drifts for catching trout in rivers and streams. ... 29 99. The results are presented in the 3 tables below. I love my Cortland but I like a faster action rod. So from my experience (both rods I've had in hand and rods teammates and insanely good (far beyond my skill level) nymph fishermen have fished), here's my breakdown. After fishing with it for a day I was able to make adjustments in my casting stroke and felt comfortable with it. Love my 2wt euro from them plus it comes an extra tip nice feature. Norman Maktima became a champion in fly fishing in the United States by using this rod.". Welcome to StreamX where buying flies, tying, or flyfishing tackle is quick, affordable and simple. NB: The verified weight of the rod and the BRW do not take into account the counterweight. Echo offers the Shadow X in a variety of the popular weights and length combination which should cover just about every conceivable trout situation. I have a TFO 10 foot 5 weight I bought used. NB: The verified weight of the rod and the BRW do not take into account the counterweight. Important note: so much of this, like with other rods, is feel. These rods are specifically designed for European Style Nymph Fishing. These are 4pc. Echo Shadow X. A slightly oldie but goodie. ECHO Shadow X: A Rod for Elite-level Competition Euro Nymph Anglers In order to create the Shadow X, ECHO worked with veteran Euro Nymph guru Pete Erickson, 2018 fly fishing world champion Norm Maktima, and expert Mariusz Wrobewski to create a rod that’s dialed-in … This has been fine since my fishing is probably 75% nymphing, 20% dry/dry dropper, and 5% streamers, but when I am throwing dry flies I do find the Syndicate struggles a bit (this could also just be my squarely mediocre casting ability!). I was bored with indicator fishing. This is a subreddit for anglers who pursue, or wish to pursue, their favorite fish on fly rods. I have been looking at the new Echo Shadow X (I have a couple Echo rods and I'm a huge fan) and the Orvis Recon. Edge Shadow II and Shadow X Orvis Recon 3100 Redington Hydrogen Cortland Competition and Competition MKII ... Steve (aka waycool) uses the Cortland Competition and Competition MKII 3 wt and loves that rod. Tim has distinguished himself in the competition world through his unrivalled casting skills, and he began developing fly rods in 1980. Its success is impressive! It's a nymph fishing rod that has a huge number of supporters around the world and many of them have also started using it for dry fly fishing! Tested with the 10’6″ 4WT. To learn more about the Cortland Competition MKII Nymph Fly Rod, please click here. Light and fast, the Shadow II offers critical line feel and control with an action that will also toss a loop when the bugs start flying. The fast action (AA of 73°) and the frequency at 74cpm attest to real opportunities in dry fly fishing. The #2/3 power allow to cast a wide panel of nymph weights (beads size from 2 mm for the 10') with a predilection for the lightest models. In fact, I find it to a high degree considering its reasonable price: the finish is good, the additional elements and counterweights allow you to adapt to various fishing situations.". An element with a ring allowing it to go from 10'6 to 11'2. Hope this helps some! The Syndicate is a bit slower. Its length is 10' in its original version, and an optional Competition Kit (priced at about 75 USD) allows you to lengthen it. Echo Shadow X Euro Nymph Rods Price: $459.00. The weight of the rod varying in the opposite direction (3.5oz with 1 counterweight, 3.84oz with 2, 4.2oz with 3...etc. Shu Fly 10 foot 4 weight was the go-to for a couple of years. A ringless element allowing it to go from 10' to 10'6 without undoing the assembly. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Logically, the frequency decreases (it is conversely proportional to the length, that's actually the challenge with long rods, to manage to maintain a high reactivity and therefore a precise fishing action): the frequency goes to 72cpm in 10'6 then to 69cpm in 11'2. ), the BTW remains at 9.90oz whatever the chosen configuration. The rods are sensitive and have plenty of butt section to handle larger fish. The efficiency and accuracy of the Contact for tight-line techniques is beyond amazing and I now (literally) have a collection of euro sticks that I don't use cause all I ever grab for EN is the Contact. Which one will suit your needs? Thomas and Thomas Contact. And yes, this rod is light. The Echo Shadow II is a redesigned version of the original Shadow, and is one of our favorite European Nymphing rods! ECHO fly rods are superior fly fishing rods designed by Timmie Rajeff, friend and confidant, and we fish all of the ECHO rods at one time or other throughout the season. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Orvis H3. Nov 24, 2019 Kind of clunky and works better with a 6 weight line. Finally, the possibility of fixing counterweights to the butt provides a balanced setup regardless of the weight of the reel chosen: it is the rod that adapts to the reel this time! One offering is from Cortland appropriately named the Competition Nymph Series that is offered in several models. Echo is a brand created by Tim Rajeff, a famous fishing guide and American fly fishing competitor, based in Vancouver, Washington. I prefer the 10 foot rods over the 11 footers. Obviously the T&T Contact is a top of the line rod, and the price reflects that. Cortland Nymph Series Fly Rods Price: $299.95. Also, let me know if you have any questions about the fishing I do that might help to clarify your recommendations. Echo Carbon XL Euro Nymph Package ... Echo Shadow II Euro Nymph Rods Price: $289.00. Hope this helps some! The Cortland rod is one that I feel pretty good about but it just has something about it that holds me back from using it over the Shadow. Czech … Echo Shadow X Euro Nymph Package Price: $599.95. Echo Carbon XL. (And I own the Echo Shadow which is a nice rod but not above these two). Here is the test of one of its flagship products: the Echo Shadow II 10' line 2. Whether you fly fish a 2wt on small creeks for brook trout, a 14' 9wt for Steelhead or Atlantic Salmon, or Tarpon on a 12wt; your contributions and questions will be welcomed and appreciated! I use it for 10' euronymphing and for light dryfly fishing with a line 2, as well as with an additional extension (10'6): in this configuration, it is to my knowledge one of the only 10'6 line 2 on the market! I appreciate any insight you might have! I couldn’t find exact specs on weight … The Echo Shadow II Euro Nymphing Fly Rod is the most popular rod at Red's due to its unbeatable price. Two VERY different answers.. Best on the market for price to performance ratio. The Thomas & Thomas Contact is an unbelievable stick. NB  : The verified length and weight of the rod take into account the fighting butt and the BRW take into account the fighting butt and 3 counterweights. Then, after adding in succession the 2 pieces of the Competition Kit, the measurements are taken at 10'6 and 11'2. Having used these rods, do you think the upgrade would be worth it? My Echo Shadow II 10′ 3 weight with the Competition Kit does have the ability to extend to 10 1/2′ or 11′ which I occasionally use. The #2 and #3 rods are ideally suited to Euro Nymphing, while the #4's crossover into both Euro & Indicator nymphing. Shadow X A rod for elite-level competition Euro Nymph anglers We worked with veteran Euro Nymph guru Pete Erickson, 2018 fly fishing world champion Norm Maktima, and expert Mariusz Wrobewski to create a rod that is dialed-in to perform at the sport’s highest levels. A slightly oldie but goodie. Here's a list of some euro nymphing rod manufacturers with some links to some reviews: http://brflyfishing.org/fly-fishing/euro-nymphing/euro-nymphing-rod-manufacturers. Sage ESN. Cortland Competition Nymph Rod. The BTWs increase in these lengths, respectively to 10.9 and 13.4oz. 459 95. For more advance anglers, take a good look at the Echo … Press J to jump to the feed. I used an Echo Shadow 2 3wt and did not like it. I did use a Sage ESN 2 10'6" 3wt and while it was better than the Syndicate it wasn't three times better as the price difference is. With its ideal line number 2, this rod is quite versatile in 10' for light fly fishing (nymph and dry fly). 29 99. This rod offers very comfortable 10' fishing, the total weight of the balanced set (BTW) is only 9.90oz : the balance is therefore better than that of most models of equivalent ranges, and even than that of certain ranges of a much higher price! Euro Nymphing requires precision and sensitivity to hit the target and feel not only fish biting, but also current seams, the bottom, and anything else that will dictate where to present your fly. While other affordable options are now on the market, such as the Echo Shadow II, Syndicate P2, and the Redington Hydrogen, Cortland really did start the fire, and despite a growing market, Cortland Competition Nymph rods have remained competitive. 19 95. rods. I feel like Euro Nymphing brought me back to nymphing. Ditch the bobber and try tight line nymph fishing. I usually think an 11 foot rod feels terrible. All that to say, I have been considering selling both rods and upgrading to a higher performance 10' 3wt rod to split the different between the rods and (hopefully) get one rod that can do both things well. I dream of Euro nymphing. A very good line for detecting a strike. It retails for $249.99 and the competition kit goes for $74.99. Best bang for you buck when it comes to sensitivity, length, casting, weight. A 9’6’’ – 2 weight, a 10’ – 3 weight, a 10’6’’ – 3 weight, a 10’ – 4 weight as well as a 10’6’’ – 4 weight. Cortland Competition MKII Nymph Rods Price: $675.00. G. Loomis Asquith Fly Rods Price: $1,100.00. Echo’s all-new Shadow X series replaces their previous Euro Nymphing rod series the Shadow II. Rio FIPS Euro Nymph Line. My first nymph stick that is all around rock solid. And I should note, while I love my Cortland, my custom rod made by u/jfred17 (in your price point easily!!) ... Cortland Competition Braided Core Fly Line; Cortland Competition Mono Core Fly Line. Easy Online shopping. Both would be awesome choices. Nymph Fishing: New Angles, Tactics, and Techniques. Trout & Co : The flyfishing online magazine - Copyright © 2021 - All rights reserved. Then, after adding in succession the 2 pieces of the Competition Kit, the measurements are taken at 10'6 and 11'2. Ask me any questions you may have about flex/speed/etc! Quick review of all 3 members of the Echo Shadow II family of rods. Back when I started in the 70s I had two rods, 5 and 7 weights, both Fenwick fiberglass models matched with Pflueger reels and Cortland lines. Unlike many ultra-fast references of the market, these Cortland rods have relatively progressive actions which are a great advantage during the fights with all-sized fishes and especially large-sized ones. To really maximize your rods performance for Euro Nymphing, consider purchasing a matching Cortland Competition Nymph line. Moonshine makes good rods for the price. Over the past few years, I've euro nymphed with about a dozen different euro sticks; both custom builds I've done or pre-built rods I've purchased. I don’t much like the first generation Cortland competition (10.5 foot 3 weight). In the longer lengths, 10'6 and 11'2, the ERN and the AA remain identical. "The Echo Shadow II rod was developed by Tim Rajeff and Pete Erickson, a member of the American national team of fly fishing. The Shadow X was used to win the 2018 National Fishing Championships and is designed for the competitive angler. ... Echo, Redington, and the first generation Sage ESN. The opinion of Lionel Fournier, champion of France in 2018 and member of France's fly fishing team: "I really like this rod because it's a "real" 10' line 2, contrary to others announced as such but that are actually much more powerful. My first nymph stick that is all around rock solid. I mostly fish smaller wild trout streams in Western North Carolina, so it's mostly fish in the 8"-14" range with the occasional big brown. There are nicer rods out there, but you will pay far more. A line number 2 seems best indicated, although the manufacturer advises a WF3. 169 99. The Shadow II Euro Rod requires you to purchase the fighting butt and weights separately in the competition kit. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, we ship a large range, fast. It will seduce those who are adept in using light and reactive products, at a reasonable price (about 250 USD). Next level up but incredible rods even at their higher price. In my area of the SE, the 2wt is the perfect rod, and I have landed so many fish on it, some to 24". I was looking at the sage esn hd 10’6” 3 wt or the Marryat Tactical Pro Nymph special 10’6” 3wt. Czech nymphing and Euro nymphing are highly effective strategies for trout. Euro Nymphing Rods, Lines, Leaders, Tippets, and Accessories. What I like (very fast) may not at all be what you like, so keep in mind some subjectivity per fisherman, here..Also, my recommendation will always be for a 10 or 10'6" 3wt, New Orvis Clearwater (designed by George Daniel), w next level being Orvis Recon, New Echo Shadow II, w next level being new Echo Shadow X. Cortland Competition. The Syndicate has been great for nymphing - sensitivity is incredible - but leaves a bit to be desired when throwing dries and even dry droppers (and, of course, the occasional streamer). THE ROD: Echo Shadow II. We have matched it with: Echo 2/3 Ion reel; Cortland Competition Nymph line; Ca Custom leader with sighter and tippet ring; Bag and Case. Good for tight-lining and little else, in my experience. The Cortland Competition MKII Nymph Fly Rod is available in four sizes: 10-foot 2 weight, 10.5-foot 3 weight, 11-foot 2 weight, and 11-foot 3 weight. The long and light construction of the Shadow II allows you to reach out and over conflicting currents all day without getting worn out. Sorry this was so long, but I got excited at the possibility of hearing the opinions of someone who has handled a lot more nymph rods than me or any of my fishing buddies. Syndicate P2 Pipeline. Thomas & Thomas Contact. I agree there are a lot of new tight line rods out there for less than 300.00 like the shadow II, syndicate, epiphany (by moonshine) that were not reviewed this year but should be next year and will be different. Echo Shadow II - 2-weight Rod This is the most delicate rod in the series. 3 counterweights of 0.35oz each fixable to the butt, to add depending on the weight of your reel to achieve balance. New Echo Shadow II, w next level being new Echo Shadow X. Cortland Competition. Modern Nymphing Elevated — Devin Olsen and Lance Egan DVD. Superior warranty service at the lowest cost, fast delivery, and wonderful rod actions are the hallmark of the ECHO Brand. With advancements in graphite and resins, most fly rods are pretty light in the hand. 795 00. Next level up but incredible rods even at their higher price. The Echo Shadow 2 Euro Nymph rod is one of our best selling rods.