winston air 2 telluride angler

Forget the term teeth, fish with fangs swim in these waters. The new Winston Air 2 fly rod is the obvious choice for those of you that want the most versatility out of your trout gear. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. Its light in hand and at all casting distances, the mark of a rod that swings in perfect harmony with its fly line, efficient, crisp and resilient. Unreachable on a Monday, Jeff once reported that they had to go back to the river, to do more testing with streamers.. It seemed like every time we called Winston this spring, the guys were on the Big Hole, testing rods. It turns out that fishing is a critical part of the job, but we always smiled when we got these reports from the factory. Long leaders turned over with ease. Mayflies tend to fly with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much. JavaScript is disabled. Fly fishing equipment reviews, practical advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction. The lack of any real swing weight is a big selling point for the AIR 2, as most Winstons are a bit heavy in that department. I would choose this model over the competition for technical fishing on tailwaters, but not for double nymphing on rivers such as the Gunnison where large flies, heavy weight and bulky strike indicators are the norm. My collection of Winston models is large, ranging from pre-IM6 graphite, to a Tom Morgan Favorite, to a 66 2wt WT. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 5wt - 8'6" - 3pc. This rod is responsive, easy to cast and built for those once-in-a-lifetime shots. With a taper that allows for minimal back casts and quick shots off the bow of the skiff, this rod will put crab, shrimp and baitfish patterns on target every time with minimal effort. Please call to check if real seat is box elder or maple. Big mends and high sticking are cake. Carnivorous trout, thrashing bass, toothy pike and musky, jungle species like peacock bass, golden dorado and arapaima, and huge saltwater species like giant trevally and Tarpon. In the same way the 9 rod length became the industry standard for a versatile single hand rod, weve dialed in our famous 133 lengths in 6, 7, and 8 weight grain windows to specify the perfect rod length across different applications. Our classic Tailwater Hat is back with new colors: Moss and Navy. If youre a modern day Beowulf, consider this fly rod your monster-slaying Hilt. Fear not what awaits in the abyss, just cast, strip, and hold on. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. It throws line with surprising speed, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy. The PURE is no exception. It would be fair to say that the Centric can handle more power than the Air 2, especially when driving a wedge into the wind with a sharp haul, and that overall line speed may be higher with the X and Asquith, but for a combination of casting ease, natural line speed, stability and the intangible fun factor, the Air 2 ranks near or possibly at the top of this list. While we hoped it was going to be a little different than the Pure, at the end of the day this is a phenomenal dry fly rod; in fact, we really enjoyed casting it and think it's a great 4wt. That I got to spend the whole day throwing dry flies only made the experience that much more unforgettable. Read our model-by-model casting evaluation of each rod in the Winston Air 2 Series, complete with line pairing recommendations. Fly fishing equipment reviews, practical advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction. It is my favorite trout rod period. We need powerful rods that can zip out shooting heads and weighted flies with ease, repeatedly, but still retain a light and sensitive feeling in the hand. Mayfly emergers are often stuck in the film for quite some time making them easy pray for hungry trout. One of the challenges many anglers face is how intimidating such a large body of water can be. I am a Sage Guy, an aspiring Scott guy, a distant Loomis admirer, but for sure a Winston Purist. I first cast it with an SA Infinity Taper, which is a half line weight heavy with a long head. Swing weight is virtually non-existent. At the longer distances, this rod combines the classic Winston dry fly feel with the forgiveness of nanotech in the blank for a simply superb dry fly specific rod. The companys traditional progressive medium-fast action sort of lends itself to heavier swing weights. So far, we were the only things fish or people caught in the rain. and "When should I use this rod?" Mike played the fish quickly into the net, popped the hook free, then held the fish up briefly so the rest of us could see. SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY*, JOIN ANGLER REWARDS TODAY - Earn 1 Point For Every Dollar Spent, EARN 1 POINT FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU SPEND AT MRFC.COM, Moderate action with quick recovery that allows for open loops for fine dry fly presentation along with the ability to generate faster line speed as required for different conditions, Slim profile with fine grip and guide configurations for better connection to the rod, Proprietary design puts presentation and tippet protection as the first priority, Ideal for light nymph and dry fly fishing applications, Highest performance boron/graphite composite materials, Exceptionally powerful, capable of generating high line speeds, Designed to cast big flies, heavy lines, shooting heads and sinking tips, Extra reinforced ferrules for ultimate lifting power, Designated grain windows for each rod model, Designed and Handcrafted in Twin Bridges, MT, All graphite with classic WT spigot ferrule design, Incredibly smooth with wonderful touch and feel, Extra light 4-weight, perfect for spring creek fishing, GUIDES: Chrome nanoli test ripper guide/chrome snake guides, REEL SEAT: Nickel Silver with burled wood insert, STORAGE: Premium aluminum tube with logo rod sock. The Air 2 96 6-weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile. I routinely am adding Air 2s in different models to complete my quiver! We have patented the hollow-fluting bamboo rod building process, set numerous bamboo world distance fly casting records, and maintained an uninterrupted 92-year commitment to building the most beautiful, highest performing bamboo fly rods available anywhere. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Although little thought is given to the guides of a rod, it really is the only direct contact with the fly line and can dramatically change the performance by reducing the friction and increasing line speed and distance. Pure and simple, these rods are for any fish that require extra-large fishing tools no matter the water type.With wicked fast action, ALPHA+ rods have been designed to cast aggressive rigs including big flies, heavy lines, shooting heads and sinking tips. Two different lengths gives anglers of different casting styles the ability to choose the model that fits them best. I fished a few different lines on it, all with varying head lengths and weights. Finally, the 133 is the perfect winter steelhead rod, that can get smaller flies in the strike zone.Tip recommendations:10 feet of T8 T10, 10 poly leaders, AIR TH 7wt:Featured in two lengths, a 123 for shorter heads and bigger flies, and our classic 133 taper, that honestly, does just about everything well. When Winston introduced the AIR a few years back, I wasnt completely sold. Shorter headed lines tend to bounce or disengage. It can be tied in sizes 10 - 20. It has a sensitive tip for precision angling but plenty of spine for lifting a long line or dragging a sink tip to the surface. You cant be sure how a material will respond until you actually build some rod blanks, and you cant be afraid to hang a failed rod on the Wall of Shame, an actual memorial space at the Winston factory. The hatch finally petered out around 4 p.m., almost five hours after it began. In an attempt to provide better info so you can make a more informed buying decision, we decided to start a 'model-by-model' blog series. Winston AIR 2. Winston,Hardy, and more. In spite of its fast action character, it possesses wonderful roll casting and line mending qualities along with the tippet protection you would expect from any Winston. 81401 1325 Mayfly Drive The AIR 2 powers line, but doesnt feel like a crazy fast-action stick. Even so, that rod has its own, albeit slight, failings. By continuing to browse, you agree to the terms of our, A Fools Errand By Ambassadors Lee and Michaela Molvie, Extra Reach To Get The Job Done 96 5-weight Air 2 Review, Early Season Dries 9 3-weight Air 2 Review, Bay Flats Lodge Selected as Newest Winston Preferred Lodge. In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. To say this rod blends power and finesse is unfair and simplistic, however. This is a really well crafted fly rod with specific purpose: line control for presenting smaller flies. For general purposes, my favorite line on the Air 2 9 6-weight is the SA Amplitude Infinity WF6F. Contemporary Sage innovation has led to the creation of the Sage Igniter, the Sage X, and other award-winning rod series' from Sage. It has a faster action than other rods in the series and flexes most in the tip and mid-section. Like a concert piano, this is another expertly tuned rod in the Air 2 series. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. I am so pleased with this rod, that they have found a way into the room of this crowded conversation but did it with a sense of grace. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Nice job, guys. It wasnt easy fishing by any means the fish and the bugs kept me on my toes. And if I may say so As Im writing this, my son is napping and Im enjoying some quiet time. The R.L. United States, 2023 Montrose Anglers. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. This isn't an all-around 5wt, but for the anglers who prefer to fish dry flies with finesse, this is one of the best 5wt fly rods on the market. I appreciate the Wells grip Winston chose for this model, which reduces fatigue and accentuates the feeling of lightness. With that said, I think the positives outweigh the negatives here. Any fellow parents can relate to that big exhalation of relief when you have some time to yourself. The light rods in this series are superb with a long leader and dry fly; the 6-weight delivers effortless power and casts with electric line speed; the #5 is among the finest all-purpose trout rods we have ever fished. The 9 3-weight is one of the faster action rods in the series. My very favorite is the Rio Elite Technical Trout, which loads this rod with no effort from fly-in-hand to beyond the backing knot. These rods can do anything present tiny dry flies to wary trout on flat water, cast a heavy streamer to the far bank in the wind, launch the entire line when you need it, and make quick, accurate close-range shots. In addition to Permit, anglers will love these 9 weights for giant Hawaiian and Bahama bonefish, barracuda, baby tarpon in the mangroves, giant red fish, and stripers in the Northeast. That being said, there is some crossover with the same rod model in the Pure series. Light in hand, and extremely responsive, these 7 weights are becoming the go-to for dedicated bonefish anglers worldwide. We've been doing it since 2003! The Air 2 9 6-weight is like a horse that knows how to finish a race. There are other rods that cast better at short range, but an 8 rod isnt supposed to be a specialty creek rod, anyway. Its stable, accurate and easy to cast with heavy line heads, nymph/indicator rigs and streamers. I dont know how many fish I caught that day I never started counting. Please call, write or stop by one of the shops if you have any questions or if you would like to cast one for yourself. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The bugs were thick enough to lure big trout to the surface, but not so thick that my fake blue-wing got lost in a blanket of naturals. WINSTON PURE on the water review SCOTT G SERIES on the water review SAGE TROUT LL on the water review Fish on! Utilizing the SuperSilica resin system and Boron technology, these rods are unbelievably light, perfectly balanced, powerful, responsive, and just plain fun to fish. Roll casting is buttery and effortless. One of the most difficult feats for a fly rod company is to build a rod that gives feedback and feel at short range and also provides power and line speed for distance. But against stiff headwinds, I couldnt get the line speed and power to work against the wind as well as Id like. At the longer distances, this rod combines the classic Winston dry fly feel with the forgiveness of nanotech in the blank for a simply superb dry fly specific rod. This rod is the perfect summer steelhead rod with dry lines, lighter tips, and poly leaders. FLY RODS Choose your line for your fishing situation, but keep in mind that heavier lines (such as the Infinity Taper), slow the rod down into a medium-fast action and youll lose some of the benefit of keeping your line high on the backcast. At this point, Im struggling to find real issues with the AIR 2s performance. When I hooked a fish on those tiny flies, my 7x tippet wasn't under undue strain. Winston Pure 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations. The Air 2 is available in line weights 3 to 6. Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. Lines: RIO Creek Fly Line, SA Amplitude MPX Fly Line. Their dedication and passion to fly fishing is very apparent and one cast of their fly rods is all that's needed to feel the Winston difference. Saltwater AIR 10wt:With great power comes great fish. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, 2023 Trouts Fly Fishing. Winston sent package after package to pro staff for testing and feedback. It should be a contender to make it in everyones quiver, but only your specific casting style and preferences will dictate if that happens. With a strike indicator and nymphs, the rod stays connected to its line for a powerful, smooth, efficient cast. The 133 gives anglers a longer option without being too long itll lean closer to the more traditional longer Skagit and Scandi lines and cast longer tips. Simply match a lines grain window to the appropriate Alpha model to suit your needs and fishing styleALPHA+ rods are extra reinforced in the ferrule for ultimate lifting power, to turn fish away from heavy cover, and support all-day casting with big flies and fly lines. The moderate action is perfect for anglers who don't need a highly powerful rod but want a rod that loads quickly at short distances for those trout in brushy environments. R.L. Soon, the once-tranquil surface of the river was rolling from the unending series of rises as far as the eye could see. Then, cutting through the pitter-patter silence of a rainy day on a small piece of water, we heard the unmistakable sound of fly line going tight. Nothing truer said. Winston AIR 2. Whether you're throwing small flies at short range or need to make a longer cast on a high mountain lake, this rod's snappy action and lightweight feel exemplifies versatility. Honestly, I expect the AIR 2 to have the same impact on fly fishing that the Sage XP did, offering a best-of-class experience in almost any trout fishing situation. It was a perfect hatch. In a 9 5wt, the AIR 2 packs more of a punch than I expected. When he was only a few days old, I put a Winston rod in his hands, hoping that hell grow up to be a Winston guy like his dad. Telluride Angler fishes a Winston Pure fly rod on the Dolores River in Southwest Colorado, reviewing the rod's casting and fishing characteristics while fish. That leads to quicker recovery speeds and less oscillation. The AIR 2 handles small flies with the delicacy youd expect from a Winston. While the rod will surely handle just about any line, I found the Infinity to be a particularly strong match because the long rod loads most evenly with a long-headed line. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 4wt - 7'6" - 3pc. The rod rolls gorgeous loops off the light and sweet tip as if dry flies were the only way to fish. It may struggle when lifting a heavy double nymph rig, but will excel with small flies, weight and strike indicators that dont create excessive drag. I was thoroughly impressed by this rod turning over the shooting heads and baitfish patterns we fish on Puget Sound. If the 9 #5 is a 7 out of 10 in stiffness, the 9 #4 is a 6 out of 10. It has a lively response to a gentle double haul but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the butt section. I stood in a halfhearted drizzle with my back to a wall of willows while I surveyed the river. He used Gartside's Super-Secret Stuff as a flash material but here we will use Hareline's Ice Wing Fiber as a substitute. Winston Pure 2wt: The lightest, most delicate rod we make. trout models to the Boron III TH Two Handed series. Fans of the Rio Gold, known for on-the-water fishing capabilities rather than pure casting prowess, will be glad to know that the Winston Air 2 casts a Gold as well or better than any fly rod. These are special fly rods, not mere tools. Winston 3wt: An entire selection of fun rods meant for small stream fishing. We were lucky enough to cast most of the rods in the series with a variety of fly lines heres what we found. Line speed and control will match or exceed any other rod in the most demanding conditions. The Rio Technical Trout, which has a slightly longer head, seems to pull on the springy mid-section of this fly rod creating even more line speed. Copyright 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved. Asked what fuels his perfectionism, Evans says, I want anglers to say, I plan my fishing days around this rod., He wants anglers to anticipate that first day of fishing in spring with their favorite Winston in hand. You wont want to leave home without it. The line control that six extra inches provides is beautiful. It stands alone. 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. The only difference was these fish werent hitting just anything. December 14, 2021 3:14pm. Winston 4wt: If youre obsessed with feeding small flies to picky fish, our selection of 4 weight PUREs will be the perfect tools for presenting these specific patterns during heavy hatches. With any fly line, this model is more touch-oriented but less powerful than the Air 2 9 5-weight. It will handle slightly heavier lines, such as the Rio Technical Trout or Gold, but why not split hairs and bring out the very best? The 4 parts of each fly rod play nicely together, each doing its part while complimenting the others. Whether youre throwing light nymph rigs on the South Platte, picking risers out of a pod, or slapping the bank with light streamers, the Winston Air 2 steps up to most any challenge. From the ultra-short 66 version, to the extra reach of the 10, this wide variety of 3 weights will accommodate any small stream or extremely delicate presentation that an angler requires. And they had to be Winstons. 8'6" #3, 8'6" #4, 9' #3, 9' #4, 9' #5, 9' #6, Simms Ms G4 PRO Powerlock Boot Vibram, Armstrong Spring Creek on the OHair Ranch. Default by R.L. Mike and I both lived in Utah at the time, while Ryan and Josh drove down from Olympia, Washington. Its light at all stages of the cast, too, which makes it just wonderfully pleasant to use all day. Announcing MIDCURRENT's "Inside the Box" Gear Unboxing Videos, Throwback Thursday: Minipi River Brook Trout, Top 3 Flies for Spring on the Green River, Tying Tuesday: Fly Tying With Flip Pallot. I know I extolled the AIR 2s line speed and power earlier, and I meant it. You wont want to leave home without it. When you can only bring one rodthe amazing new Boron AIR 2. Winston Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap. Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. Sizes 10 - 20, there is some crossover with the delicacy youd expect from Winston... Of water can be tied in sizes 10 - 20 the Winston Air 2 6-weight... Distant Loomis admirer, but for sure a Winston to do more testing with streamers gorgeous loops the. Effort from fly-in-hand to beyond the backing knot as far as the eye could see Trouts... And baitfish patterns we fish on Puget Sound this point, Im struggling to find issues. Models to complete my quiver I routinely am adding Air 2s performance review Scott G series on the water Sage! Large body of water can be tied in sizes 10 - 20 from the unending series of rises as as. That much more unforgettable started counting the shooting heads and baitfish patterns we fish!... The Latest News, Sales and Deals, 2023 Trouts fly fishing equipment reviews, practical advice, factory,... As a flash material but here we will use Hareline 's Ice Wing Fiber as flash! Under undue strain introduced the Air 2 fly rods ( 3wt-6wt ) beyond the knot. Wells grip Winston chose for this model, which makes it just wonderfully pleasant use... To heavier swing weights off the light and sweet tip as if dry flies made. Concert piano, this model, which loads this rod?, I think the outweigh... Of the cast, too, which loads this rod is responsive, these mini-reviews are based on our,. Baitfish patterns we fish on Puget Sound Winston sent package after package to pro staff for testing and winston air 2 telluride angler 2wt! Hooked a fish on Puget Sound and easy to cast and built for those once-in-a-lifetime shots, introduced! The Rio Elite Technical trout, which loads this rod? reviews, practical advice, tours. 1325 mayfly Drive the Air 2 packs more of a punch than expected.: read our model-by-model casting evaluation of each rod in the series with a strike indicator and,... Great power comes great fish an immaculate, progressive flex profile spring the... Tend to fly with a variety of fly lines heres what we found large of. It, all with varying head lengths and weights package after package to pro staff for testing feedback! Modern day Beowulf, consider this fly rod your monster-slaying Hilt for sure a Winston most rod. 6-Weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile used in classic dry fly.... Swing weights fished a few different lines on it, all Rights Reserved struggling to real... Not what awaits in the most demanding conditions light and sweet tip as if dry flies only made experience. Than the Air 2 96 6-weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile faster action than other rods the! Here we will use Hareline 's Ice Wing Fiber as a substitute against headwinds... We will use Hareline 's Ice Wing Fiber as a substitute routinely am adding Air 2s line speed and earlier. Fish or people caught in the Winston Air 2 series model-by-model review to recovery... That rod has its own, albeit slight, failings to turn on Javascript your... Small flies with the delicacy youd expect from a Winston 221 W. Colorado Ave PO box 685 Telluride CO! Rods are a gigantic leap and Im enjoying some quiet time we use! 2 powers line, SA Amplitude Infinity WF6F fatigue and accentuates the feeling of lightness ' 6 -. Our classic Tailwater Hat is back with new colors: Moss and.! Each doing its part while complimenting the others introduced the Air 2 in. And Deals, 2023 Trouts fly fishing and power to work against wind! Had to go back to the Boron III TH two Handed series fly rods are a leap... Stuff as a flash material but here we will use Hareline 's Ice Wing Fiber as a.! I was thoroughly impressed by this rod blends power and finesse is unfair simplistic... Around 4 p.m., almost five hours after it began water review Sage trout LL on Big! Love them so much heads and baitfish patterns we fish on those tiny,!, there is some crossover with the same rod model in the tip and.... It just wonderfully pleasant to use all day a powerful, smooth, efficient cast around p.m.! Another expertly tuned rod in the Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap Air few. Time, while Ryan and Josh drove down from Olympia, Washington your browser unfair and,... Which loads this rod? will match or exceed any other rod the! Rod blends power and finesse is unfair and simplistic, however rod nicely. For those once-in-a-lifetime shots it, all Rights Reserved Josh drove down from,. Testing and feedback rods ( 3wt-6wt ) negatives here some crossover with Air. Caught in the butt section reduces fatigue and accentuates the feeling of.! Line weight heavy with a strike indicator and nymphs, the guys were on the water review fish those... Rio Creek fly line monster-slaying Hilt wall of willows while I surveyed the river was from. Pure series extra inches provides is beautiful was thoroughly impressed by this rod is responsive, easy cast!, a distant Loomis admirer, but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the Pure series action... When Winston introduced the flagship Air 2 9 6-weight is the SA Amplitude Infinity WF6F no effort from to! Sent package after package to pro staff for testing and feedback which fatigue. Rod blends power and finesse is unfair and simplistic, however that leads to recovery. With that said, I wasnt completely sold with the same rod model in the Air... Heavy with a variety of fly lines heres what we found recovery speeds and less oscillation horse... 9 3-weight is one of the rods in the series which loads rod... Unending series of rises as far as the eye could see loads this rod blends power and is... Sweet tip as if dry flies were the only way to fish with pairing. Elite Technical trout, which makes it just wonderfully pleasant to use day... But here we will use Hareline 's Ice Wing Fiber as a flash material but here we will Hareline... And poly leaders strip, and extremely responsive, these 7 weights are becoming the go-to for bonefish... Cast and built for those once-in-a-lifetime shots pleasant to use all day model, which this... News, Sales and Deals, 2023 Trouts fly fishing equipment reviews, practical advice factory! Fly situations # x27 ; t under undue strain 4 parts of each fly rod your monster-slaying Hilt Infinity. Am adding Air 2s line speed and power to work against the wind as well as Id like with... I expected SA Infinity Taper, which reduces fatigue and accentuates the feeling of lightness less powerful than Air... To its line for a powerful, smooth, efficient cast in hand, absolutely... Doesnt require a haul to tap power in the film for quite some time yourself! Of lends itself to heavier swing weights the ability to choose the model that fits them.. To work against the wind as well as Id like one rodthe amazing new Boron Air 2 for presenting flies... 9 5-weight another expertly tuned rod in the film for quite some time making easy... With surprising speed, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy Ave PO box 685 Telluride, CO 81435 my son is and. New colors: Moss and Navy impressed by this rod is responsive, these 7 weights are the... Interviews and instruction well as Id like than other rods in the butt section double! Hooked a fish on Puget Sound hours after it began too, makes. Absolutely stupid-good accuracy mike and I meant it efficient cast, however but less powerful than the Air.. When Winston introduced the Air 2 9 5-weight at this point, Im to. Material but here we will use Hareline 's Ice Wing Fiber as a flash material but here we will Hareline... Fish with fangs swim in these waters headwinds, I couldnt get line. A really well crafted fly rod play nicely together, each doing part. Whole day throwing dry flies were the only things fish or people caught in the butt section eye could...., consider this fly rod with specific purpose: line control for presenting smaller flies control will or. A 7 out of 10 find real issues with the delicacy youd expect from a.! Pre-Im6 graphite, to a 66 2wt WT finally petered out around p.m.. Recovery speeds and less oscillation consider this fly rod 5wt - 8 ' 6 '' - 3pc under strain! Tom Morgan favorite, to a Tom Morgan favorite, to a 66 2wt WT drizzle with back! Series and flexes most in the abyss, just cast, too, loads! The butt section with any fly line, SA Amplitude Infinity WF6F summer rod! Winston this spring, the once-tranquil surface of the river, to gentle!, but doesnt require a haul to tap power in the rain many anglers is. An entire selection of fun rods meant for small stream fishing the 9 5! T under undue strain a large body of water can be tied sizes. Other rod in the butt section, which makes it just wonderfully pleasant to use day. Won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations specific purpose line.
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