Posted: 8/18/2025 11:22:40 AM EDT
|
When I was guiding I settled in two rods for my clients both Winston BIIx. My all time favorite was the 9’6” 7wt for summer fish and the 10’ 8wt for winter fish. When I quit guiding I focused on Spey fishing exclusively and sold all my single hand rods. Now with fewer fish in the system, Rogue, and fewer days to fish, I find myself fishing a single hand rod while traveling between swing spots. My fishing partners 7wt just doesn’t have the soul my BIIx’s had. One of the best techniques I use on the Rogue is stack mending in complicated water. For that the BIIx’s flex pattern, particularly in the tip, is the best I have ever fished. The tip loads deep enough to pick up and carry impressive amounts of line with a stack ment. Given my style, what would you say is the best current manufacture 7wt steelhead rod? It needs to stack ment like crazy yet have enough reserve in the lower section to put the hurt on big fish. It also need to have soul in the hand! Thanks! |
|
I had a BIIX and have to admit that Winston is probably one of my favorite manufacturers. It’s hard to beat Winston for “soul” and probably own a dozen of them. However, the BIIX tapers/feel varied w/in model and the BIIIX was a much needed improvement. There was a lot of tip inconsistencies and softness in the mid-2 sections. . . A rod that might be a better 7wt is the R8 Core with its sharper and responsive tip. It (R8) flexes deeper into the blank than the ultra fast tapers without the “sloppiness” and excessive counter flex of the older green rods. Sloppiness might be the wrong word for the tip tracking but that’s not inherently bad if you prefer that. There are multiple lengths for a 7wt R8. . . The only other “green” option is the Air 2 which IMHO is a bit faster than an R8 but is getting away from that classic mid-flex that you’re looking for. I can’t think of another current rod off the top of my head that has the mid-flex feel, length (9’+), and strong butt section you’re looking for. Just my .02. |
“I don't know what the prize is. I just wanna win.” - Usernames
|
Thanks for the input everyone. Local shop has a 10’ Echo that he likes. Tip is moderate but not sure about the mid and butt sections. If I could cast it first I would feel better about purchasing one. Have always enjoyed the Winstons, may need to cast one. The IMX is a blast from the past. I remember those. I need to find one. Fishing has been surprisingly good here. I’ve had my ass handed to me twice this season already. |