Orvis Recon 10ft 3wt

[TimRobinsin]

Just picked up this rod for the new year. I have had it out 3 times so far and I am impressed.

I have used a 10ft 4wt H2 before this and it is a versatile rod. It became my "go-to" rig when I didn't know what to expect on an outing. I could do a little bit of everything with that rig.

My initial impression of the Recon is that it is very sensitive. You can really feel the weight of your nymphs and every rock and take. The rod is nicely balanced because of the down-locking reel seat which I have been a fan of for years.

The rod feels light in the hand. When casting further or with heavier flies the tip may seem soft compared to faster rods but I think that is part of the trade-off for the amazing sensitivity this rod has to offer. A smooth casting stroke that starts slow with constant acceleration to stop a firm stop helps to load this rod properly for longer casts.

Tight-lining or high-sticking nymphs with this rod is a treat. The reach makes it easy to control drift and again the weight distribution balances the rod nicely in hand. However, I suspect it is the taper of the rod that adds the most to it's sensitivity.

Fighting fish on this rod is a treat. The rod bends deeply and progressively when fighting which allows protection of the lightest tippet which is often required when hunting trophies on spring creeks. The blank seems to dampen shock smoothly while maintaining a strong back-bone for control and lift.

I plan on pairing this rod with a 7'11" 8wt streamer rod for daylong winter outings.

 

[Fly-Swatter]

Nice review, Tim. I'm considering this rod, too. Especially considering the mid-range price, it seems like a great value.

 

[KeithS]

I have the 9 4 wt. It IS a sensitive rod. Makes for real nice casts, as you can feel it load easily.

 

[foxtrapper1972]

What 7-11 eight weight are you thinking about?

 

[TimRobinsin]

Fox - Recon.

I cast the 7'11" Saltwater recon and a buddy has one too. real nice streamer rod. I don't know why but I prefer a shorter rod to cast big streamers with. I feel like I can launch them easier with a shorter rod.

the 7'11" 8wt was under-gunned for 8wt line IMHO. but it casts a 6wt intermediate or even the Sci-ang triple density streamer line really well. so that will be my next move. I loved my Helios rods but the recon is easier on the wallet for now since I am moving towards technique specific rods.

now I just have to come up with a system for carrying two stung up rods at the same time. I'll mess with my daypack over winter and figure something out.

 

[e-setter]

TimRobinsin wrote:

now I just have to come up with a system for carrying two stung up rods at the same time. I'll mess with my daypack over winter and figure something out.

Not to take the original post off topic, but an option that I found that works for me when fishing with two rods is the Smith Creek Rod Clip. I carry both rods when not in the stream, but use the clip when fishing. You can position the clip so the rod is out of the way and has minimal impact to your fishing. It's not perfect, but it's the best option that I've found so far for when I want to carry two rods.

 

[DGC]

Tim how was the new Recon at tossing dry flies?. BTW, I noticed the new iteration of the Sage ESN also has a downlocking reel seat.

 

[foxtrapper1972]

Thanks Tim- I'm interested in something along those lines. I have 9 ft streamer rods I use now but would like something shorter with some power and backbone to throw some bigger weighted streamers on small streams.

I'm never all that far from my car and I can't imagine carrying two rods. I saw a guy recently take a helluva fall carrying two rods. I was watching him before the fiasco and he was spending much more time managing all his gear than actually fishing.(I have to admit I did laugh to myself over that one)

 

[TimRobinsin]

It throws a really nice delicate dry fly. I had an #18 Adams on over some risers with it and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to get a nice loop.

 

[Fredrick]

I played around briefly with new Recon nymph and was impressed . I'm going to try out the new 10' 3 wt. ESN at the fly show and then make a decision on which one I will purchase. Decisions Decisions int:

 

[ryan1mazza]

I have the 10' 5wt and love it but would like to drop down to the 3wt for more euro nymphing. If anyone would like to trade the 10 3wt for the 10 5wt lmk. Id add a little bit of cash.