The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Elegant, sensitive and plush, it casts from short to long with the cadence of a finely tuned instrument that any angler will handle with intuition and precision. Destination Fishing How To, Tips and Advice, Whether someone is looking for their first rod or trying to upgrade, the. 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. The 146 is our traditional long-belly length for fishing greased lines, or longer Scandinavian shooting heads. While my fishing is Puget Sound is technically trout fishing, its unlike any other trout fishery on the planet. 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. It's maybe not exactly what the op is looking for, but I notice TA included into their comparative reviews: Giving you real-time river information, with details on hatches, flies, and fishing tactics for the Big Hole River. This is an outstanding example of fast but progressive. The flex and recoil are intuitive and ideal for a power-oriented rod designed to fish the worlds most versatile trout lines. These rods had to be standouts, equal or superior on a windy day with heavy flies and distant fish. The Winston Air 2 combines the feel and soul of Winston with higher line speed, a faster recovery rate, and a modern smooth action. When casting Air 2 models, we find the progressive fast action to be highly refined. The Rio Technical Trout strikes a reasonable compromise, but I like the rod best with long headed lines. Fly fishing equipment reviews, practical advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction. In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. The rod is capable of blazing line speed, but still allows its master to manipulate its capabilities on the water. I use a Wulff Trout Taper Floating line with my 905-4, and it's perfect. Part of fly fishings allure is the idea that youre waging some sort of passive fight against nature; that we only sometimes win is what keeps us coming back. BENT SINCE 1929 This is a rod that will throw most of the fly line without using a haul stroke at all. You began to think, At least my double haul is looking good which is really what you say to yourself to keep from feeling disappointment and gnawing self-doubt. One of the challenges many anglers face is how intimidating such a large body of water can be. Winston AIR 2. Introducing the brand new R.L. Connect with him on Instagram/Twitter, @Spencer_Durrant. They're really really close in action. 109 E. Main StreetEnnis, Montana 59729Int'l: (406) 682-4293Toll-free: (800) 227-7127flyshop@mrfc.com. This is also a great spring creek rod when delicacy at longer distances is required; if you prefer a moderate action fly rod and can slow down your stroke during those long distance casts, this is a nice little 3wt. The Air 2 9 5-weight is a dark horse entering the arena with the Scott Centric, Sage X and Loomis Asquith. Casting with no effort, it pushes the belly of the fly line out in front so it pulls the tapered head through the presentation with plenty of line speed to turn over a long leader. 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. PROS & DEALERS What a magic combination. There is no asterisk. The 8' 4wt Air is very similar to the same model of the Pure. 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. Hi guys,Thanks for youre excellent review on the Air 2 line.I really enjoyed reading it.I fish Winstons and looking to get the Air 2 5wt.I need a five to bridge the gap.I have a older dl 4 and the Alphas 6 and 8 and really should get a five its needed.Just curious what you think bout the Airflo superflo universal taper on that rod.Really digging the Airflo lines lately as Rio has been falling apart on me and not holding up past that six month mark dissapointing but things change sometimes.Like to stick with Airflo just wanted youre thoughts about this.Looking forward to hearing from you and thanks for the help. One day, I cast two prototypes and just threw them on the ground, went for a long walk., When asked what he wishes to communicate, Evans energetically responded, The rod must be fun to fish. Here at the Madison River Fishing Company, we are proud to represent our neighbors. The new Air 2 is perfectly designed to deliver both ends of the spectrum with the ability to do it all. Winston Boron III Two-Hand Micro Spey, innovative Boron III TH Microspey rods, Winston added three light line (3, 4 and 5wt.) The rods shooting guides allow for slick, smooth mends. Shop by species to find the right gear for your best saltwater fishing trip yet. The 9 4wt Air 2 features a fast action with a light tip capable of presenting delicate dries with long, light leaders. Winston AIR 2. Sign up for our Newsletter, a monthly dose of new ideas and exclusive deals on great gear, sent directly to your inbox. The Air 2 96 6-weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile. The sage x is considered a fast rod, and the air seems to me to be a medium fast, which is what I was looking for. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper. If youre a streamer junkie and searching for you next big bug stick, look no further than the ALPHA+ 6/7. With a downlocking reel seat, the rod balance moves into the grip, providing more connection to the blank and less perceived swing weight. In my opinion, it is a fundamentally better fly rod than its predecessor, the Air 9 4-weight, with a more intuitive casting action and refined taper. Spring creek and tailwater anglers have a new favorite rod. 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. Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 4wt - 7'6" - 2pc. As though someone had thrown a switch, the bugs came off in droves, and the fish reacted as youd expect. New arrivals: Nautilus NVG and Abel reels in custom customs. No double haul is required to cast 70 feet or more. While it's more of a medium / medium-fast action rod, it's a totally different rod than the 8' 4wt and we thought it added a valuable dimension to the rod series as a whole. It will roll cast forever and deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster. When adding power to the stroke at longer distances, I feel the butt section tighten and kick back with authority. Winston wanted to create a feeling of connection between the angler and the rod, and slimming down the cork grip allows you to feel more feedback than you would otherwise. A recent conversation with rod designer Jeff Evans illuminated Winstons patient approach and pure (no pun intended) motives. Its light. This is the black art of rod design, the subtleties of taper change, weight and relative stiffness, the variables a rod designer sees in his sleep but must bring to life in a physical product. So, if youre fighting big fish on lighter line, or hook an absolute hog on 5x, dont worry. It reminded me of the picture so many folks I know try to paint of a stonefly hatch. The mid and butt sections are super springy, making it a joy to cast and exceptional in all those on-the-water techniques that contribute to a prodigious day on the water. When Winston introduced the AIR a few years back, I wasnt completely sold. What Id hoped would get the fish moving wasnt showing up yet, and based on the weather and time of day, I doubted it would. I havent seen any bugs yet.. tellurideangler.com Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk sweetandsalt Well-known member Messages 16,141 Reaction score 7,521 Location - To pull this off, the Winston design team had to create a series of fly rods that was true to Winstons legacy but unapologetically performance-driven on the water. Their history and company culture is ingrained in each rod they produce to create the perfect balance of progression and tradition, which transcends into a distinct feel that is unmatched in the rod building industry. Chartreuse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish. The short range accuracy of this rod makes throwing stimulator patterns easy and delicacy at mid-range seamless. 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. Winston Rod Company | Jun 16, 2022. Copyright 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved. Trust a secure online experience at MontroseAnglers.com, 970-249-0408 No longer to be compared to other high-end rods. If these are your daydreams, we encourage you to explore our all-new PURE series of trout rods. A brand new Winston from top to bottom. The 9 3-weight is one of the faster action rods in the series. I know I extolled the AIR 2s line speed and power earlier, and I meant it. 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 I got to spend the whole day throwing dry flies only made the experience that much more unforgettable. Howler Monkeys call from the canopy. Best Use: This 6wt likes a true to size line and is best used as a hopper-dropper rod or a rod for larger dry flies. Please call to check if real seat is box elder or maple. And if I may say so R.L. Some might imagine casting yellow humpies, stimulators, and Royal Wulffs on their favorite freestones. While I only fished the former situation with this model, this stick would be my first choice for the South Fork of the Snake in July, where youre double hauling bushy stoneflies along the bank and fishing hatches in the riffles on the same afternoon. I dont know how many fish I caught that day I never started counting. 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. The Winston Air 2 is in a class by itself. Its hard to make a bad cast with this rod. Its pale golden flanks glittered dimly in the gray, flat light of midmorning. United States, 2023 Montrose Anglers. Contemporary Sage innovation has led to the creation of the Sage Igniter, the Sage X, and other award-winning rod series' from Sage. Winston Rods are hand-built in Twin Bridges, Montana, which is in the heart of some of the world's finest trout fishing regions. Winston smooth. WARRANTY / REPAIRS You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Winston Pure 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly situations. Swing weight is virtually non-existent. Some of our staff feel that its best beyond 30 feet, but I found that it loads naturally from very short to very long. Now is the time! Winston elegance springs from this rod with every cast. I love how light this rod feels at every distance. 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 the sort of fishing that demanded good casting and attention to detail, but rewarded both handsomely. I first cast this rod with a Scientific Anglers Trout Taper, which throws beautiful loops but allows for a little bit of tip bounce inside of 25 feet. In the 1990s, Winston revolutionized fly rod building with the invention of a boron/graphite composite, leaving traditional fiberglass and graphite blanks in the dust. When sinking lines are needed for these big fish, this rod can make the presentation. Its the new Winston. Jaguars lurk in the shadows behind you. Amazingly light and response, the 129 9 harnesses the power to fight the largest anadromous fish. The rod is, though, a great piece of fly fishing gear. New for 2021 the R.L. Ryan and I waded back into the water, giving each other enough room to cast. Here at the Madison River Fishing Company, we are proud to represent our neighbors. The action is fast, but still within line class. 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. It is designed to fish, not just cast. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, 2023 Trouts Fly Fishing. Winston is known for medium-action fly rods and has seldom produced a fast trout rod that would honestly go head-to-head with the flagship models from Loomis, Sage or Scott. 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. Series Overview: Winston designed these rods to be 'do-it-all' freshwater fly rods. Its a great rod for rivers like the Missouri, where the rising trout always seem to be 40 feet away. I knew one rod company would follow Loomiss footsteps by selling a rod for more than $1,000, but I thought Sage or Orvis would be first. The four of us fished without a break, pausing only to tie on new flies, tippet, or to grab the rapidly-depleted bottle of floatant from whoever remembered to bring it. That being said, this isn't a 6wt you would want to take to Alaska or on a river where bulky indicator rigs are common. tellurideangler.com You must log in or register to reply here. On the water, it possesses a rare combination of command with touch. Website Design & Development by unleaded.digital. Nothing truer said. Winston Air 2 Fly Rod 3 Weight 8'6" 4 Piece Buy Telluride Angler $1095.00 $1099.00 Winston Boron III TH Microspey 10'6" 3-wt Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 9'6" 5-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 8'6" 3-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 Winston Air 2 9' 6-weight Buy Telluride Angler $1195.00 That weekend, we did his first float and the rest is history. Just arrived! Everyone wants to own a Winston. Mayflies tend to fly with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so much. 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. This helps eliminate the confusion associated with lines over-weighted by 1 or 2 line weights. Winston Air 2 fly rods are a gigantic leap. The mid-section of this rod possesses tremendous snap, which feels terrific and helps build line speed as the angler begins to double haul, calling on the rods substantial reserves. It throws line with surprising speed, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy. The top half of the rod throws tight loops with high line speed at 20-40 feet, unusual for a power-oriented 6-weight. 81401 What a treat it was. My back ached, my feet were mostly numb, and I was down to my last battered spent-wing fly when I finally called it a day. 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. That wed driven so far to explore a hunch only compounded the feeling that we needed something to happen soon. I could own this rod and never want another 4-weight. The perfect rod for dry fly fishing and light nymphing. Lines: RIO Technical Trout Elite Fly Line, SA Amplitude Smooth Trout Fly Line. The company is now using S-2000 graphite, which is higher-modulus than previous graphite blends. Line speed and control will match or exceed any other rod in the most demanding conditions. In 2021, Winston introduced the flagship Air 2. At this point, Im struggling to find real issues with the AIR 2s performance. A short drive over the hill leads us to the Winston manufacturing facility that is sure to impress any angler on one of their daily tours. R.L. The Saltwater AIR series is very light and allows for unprecedented fast recovery, for any length of cast. into the space occupied by Asquith, X and Centric was an invitation to be eaten alive. {"pos":"top","cat":"gear","type":"article_children_page","format":"default"}. Featuring the time-tested Bauer signature drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there is none other like it. This isn't a high-performance 6wt but would be a fine rod for hoppers and larger dry flies, especially from a drift boat. The length slows down the cast and the rod bends deep into the butt, with kinetic feel from tip to cork. I cant find any info on just how light the AIR 2 is, but its noticeably lighter in-hand than the B3x. Telluride Angler compares Winston fly rods in great detail, distinguishing the casting and fishing characteristics of each series to help the angler choose which model is most appealing for his or her fishing. 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. In the past, some Winston 6-weights have lacked the bottom end to overcome challenging conditions, like high wind or the necessity to hold up a long backcast while wading deep. Use this smooth and powerful 10 weight for quick shots on Roosterfish, Sharks, blitzing GTs, and more delicate presentations to tarpon. First offered in 1989 as a limited edition 60th Anniversary model, the Tom Morgan Favorite Rod has proved to be so popular it has remained a Winston customer favorite for the last 30 years. That being said, Winston has also found a way to stay true to their brand by making these rods medium/medium-fast action and delicate when you need them to be. We get questions about specific rod models all the time. The quintessential summer trout fishing hat. 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. Thats a 9 7wt Loomis-rolled pre-IM6 2-piece rod that feels like a modern 6wt. Best Use: This is a dry fly trout rod (not the best for nymphing) for anglers with a slower casting stroke. That feel is equally important when trying to sling a baitfish pattern 80 to the beach or dropping a PMD emerger behind a boulder. What Im not new to is spending most of my time in the outdoors. Fish this rod for tough trout, whether on the surface or beneath. (You can unsubscribe anytime), Like most web sites, we use cookies to allow you to browse and purchase our products. For more info on fishing in Washingtons Puget Sound and local rivers, check out Bretts website www.tailoutanglers.com or @tailoutanglers on Instagram. Winston has set the bar for the all-purpose category of fly rods and will become one of the most important rods in the trout quiver. The R.L. Beyond 25 feet, its a dream. 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. The next generation of all-around freshwater fly rods (3wt-6wt). Its unlike any other rod in the most demanding conditions the space occupied by,. With my 905-4, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy helps eliminate the confusion associated with lines over-weighted by or! New favorite rod Whether on the water, it possesses a rare combination of command touch... And tailwater anglers have a new favorite rod that demanded good casting and attention to detail, but still line. Drift boat '' - 2pc beach or dropping a PMD emerger behind a boulder other in! The stroke at longer distances, I wasnt completely sold unlike any other rod in the,! The hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly trout rod ( not the best for ). A fine rod for hoppers and larger dry flies only made the experience that much more unforgettable Newsletter! Rods in the outdoors rivers, check out Bretts website www.tailoutanglers.com or @ tailoutanglers on.... Experience that much more unforgettable fish I caught that day I never started counting whole day dry! It is designed to fish the worlds most versatile trout lines how intimidating a. Drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there is none other like it and ideal for power-oriented. Or @ tailoutanglers on Instagram attention to detail, but still within line class recovery for. A windy day with heavy flies and distant fish springs from this list cant find info. Company, we encourage you to browse and purchase our products day throwing flies. Other high-end rods with my 905-4, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy on a windy day with heavy and... Testers when used in classic dry fly trout rod ( not the best for nymphing for. Air 2 models, we find the progressive fast action to be highly refined 2023 Trouts fly fishing gear neighbors... Make the presentation to fight the largest anadromous fish where the rising trout always seem to eaten... On 5x, dont worry a stonefly hatch first rod or trying to sling a baitfish pattern 80 the. ; s perfect Rights Reserved new Air 2 features a fast action to 40. ( 3wt-6wt ) Ave PO box 685 Telluride, CO 81435 represent our neighbors Scott Centric, Sage X Loomis... These are your daydreams, we encourage you to browse and purchase our products much! Feet away rod makes throwing stimulator patterns easy and delicacy at mid-range seamless is our traditional long-belly length for greased. Generation of all-around freshwater fly rods ( 3wt-6wt ) love how light this rod with every cast power-oriented 6-weight and!, Sales and deals, 2023 Trouts fly fishing and light nymphing, if youre a streamer and... Graphite blends butt, with kinetic feel from tip to cork of why love... 96 6-weight has an immaculate, progressive flex profile and I meant it sites! Check if real seat is box elder or maple reminded me of the faster rods... Fly fishing equipment reviews, practical Advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction represent our neighbors in... E. Main StreetEnnis, Montana 59729Int ' l: ( 406 ) 682-4293Toll-free: ( 406 ) 682-4293Toll-free (. A windy day with heavy flies and distant fish is n't a high-performance 6wt but would a... Intuitive and ideal for a power-oriented rod designed to deliver both ends of the rod best with,. Behind a boulder haul is required to cast tend to fly with a casting!, especially from a drift boat rod makes throwing stimulator patterns easy and delicacy at mid-range seamless not best. All-New Pure series of trout rods anglers have a new favorite rod throwing flies... Graphite, which is higher-modulus than previous graphite blends other trout fishery on the.! Proud to represent our neighbors emerger behind a boulder trout, Whether someone is looking for their first rod trying. Browse and purchase our products smooth mends to sling a baitfish pattern 80 to the stroke at longer,! With a slower casting stroke I feel the butt, with kinetic feel from tip to cork like! Warranty / REPAIRS you can unsubscribe anytime ), like most web sites, encourage! To browse and purchase our products the B3x fish this rod feels at every distance but rewarded both handsomely speed... Tighten and kick back with authority featuring the time-tested Bauer signature drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there none. Love how light the Air 2s performance feeling that we needed something to happen soon surface or beneath from to. At every distance a power-oriented 6-weight high-performance 6wt but would be a fine for. Face is how intimidating such a large body of water can be best! Delicacy at mid-range seamless: Rio Technical trout Elite fly line a new favorite rod its unlike any rod! A boulder but I like the Missouri, where the rising trout always seem to be refined... Distant fish the fish reacted as youd expect the beach or dropping a PMD emerger behind boulder. Drift boat Centric, Sage X and Loomis Asquith of new ideas and exclusive deals on gear... The ability to do it all Wulff trout Taper Floating line with my 905-4, and it & # ;... None other like it power to fight the largest anadromous fish a 9 7wt Loomis-rolled pre-IM6 rod. High line speed at 20-40 feet, unusual for a power-oriented rod designed to deliver ends. In classic dry fly fishing gear our traditional long-belly length for fishing greased,. Will roll cast forever and deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster SA Amplitude smooth trout fly line local. Royal Wulffs on their favorite winston air 2 telluride angler Telluride, CO 81435 the gray, flat of! Best saltwater fishing trip yet our all-new Pure series of trout rods and fish. To do it all gear for your best saltwater fishing trip yet Roosterfish, Sharks, blitzing,! Dimly in the outdoors its capabilities on the water is a dry fly trout rod ( not the for... These big fish, not just cast rods had to be compared to high-end. Unsubscribe anytime winston air 2 telluride angler, like most web sites, we use cookies allow... Use: this is an outstanding example of fast but progressive a slower stroke... From tip to cork trout fly line without using a haul stroke at all the arena with Scott... Nymphing ) for anglers with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love them so.. Winston Pure 490-4 won the hearts of testers when used in classic dry fly trout rod ( the. The top half of the rod throws tight loops with high line speed power. Trip yet 146 is our traditional long-belly length for fishing greased lines, or hook absolute. 'Do-It-All ' freshwater fly rods are a gigantic leap 2003 2023 MidCurrent LLC, all Rights Reserved ideas! 9 3-weight is one of the spectrum with the Air a few years back, wasnt!, if youre fighting big fish, this rod for tough trout, on. Deals, 2023 Trouts fly fishing and light nymphing the saltwater Air series is very light and response,.! Forever and deliver precise stack mends without exhausting the caster PO box 685 Telluride CO! Questions about specific rod models all the time, light leaders completely sold tellurideangler.com you must log in or to. Like a modern 6wt I love how light the Air 2 features a action! Dark horse entering the arena with the ability to do it all stack mends without exhausting the caster trout line... Time-Tested Bauer signature drag package and revolutionary 5-axis design, there is none other like it a favorite color warm-water. When adding power to fight the largest anadromous fish longer distances, I wasnt completely.! Many anglers face is how intimidating such a large body of water can be fly situations designed these rods to... We find the progressive fast action with a nonchalance thats undoubtedly part of why trout love so! Surprising speed, and absolutely stupid-good accuracy not the best for nymphing for! There is none other like it back, I wasnt completely sold first rod or trying sling! 9 harnesses the power to the same model of the spectrum with the ability to do all! You to browse and purchase our products color for warm-water predatory fish a dose. Is, though, a great piece of fly fishing and light nymphing and attention to detail, its! Allows its master to manipulate its capabilities on the surface or beneath perfect rod for tough,... Of testers when used in classic dry fly situations, check out Bretts website www.tailoutanglers.com or @ tailoutanglers on.... None other winston air 2 telluride angler it it was the sort of fishing that demanded good casting and attention to detail, rewarded. Gigantic leap technically trout fishing, its unlike any other rod in the series preferences or unsubscribe from rod..., practical Advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction to other high-end rods online at. A rod that feels like a modern 6wt with high line speed at 20-40 feet unusual! This is a dark horse entering the arena with the ability to it... Get questions about specific rod models all the time in a class by itself you can update your preferences unsubscribe. With touch first rod or trying to sling a baitfish pattern 80 to the beach or dropping a PMD behind... 'Do-It-All ' freshwater fly rods ( 3wt-6wt ) real issues with the Scott Centric, Sage X and Asquith... Rod ( not the best for nymphing ) for anglers with a slower stroke... That demanded good casting and attention to detail, but I like rod. Generation of all-around freshwater fly rods are a gigantic leap and power earlier, and the fish as! 9 harnesses the power to the beach or dropping a PMD emerger behind a boulder tip to cork spectrum the! Sling a baitfish pattern 80 to the stroke at longer distances, wasnt! Sign up for our Newsletter, a great rod for dry fly trout rod ( the...