In my last installment, I covered the independent fly rod builders who are probably providing the lion’s share of modern fiberglass rods to this small-but-interesting market.
(You can read Part I here, and Part II here)
Today I take a look at a few of the larger companies building glass, though I use the term “larger” in a relative sense. Thomas and Thomas are hardly rod building’s equivalent of a multinational, and the other companies mentioned won’t dent the list of the biggest fly rod manufacturers.
So be it; smaller companies are supposed to serve niches better than bigger ones, and in this case, it appears to be true. Off we go.
Thomas & Thomas Heirloom
Designed by rod-building legend Tom Dorsey to replicate some of his favorite bamboo actions, the T&T Heirlooms are wonderfully progressive fiberglass fly rods.
(photo courtesy T&T)
I’ve cast a pair of T&T Heirlooms, and found the 7.5′ 3wt and the 8′ 5wt to be absolutely smooth casters – free of hinges and other odd behaviors. The 8′ 5wt is stronger, but still not clubby. No less a glass rod expert than Rich Margiotta thinks the T&T rods might be the best glass rods ever produced, and it’s hard to argue. (Update: He recently told me he likes the 8′ 4wt best of all, and who am I to argue?)
Rich builds, fishes and sells glass and bamboo fly rods more frequently than Paris Hilton makes headlines, so when he says he’s “found my 7.5′ 3wt,” you sit up and take notice.
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