Scott’s latest masterpiece: The “GT” – MSRP: $1095
Everyone knows I lean favorably toward Scott fly rods. I called its Radian the greatest fly rod ever made in a Field & Stream review many years ago. I felt that Centric was worthy of a comparison to AC/DC’s “Back in Black” album. I fish Sector in the salt and consider Session the best dollar-for-dollar value on the fly rod market today.
So, what the heck do you expect me to say about the new “GT” series?
Yes, I love it. And yes, I highly recommend it.
It took bold moves and a couple tries to radically improve upon the original Scott “G” (for “graphite). Thirty years after G initially launched, “G2” was introduced in 2006. To be honest, I wasn’t enamored with G2. A better version of “G” came out in 2017, and that has lived up to its billing as a great stick for dry fly fishing in technically demanding water. Some models like the 8-foot-8-inch 4-weight stand apart, and if you have one, it’s a keeper.
I’ve been fishing the new “GT” for a few months in different environs—from a dory, walk wading small streams, lake fishing with float tubes… fishing in Michigan, Idaho and Colorado for fish of various sizes.
This is what won me over.
It feels lighter, though the reel you choose makes or breaks that factor. Out of the tube, you’ll sense a difference. That’s because the manufacturing process for the new GT allows for thinner-walled blanks (the thinnest Scott has ever made). The ferrule connections shed bulk to the point that a four-piece rod feels like a one-piece rod.
I’m not sure if the T in GT stands for thin, or technical, or what. I know it isn’t Giant Trevally, because this is a thoroughbred trout rod. Maybe a play on “Ford GT” since it is sporty?
The rod tracks and recovers well. It’s accurate. I’d rate it right up there with Orvis Helios (gen 4, the new ones) that I think are among the most consistently accurate rods out there.
Most important of all, the feel transfer… you can sense the energy during the cast, not just in the tip section, but also right through the lower section and into the grip. If you can sense the energy, you can control it. That means you make more consistent casts. But it also allows you to improvise. Little flicks and mends, the unheralded things that often spell the difference when it comes to presentation, are augmented through this rod.
I make better roll casts with this rod than I do with any other rod.
I can change my loops from compact to open (at will) more easily with this rod.
I am more consistently on target with single casts (no multiple false casts) with this rod.
I feel like I fight fish more effectively with this rod. Again, that feel factor matters and allows for reacting and adjusting.
Available from 7’ 4” to 9’ 8”, in four and five-piece configurations for 3-weight to 6-weight lines, I think the 8-foot 10-inch 4-weight is the “butter” stick in the lineup.
Price is north of a grand now (MSRP: $1095) so it doesn’t qualify as a beginner’s rod.
The angler who will benefit most is one who wants to go from good to great; the B caster/angler who wants to go up to A level. Of course, nothing will help that performance curve better than actual time on the water and practice. No piece of gear is a cure-all. But yes, I’ll vouch that this rod will make an angler who wants to get better—particularly better at the technical game—much better if they put in the work. And I think that applies to a wide range of styles and interests.
In eager and diligent hands, Scott’s GT can absolutely be a game changer.
-Kirk Deeter
Damsel Sola Sunglove 2.0 – MSRP: $38
I typically despise any gloves while fishing, primarily because the excessive stitching gets in the way of my finger dexterity. That’s true of sungloves and winter gloves, but Damsel’s Sola Sunglove 2.0 made me forget they were even on. In fact, numerous times, I got into my truck to drive home after a day on the river with them still on.
The fingerless portion is the genius design of these gloves. Loops for your thumb, index and pinky fingers are enough to keep them in place yet out of the way. I also admire the open palm to ensure safe fish handling. They dry quickly and even protect against chilly winds just enough during cooler fall and spring fishing days.
Give any of the four fun patterns in four sizes a try. Your sun-protected hands will thank you.
-Kara Armano
Fishpond Stormshadow Lumbar Pack – MSRP: $249.95
I’ve been wearing lumbar packs for years. As a woman, I don’t like anything extra on my chest, so a vest is out of the question, and I find sling packs clumsy for holding my net. But I’ve struggled to find a lumbar pack that carries everything I need comfortably and conveniently until now.
Enter Fishpond’s Stormshadow Lumbar Pack. This rugged pack features waterproof fabric and a fully waterproof pocket with TRUE Zip zipper guards for those can’t submerse items, which is handy for me at 5’2” as I regularly wade deep enough to dip my pack in. The large main compartment opens easily even with the coated zippers and holds numerous fly boxes as well as other necessities. I really like the zippered pockets on the waist band for snacks, and of course the net slot is a can’t-live-without feature for me.
Two water bottle holders, one of which I use for a rain jacket and an apple, and many tool and gear attachment points round out this durable lumbar pack. The hefty price point might be hard to swallow (MSRP: $249.95), but rest easy knowing that this pack will serve you for many years on the water to come. – KA
Skwala Sol Tropic Hoody – MSRP: $99
In case you missed it, Skwala has emerged as one of the apex brands (along with Patagonia) in the realm of both waders and sun-protective clothing specifically designed for fishing. There’s a reason why you’re seeing more and more Skwala gear pop up in fly shops from coast to coast, and I only expect that trend to continue.
I recently tested the company’s Sol Tropic Hoody (MSRP $99) in what I consider the most demanding tropical fishing situation—fishing the open ocean and jogging the beaches in search of roosterfish and dorado (mahi-mahi) off the East Cape of Mexico’s Baja peninsula.
While the pangas we were fishing out of did not have “T-tops” because we were fly fishing, pulling the hood up was a close second to being able to tuck under a roof. This shirt does exactly what it’s supposed to do—protect you from the sun. Maintaining an UPF rating of 40+, it’s 40% lighter than most synthetic sun shirts. That means it feels cooler and wicks moisture better. And it isn’t just for the tropics. This is the perfect bottom base layer for days when you might start the morning on a skiff or drift boat in a rain shell over a sweatshirt over a t-shirt over a base later, and peel down to the minimum by lunchtime.
Highly recommended, it’s worth every penny, and in the right price range for a holiday gift for any angler. – KD
Bajio Rigolets – MSRP: $219-$269
Quality sunglasses are a must for any angler. Not only do they keep your eyes safe from mistimed or errant casts and harmful UV sunrays, but they make your fishing day better.
Bajio Rigolets are my go-to shades since they fit my narrow face, but mostly it’s Bajio’s lenses I love. Of course they are polarized, but they also have blue light-blocking technology the call LAPIS™ for crisp, clear, fish-spotting vision. The vented and sun-blocking side shields prevent light reflections from water obstructing your vision and tiring your eyes, and the ergo rubber details keep these full wrap shades in place no matter how rowdy your celebration dance gets after catching a fish of a lifetime.
I’ve worn the glass version redfishing under cloudy skies, chasing native Westslope cutthroat in the Bob Marshall Wilderness under bluebird skies and every condition in between. The Rigolets perform during all my fishing adventures, and they will for you, too. – KA
Oros + CfR strike indicators – MSRP: $15
Oros redefined the ease of using a bobber, oops, I mean strike indicator. Thanks to its nut and post design within two molded hemispheres of foam, these indicators offer hassle-free adjustments, prevent line kink and reduce drag while casting and fishing.
And not only that, but this specialty pack also comes with four sizes and four colors all while partnering with Casting for Recovery with a give-back program. For every pack purchased, Oros donates a portion of proceeds to Casting for Recovery (CfR), a nonprofit providing free, oncology-informed fly fishing retreats for women in treatment or recovery from breast cancer.
Casting for Recovery is a program near-and-dear to my heart as a breast cancer survivor, CfR participant and now CfR program leader. I’ve fortunately witnessed firsthand the transformation each woman experiences during this magical retreat weekend, and with more funding CfR can put on more programs across the country helping serve these deserving women.
Just think of the good feels you’ll get every time you attach your Oros indicator to your line. While we know bobber fishing isn’t what fly fishing is all about all the time, it is an effective way to fish and there’s no harm in having great gear to help you do just that. – KA