I noticed that a few companies are now offering rod blanks designed specifically for czech nymphing (e.g. Pacific Bay, Hook and Hackle). Has anyone tried one or knows what makes these blanks different from other blanks?

thanks,
Tom.

I assume its got more do do with marketing than anything else. Czech nymphing is nothing more than short line drifting (with weighted nymphs) most times without an indicater. Longer rods supposedly give you the advatage of keeping the nymphs further out from the body with a greater ability to mend line. I would guess most are probably fast actions for added feel (allthough I have not tried any of the rods you asked about). So ask yourself..will a 9'-6" or 10' rod be that much better than a 9'-0" for drifting nymphs ? I doubt it. But it gives fly rod guys a reason to add yet one more rod to their collection...... Thats how I see it.

edit: one more thing to add. Europeans have been generally using longer rods for years. Not just for weighted nymphing.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/09/2011 10:18PM by Larry Damore.

Most are a tad longer, roughly 9'9". Really just another term for high sticking so the added length helps with controlling drfit especially without an indicator. Have thrown the Sage 99 and is a very nice stick. Not sure it would be on my "need" list. If you short line nymph fish more than 80% of the time, maybe a good option dedicated to just that.

Thanks for the input.

I was wondering if it was a marketing thing. In some cases the rods a little lighter in physical weight than other blanks which are similar length/line weights. No mention though on how the action would be different.

For nymphing like that, an extra foot makes a world of difference.

Yes, extra length for nymphing makes a difference, for me anyway. The lighter switch rods can be also fabulous nymphing rods which allow better line control and longer drifts for czech nymphing or any other nymphing style. If you like to use subsurface presentations of any kind, I would suggest looking at a switch rod blank for your next build.

And yes, it's also another excuse to have a new rod. :-)

Terry

Tom,
What I've been told is that the czech nymphing blanks are a slower taper blank intended to open the casting loop to reduce aerial collisions between flys, leader and fly line. The additional length allows for easier manipulation of this open loop at greater distances.
I haven't personally cast one but the comment seemed quite plausible with the additional weighted flys and more hinge points for the leader.
Add to that a strike indicator and you've a recipe for a long frustrating day until you open up the loop.

Eugene Moore