Years ago I acquired an old fiberglass rod that had belonged to my Grandfather. I don’t know why he owned that rod. It was a miserable stick. I fished it a few times and pretty much wrote off fiberglass all together. That is until a friend put a Scott F2 in my hand. WOW! Ok, now I get it. What a beautiful little rod, both to look at and to cast.
The rod I cast was a seven foot three weight. It was truly unique. I’ve heard fiberglass compared to bamboo but I think it’s very different. To be sure, fiberglass is slow. Even slower than some of my favorite bamboo rods but the feel is different. The F2 has a buttery parabolic action that seems to cast it’s self. It will literally cast the leader. If you do much small stream fishing you know how important that can be. That’s not the end of it. The F2 is just as happy pushing out fifty feet of line. I’d hate to have to do it in wind, but there on the casting pond at IFTD it was quite easy. It’s not the rod for every day but a rod that you will look for an excuse to fish.
I can see myself fishing this rod on small brookie streams here in the southeast or on winding cutthroat rivers out west. It would be great on spring creeks or anywhere a delicate presentation is important. Any small to medium size water where you will have good dry fly action is a great place for an F2.
I own several Scott rods and love them all, so when Jim Bartschi invited me to come by the shop, I jumped at the chance. I got to see every phase of the production process and saw some fine rods being made, including some fiberglass. I also got the chance to see some rare fiberglass rods. Historical rods made by Harry Wilson, from Scott’s early days as well as prototypes still in development and rods made specifically for the Japanese market, not available in the US. It was a real treat.
On the whole I am very impressed with the folks at Scott. They are dedicated to developing and making the very best fly rods possible. They don’t do things the easy way, they do them the right way. I saw some pretty nice looking rods end up in the trash for not being perfect. They really have a grasp of what makes a great fly rod and, after all, great rods are not made in a factory, they are made in the hearts of people who love to fish. In the case of Scott, they are also made here in America, by American craftsmen and women.
I don’t own an F2 yet but it’s at the top of my wish list. If you like dry fly fishing on small to medium water you should give one a cast. It made a real impression on me and I think it will impress you too.
Louis Cahill Gink & Gasoline www.ginkandgasoline.com hookups@ginkandgasoline.com Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter!
I can see an old school battle brewing. Scott Army vs Loop Army. The Battle of the Yellow Rods.
Was that my 7′ 3wt F2 that you’re speaking of?
The same rod but not yours. I cast it on Jim’s suggestion at IFTD.