gear review

At first glance, two-handed rods and spey casting looks like an impossible task. Long awkward-looking rods that require both hands and terms like spey, D Loops, anchor, head types, and line weights are enough to scare anyone away. Why then is this method of fishing growing? Because it is fun! Just when you think you have figured out the perfect single-hand fly rod, you are now tasked with the challenge of what kind of two-handed rod to get. While there are a lot of rods to choose from, I am narrowing down the field and reviewing the G. LOOMIS IMX-PRO SHORT SPEY trout spey rod. A versatile fly rod that can be casted in a range of river sizes. What is a two-handed rod and what does the term spey casting mean? Simply put it is a rod that you use 2 hands to cast spey heads (lines) with. The advantage then allows for you to cover large amounts of water with greater distance and more thoroughly work a section of the river. The longer rods and Spey heads work together to create greater distance in your cast. Traditionally two-handed rods are longer (13’ – 18’) in length as such the spey lines were longer too. So then, where does the G. LOOMIS IMX-PRO SHORT SPEY fit in? The G. Loomis Short Spey was developed out of the need to keep up with today's modern short head systems. Line technology seems to have advanced faster than the rods that cast them so G. Loomis teamed with Tom Larimer and Steve Rajeff to build a rod that would bring out the best in these lines. Designed to combat today's common presentation and casting issues, the IMX-PRO does just that. It is comfortable on bigger rivers like the Missouri and performs just as nicely on smaller rivers such as the Roaring Fork. FEATURES: 5 Models 3#-7# 11’11” length Medium-fast action Conduit Core Technology Multi Taper Design Progressive Flex Patterns Enhanced Positive Feel Ultimate Balance from Tip to Grip MODELS With 5 models all 11’11’’ long and ranging from a 3 weight to a 7 weight, you can be sure that from Trout to Salmon to Steelhead (and anything in between) there is a rod for you. If you like to throw soft hackles or fish an area not know for big fish, try a 3 weight. If you are headed to Alaska and you like to throw big flies or mice patterns, bring a 7 weight. LINE CHART IMX Pro 11' 11" #3 SKAGIT 250 275 SCANDI 240 270 IMX Pro 11' 11" #4 SKAGIT 300 325 SCANDI 270 300 IMX Pro 11' 11" #5 SKAGIT 350 400 SCANDI 300 330 IMX Pro 11' 11" #6 SKAGIT375 425 SCANDI 390 420 MY THOUGTS (I own the 11’11’ #3) This no-frills rod looks nice, is light in the hand, and although skeptical at first, feels like just the right length at 11’11”. The cork is of great quality and the grips are comfortable in the hand. Its medium-fast action causes the rod to feel a little noodle-like but surprisingly has the power to snap casts out with great distance. This is in part due to the stiffness in the butt section. It has a great feel and allows for excellent line control. You can tell it was built for swinging flies. If you are looking for a rod with Porsche performance without the Porsche price tag, look no further than the G. Loomis IMX-Pro Short Spey Trout Spey Rod. At almost half the price ($605) of some of the more expensive rods out there, the IMX-PRO is priced just right. From beginners who will appreciate the medium-fast action and the ease in which it casts to the seasoned pro who can cast a mile, this rod has it all.

gear review

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