A WHILE back I decided I wanted to do more fly fishing for bream and bass from my kayak. While I already had a couple of 6-8 weight (8’6”- 9’) fly rods that could do the job I was after something shorter and more manageable for fishing tighter water in amongst mangroves and gnarly bass creeks.
When I saw the new US produced Ross rods the fellas from Mayfly Tackle were bringing in to Australia I thought they warranted a look. After speaking to Mike from Mayfly, who mentioned that the 6-weight FlyStik Light (6711-4) is ideal for ‘yak work, I put in an order.
At 7’11” this four-piece fly rod has proven ideal for my needs. Teamed up with a lightweight (and cheap!) fly reel and a floating 6-weight WF line it is an ideal combination for throwing smaller weighted flies like Clousers and Crazy Charlie style creations at bream and more wind resistant flies like Dahlbergs and sliders at bass.
To do the latter I’ve also tried teaming the rod up with a reel loaded with an 8-weight floating bass taper line. Surprisingly, the rod handled the overweight line without much difficulty and made it a little easier to cast more buoyant flies a reasonable distance.
At 7’11” the FlyStik Light is an ideal length for use on my 13′ Jackson Coosa. When stowed on the deck the tip doesn’t protrude far enough from the bow to be a breakage threat and fighting and landing fish is also a little easier.
The rod is manufactured from R2 Graphite and has a nice forgiving action. Being shorter than the norm it also feels more powerful than a 6-weight fly rod typically used for lake trout.
It features a stylish metallic green style finish and carries lightweight snake guides and is fitted with a quality cork grip and butt cap. Unlike some fly rods I’ve owned, the reel seat on this Ross holds the reel snugly and doesn’t require constant re-tightening while fishing. Nice touches are the white dotted rod sections which making aligning the four pieces a cinch, and a fly keeper. The rod also came with a colour matched green padded tube for transport and storage.
RRP is $250.
Contact: mayflytackle.com.au
