Unicoi Outfitters is north Georgia's premier guide service and fly fishing outfitter, located on the Chattahoochee River near alpine Helen. Look for fishing reports, gear and book reviews, and general musings here from our staff and guides.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Long Rods for Hi-Sticking


Let’s face it: we fly fishers are gear junkies. We constantly enhance our arsenals to have the perfect tool for each angling “puzzle” presented. The best tools, however,  are the ones with wider application - so we can feel better about our fly shop splurges.  I’ve got one that might appeal to y’all, too: the long Euronymphing rod.


After young buck Landon put a whuppin’ on me years ago, I had to learn Euronymphing myself.  So I splurged on a 10-foot, 4-weight and it was great for bottom-bouncing tungsten nymphs in winter waters.



I liked the long rod so much, I found other uses for it - and found that it served me better than my 8.5 and 9-footers! It’s great for “sneakier” hi-sticking thru the pocket waters of larger creeks with some open tree canopy.  I dry/drop and double-dry the Tooga, Nan, Toccoa, and Luftee during spring & summer bug action.  I’ll also Euro a squirmy, Pat’s, or mop in soft eddies when those streams surge after storms. I’ll indicator-fish nymphs on perfect drifts through big Chattooga pools or long runs in Yellowstone Park waters. Finally, when the August wind isn’t blowing too hard, that 10-footer provides a longer, drag-free serving of my Madison River hopper/dropper menu.



So, if you “need” a new tool and want a few more reasons to splurge, there you go. Try a long Euronymphing rod with a little backbone (3 or 4-weight) for extra versatility. Your lowered casting arm and shoulder will thank you.  Check out our models from Orvis and Echo. They’ll put you in the hi-stick game without breaking your bank. And a long rod might just be a great Mother’
s or Father’s day gift for the your angling addict in your family.

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