Fiberglass rods are making a resurgence in the fly rod market, and you can buy custom glass rods from any number of builders. From small rod builders to growing companies, there is an emerging glass movement and I've joined the ranks. Initially, my entrance into the glass realm was through no initiative of my own. Grandpa was cleaning out the garage and sent me a text message (it had to have taken him 10 minutes to write it) asking if I wanted any old fly rods. I asked if a bear craps in the woods, waited nearly 10 more minutes for a response, and then drove right over to see what he had. After casting an 8 weight in his backyard I quickly realized that I was going to like glass rods and the feel they give; so I started looking for a small stream rod for my trip into the Sierras. Enter the Eagle Claw Featherlight.......
Now let me preface my review with a few disclaimers. I have a wife in nursing school (tuition, books, scrubs, etc) and am working on paying for a couple sets of braces, so dropping $600 on a nice glass rod isn't in the cards right now. As much as I'd like to buy an expensive glass rod, I love my wife and want her to stick around. Second, I have fly-fished for about 11 years now; however, I am self taught and consider myself to be a novice in the sport. I've learn about fly-fishing through blogs, Youtube videos, used books from Ebay, magazine articles, and talking to people who are willing to share their knowledge. So, now you know I'm no expert, but I have thrown bugs on expensive Orvis and Sage rods so I do know what they feel like and how they perform. End disclaimer.
I dropped $25 on Amazon and this rod arrived at my door two days later. It is a nice 6'6", 3/4 weight, Eagle Claw Featherlight in bright yellow. I added a Cabelas CGR reel with Cabelas Prestige Double Taper 3 weight line and a 7.5 foot tapered leader for fishing clear high mountain streams and lakes. The wrapping on the guides looks to be well done, the reel seat looks great with wood inlays and gold colored butt. The cork handle finishes off the handle section of the rod. For $25 is certainly looks like a more expensive rod. Another bonus feature that I like is the ruler on the bottom blank. It lets you prove the length of your catch so your buddies can't dispute it later.
Now let me preface my review with a few disclaimers. I have a wife in nursing school (tuition, books, scrubs, etc) and am working on paying for a couple sets of braces, so dropping $600 on a nice glass rod isn't in the cards right now. As much as I'd like to buy an expensive glass rod, I love my wife and want her to stick around. Second, I have fly-fished for about 11 years now; however, I am self taught and consider myself to be a novice in the sport. I've learn about fly-fishing through blogs, Youtube videos, used books from Ebay, magazine articles, and talking to people who are willing to share their knowledge. So, now you know I'm no expert, but I have thrown bugs on expensive Orvis and Sage rods so I do know what they feel like and how they perform. End disclaimer.
I dropped $25 on Amazon and this rod arrived at my door two days later. It is a nice 6'6", 3/4 weight, Eagle Claw Featherlight in bright yellow. I added a Cabelas CGR reel with Cabelas Prestige Double Taper 3 weight line and a 7.5 foot tapered leader for fishing clear high mountain streams and lakes. The wrapping on the guides looks to be well done, the reel seat looks great with wood inlays and gold colored butt. The cork handle finishes off the handle section of the rod. For $25 is certainly looks like a more expensive rod. Another bonus feature that I like is the ruler on the bottom blank. It lets you prove the length of your catch so your buddies can't dispute it later.
Let's get to the rod itself. It is a two-piece glass rod, and at 6'6" is on the shorter end of fly rods. Given that most people fishing a 3 weight aren't flipping flies more than 20-30 feet the length isn't an issue. I found that I can lay down a fly at 30 feet without much problem. The first time I used the rod was in the Eastern Sierras where I was targeting brookies. I saw one continually rising and taking caddis off the surface some 25-30 feet away. I threw a flying ant on (caddis patterns were on the bank and I was wet wading) and was able to lay the fly exactly where I wanted. First cast and I hooked the brookie. I was impressed with the Featherlight's castability, its ability to lay a fly where I wanted it, and the action in the rod.
Landing fish on a lighter weigh rod concerned me at first. I taught myself to fish on the Provo River by watching older fly-fisherman work pockets and seams. I talked to one old timer who told me that anything less than a 5 weight wouldn't handle the bigger fish I'd end up catching, so I always defaulted to that advice. Turns out landing nice fish on a 3 weight is a riot, and playing Bluegill on this rod is a lot of fun as well. Below, my son plays a fiesty brookie who succumbed to a mosquito pattern. The Featherlight let you feel light takes and surface sips on fast or murkie water while leaving no doubt that you have a fish on!
Landing fish on a lighter weigh rod concerned me at first. I taught myself to fish on the Provo River by watching older fly-fisherman work pockets and seams. I talked to one old timer who told me that anything less than a 5 weight wouldn't handle the bigger fish I'd end up catching, so I always defaulted to that advice. Turns out landing nice fish on a 3 weight is a riot, and playing Bluegill on this rod is a lot of fun as well. Below, my son plays a fiesty brookie who succumbed to a mosquito pattern. The Featherlight let you feel light takes and surface sips on fast or murkie water while leaving no doubt that you have a fish on!
Overall, I'm very pleased with this rod. For the price and its performance so far (I've used it nearly 15 times already) I couldn't ask for anything else. At around $105 I was able to purchase the rod, reel, backing, and line (found line on sale). If you're new to fly-fishing small streams, new to glass rods, or are on a budget check out this great rod, you won't be disappointed. As you can see from the photos here, my entire family has used this rod. My kids have caught trout and bluegill and my wife caught her first fish on a fly rod at the local pond. It really is a forgiving rod that works well for beginners and experienced anglers alike. For the price, I don't fret over my kids tossing it around like their soccer shoes after a game. It's held up to their abuse, and they'll likely be getting their own for Christmas this year. If anyone from Eagle Claw reads this, please make a Featherlight that comes with a reel and line. That would be a sweet little package, especially for beginning or younger anglers. Eagle Claw also make another glass fly rod called the Sweetheart, and I hope to pick one of those up soon, so stay tuned for more reviews. Until then, tight lines!