A Testament to Performance
After some time I have put together a Fly Rod/Reel package and line that epitomizes High Performance. As mentioned in a previous article, I received a Winston BIIMX 5wt with a fighting butt, and promised a test ride. The package includes a Galvan Torque T-4, backed with 100yds 30lb Gel Spun backing, and a Scientific Anglers Sharkskin 6wt fly line. This combination provided me with the in the hand balance I like but may not be for everyone.
First and foremost, as you would expect from Winston, the craftsman ship is flawless, and the new Fighting Butt reel seat is a pleasure to look at as well as its ability to houze a reel with rubberized compression rings between the lockers. This rod, held comfortably at your side, feels extremely lightweight for a 5wt. Without lining it, it is noticeably stiffer than the Winston you are familiar with.
For testing purposes, I chose Airflo's Ridge in 5wt, Orvis' Wonderline Easy Mend in both 5 and 6wt, and Scientific Anglers GPX 6, Expert Distance 6, and of course the New Sharkskin in both 5 and 6wt.
Generally the biggest suprise was how easy unrolling loops in various sizes is given the fact that this is a very fast rod, touted as Winston's fastest 5wt ever built. For overall performance I preferred 6wt fly lines, however the 5wts worked well especially when the carry was extended to the 55ft range. Loading for distance with the 5wt lines was accomplished easily by quick rotation with the 55ft carry and easily shot an additional 25ft of line along with it.
For maximum performance at range with the least amount of effort, I prefer one of the 6wt lines, and hands down it was the Expert Distance or the Sharkskin. These lines with their compound heads unrolled well at all distances, and it was possible to clear the Sharkskin from the rod tip from time to time. With a little work I may be able to clear the 10ft longer Expert distance with this rod. Although this rod can go long, what I enjoyed most is the incredibly tight loops accomplisged at close range. No question that extreme accuracy is possible with this rod, and if casting in the wind has been a problem you will really enjoy this rod. I am a bonified "Big Ugly" streamer guy and look forward to "Throwing Bulk" with this stick which I expect will be handled easily.
If you haven't, regardless if you are in the market or not, go to a shop and give it a whirl. My guess is you will be pleasantly suprised.
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Tags: Fly Rod, Galvin, Scientific Anglers, Sharkskin, winston
February 20th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Loved your review of the BIIMX 5 weight as I am close to buying this rod. I cast the rod at a show recently and really liked it but it is hard to tell when you can’t really put a rod through the paces. So I have a few questions for you:
1) Sounds like for all-around fishing go with the 6 weight line?
2) I do a lot of drift boat fishing on the Delaware system in NY where you need to cast 60 feet on a dime with a nice mend……..is this rod up to the task?
3) Dod the rod have “feel” for you? I have heard many say that it felt stiff
4) Would this rod be fun to fish with? Was casting the long line a chore or fun
February 20th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Chris
Thanks for the note. Let me answer as simple and as short as I can in the order below.
1) Probably would do well with a long compound taper or a sinking tip with a 5wt line but it will handle a 6 nicely at range with a big bug. For me it’s the 6wt hands down!
2) Invite me up as I don’t get to see this cast often. We put a lot of different rods through their paces at the Atlanta Fly Fishing School to include the Masters Course. This rod will easily handle the 55ft target and do not believe another 5ft would be much more of a challenge. I routinely cast this rod to 65 and 70 from my dock in the back yard to varying targets and am impressed with the extremely straight tracking. What I like even better is a slight torsional roll of the wrist can put a subtle curve in the presentation so control is very good. The longer range mend has always been a challenge for me, something always needs to be fixed, however I can tell you that with the Expert Distance line very long roll casts are possible. Gotta believe that for some long range mending should be a snap.
3) If one is simply giving the rod the squiggle test in the shop their comment may be similar to mine in that it did feel strong compared to what might be considered the traditional “Winston Feel”. Once lined up, more of that traditional feel emerges which I love, and when carrying 50 or better there was plenty of power left over. My personal opinion is that Sage’s Z-Axis has to be its best competition. Stiff, definitely not, TFO’S Ti Cr X is what I might call stiff. I’ll call it Strong and Fluid.
4) This Rod is fun to fish with especially since the Bass hare starting to move into my cove. I may have mentioned this but my biggest surprise was the range of casts that are easily accomplished. The long line was not a chore, but even better was the close range accuracy. I am fortunate to work from home most days when not guiding overlooking a lake and at 5:00pm I usually have this rod in hand for a little down time!
Hope this helps!
Brian
February 20th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Brian,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful responses. I just recently discovered your website and intend to become a consistent viewer. Thanks
Chris Z
March 26th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Beautiful site! I’ll be back as soon as possible!
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Bye!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Good blog.
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This is a popular subject with great data so well done on your success and interesting topic it should be discussed. Did you totally agree with the top half of this? The rest was fine and informative. Ill check back soon for any added comments, thanks.
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