Echo Prime Fly Rods

So as a Captain and Guide, I have a lot of people ask what gear I prefer, am using or maybe keep in my boat. And I am one of those guides that believes there are no secrets out on the water. I am more than happy to share what I am using, where I am using it and how I am using it. This goes for my selection in flies, leaders, lines, water and of course fly rods. If I can help someone else be successful out there, then perfect. And on that note, I thought I would spend a moment and share what I have in my boat day in and day out, as far as gear goes.

First off, as anyone who has fished with me knows, I am proudly supported by Rajeff Sports. For those who may not recognize that name, you will certainly recognize the brands they own; Echo Fly Rods and Airflo Flylines. And I am very fortunate to be able to represent both of these fine brands, every day while I am out on the flats fly fishing Rockport. They take great care of me and make amazing products to boot.

When I am on the saltwater, the only rod I have been throwing is the Echo Prime Fly Rod. The first thing about these rods you need to know, is that they are a ONE PIECE fly rod. Obviously this would make them a bit tough to travel with. But for a Rockport fly fishing guide, such as myself, I am able to keep a healthy quiver in my boat at all times with easy. This is a trend you will notice up and down the coastal waters, whether it be the Gulf Coast or The Keys in Florida. Captains and Guides are loving these increasingly popular one piece rods.

So why do I use Echo Prime fly rods?

First and foremost, they can flat out throw line. And I mean they throw it… FAR! They have a ton of backbone to them. They load very well and quickly, which is great for the saltwater. And especially great for redfishing in Rockport, Texas, as many of our shots may not be super far, but you need to get it there quickly. And on top of all of that, they are incredibly strong while horsing one of our large reds to the boat. Hands down, Echo Prime fly rods are my favorite thing going on the salt right now.

I combo up each of my Echo Prime fly rods with an Echo Ion reel. These reels have a great large arbor, solid drag system and balance the rod out well. All of this, without breaking the bank. They have been very durable and reliable for me out there on the Texas flats.

When it comes to fly lines, I am all about the Airflo Flylines when I am out in the saltwater. My new favorite line as of late is their new Super-Dri Tropical Punch. This line was designed for catching redfish while fly fishing Rockport! It has a very compact front taper, which helps it load incredibly fast. Also, it will turn over large flies very well and shoots incredibly far. All hugely important when fly fishing a Texas flat for spooky redfish.

I do overline each and every Echo Prime fly rod I have in my boat. So if I typically throw an 8wt rod, it will have a 9wt line spooled up on the reel. These rods are burly enough to take it and actually throw even better. So this too will help anglers load the rod quickly and with power, then shoot line through the wind to that tailing fish. All of this combined together is a lethal combination on the Texas flats.

For those who have not yet played with any of the above mentioned products, you need to check them out. Even better, contact us for a day of fishing in February and you can test out the whole quiver while in the boat. I am confident that this gear will make you a better angler and improve your chances while fly fishing Rockport, Texas.