Yes, a retro-graphite rod for a change, so another Retrograph joins the stable.!-) A fairly powerful 5wt, perfect for hopper fishing out West.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Sunday, June 19, 2016
After the Fishing Trip: Milenkovic Paradox 734 Fly Rod
You can now order Paradox 734 from me. I decided to offer new builds as two-tip rods for $1149 and will also offer them as single tip rods for $799. Insured priority shipping is included in the price (US addresses only). Please contact me for more info.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Off to Driftless...
For some testing of Paradox 734. Will pack a couple of more 4wt rods for comparison and change of pace. L to R: Paradox 734, Retrograph 904-4 and DF 250-4.5-4
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Milenkovic Paradox-R 604 Fly Rod
The "R" is for "Reverse"- fly rod with split cane butt, fiberglass tip and mid-sections, and fiberglass ferrules. It is inspired by short rods which were popularized by Lee Wulff. This experimental rod has a pretty quick action due to softer tip/middle and firmer butt section. The fiberglass portion of the rod is "borrowed" from my Unstructured Glass 8' 4wt taper.
The rod casts best with WF5 line at short to medium distances, even though 4wt lines work too. With a heavier line it is very smooth and still has power to reach far out if needed.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Paradox 734 Fly Rod - Casting Characteristics
I know that bottom pictures can't tell you much, but here are some opinions on how this rod behaves. I tested the rod with various 4 and 5wt lines and it can be described as a strong 4 or a 4/5wt rod. The tip specs are progressive and dampen quickly. While the rod casts a long line, it will throw lovely loops at short/medium distances with various 4wt lines-perfect for your standard dry fly presentations.
If you like little more feedback in your cast, slightly heavy 4wt lines (various Airflo, Rio Gold or SA GPX) work great. This would be a nice all-around choice when you need to swap a dry fly with a weighted nymph or a bugger. When you want to go for more distance, the glass butt section goes into play and with more line out, the rod starts to feel semi-parabolic, with that extra kick coming from the fiberglass butt.
Using 5wt lines on the rod will get the butt section engaged sooner, with less line out, but without the tip collapsing. Anglers who like deeper loading and more feedback from the rod might actually prefer it with a 5wt line.
The rod will be tested on a fishing trip to Driftless Area in a few weeks, so more details will follow on how it behaves in real fishing situations..
If you like little more feedback in your cast, slightly heavy 4wt lines (various Airflo, Rio Gold or SA GPX) work great. This would be a nice all-around choice when you need to swap a dry fly with a weighted nymph or a bugger. When you want to go for more distance, the glass butt section goes into play and with more line out, the rod starts to feel semi-parabolic, with that extra kick coming from the fiberglass butt.
Using 5wt lines on the rod will get the butt section engaged sooner, with less line out, but without the tip collapsing. Anglers who like deeper loading and more feedback from the rod might actually prefer it with a 5wt line.
The rod will be tested on a fishing trip to Driftless Area in a few weeks, so more details will follow on how it behaves in real fishing situations..
Monday, May 23, 2016
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Paradox 734 Fly Rod - Weight
I took pictures of each rod section while resting on a scale. The recorded numbers are in grams. The completed rod weighs 90.09 grams (tip #1) and 89.84 grams with the second tip section. Both numbers equal to around 3.17 oz. With the use of cork reel seat and aluminum (rather than nickel silver) slip rings, the rod weight could easily be reduced to under 3oz.
