Have you ever noticed how every field test you read in magazines has nothing but good things to say about a product? We all know that even great rods have their strengths and weaknesses. Certain fly lines perform incredibly on slow action rods, but are terrible on fast rods. Wading boots that feel fine casting for little trout out of a drift boat may kill your feet after standing ten hours in a boulder filled steelhead river. Bottom line: Not all gear is created equally. More to the point, a lot of gear works great for some applications, but not all applications. Let’s face it, fly fishing is an expensive sport. If you’re going to spend a good chunk of change on a new outfit, wouldn’t it be nice to know what the products strengths and weaknesses are.
We knew you wouldn’t take our word for it, so, we asked the guides.
Guide Tested | Tom Larimer
Ross Momentum LT
I recently put the newest addition to the Ross line-up to the test at Alaska West and the incredible Kanektok River. Early June marks the beginning of the famed King salmon run in southwest Alaska. These are massive, chrome-plated super tankers that will rip your arms off. The Momentum LT handled what I consider to be the ultimate test for a reel with flying colors. I have since used the reels for guiding Deschutes steelhead. After a summer of hard use, I can honestly say the Momentum LT is the best reel I’ve ever owned.
Tom Larimer
Larimer Outfitters
Guide Tested | Tom Larimer
Ross CLA
If you’re looking for a tough dependable reel that won’t break the bank, the Ross CLA is a great choice. Guiding steelhead is without a doubt one of the best tests for a reel’s longevity. They’re constantly being thrown around, fallen on, set in the dirt, and most of all, given a good work out by pissed-off steelhead. Many of my guides use the reels and we’ve never had a problem with a CLA. While they lack some of the aesthetics of higher priced reels, they make up for it in price and over-all dependability.
Tom Larimer
Larimer Outfitters
