THE 4 DOOR TACOMA LOADED WITH LEATHER: Echo 3 11′ 6wt
Be able to do a lot in a small, compact package. For streamers – an Airflo Skagit Scout 360gr with a T-7 FLO tip and you are off to the races. This rod really shines with the Scout and FLO tip combo. It is able to throw a wide range of streamers including weighted ones. Flies up to 4” with dumb bell eyes is no problem for this little guy. Run Airflo’s Switch Streamer 390gr if you prefer an integrated line. For dries and soft hackles, an Airflo Switch 5.5wt line is better suited. For all you bobber degenerates, pair it with an 8wt Airflo Nymph line.
THE SUBARU OUTBACK: Echo SR – 10’10” 6wt
Not quite the towing capability of the E3 6110 workhorse, but a great alternative with better gas mileage while still maintaining a lot versatility. This rod has plenty of power but is just a tad slower than the E3 in the tip, making it more forgiving for beginning casters. A 390gr Scout head with 30lb Impact running line or a Switch Streamer 390gr/WF5.5F with a T7 FLO Tip will have you pitching streamers to the far side of the river. Soft hackles and dries fish well with the WF6F Switch line. The same Switch line works well for nymphs and bobbers, but the C.A.S.T. 8wt line in is perfect for longer drifts and mends. This would be a great intro rod for someone looking at getting into the two hand game for trout and summer steelhead in smaller rivers.
THE FULLY LOADED ONE TON DIESEL : Echo 3 – 12’7″ 6wt
This is my favorite full-sized spey rod. If you like playing in the big rivers and want to have a great summer run steelhead rod as well, then this is your boy. Line it up with an Airflo Skagit Compact G2 450gr with 12′ of T-7 and get to huckin’! Go to a 420gr Rage Compact for swinging traditional summer steelhead flies on a 10′ floating or intermediate polyleader. This is a cannon, not for use at close range. Big water and big casts. Mo River enthusiasts should find this rod perfect for the big broad runs. Take a steelhead trip over to the Clearwater or Salmon and you have a great fishing system for many conditions. Hang an Echo Bravo 7/9 reel or my personal favorite, a black Hatch 7+, and you have yourself a pretty sweet ride that will go anywhere.
THE 1967 VOLKSWAGEN VAN: Echo Fiberglass 12’9″ 7wt
I may call this one the “Soul Pole”. It has so much of a unique feel that it demands a throwback following. I know what you are thinking, that’s an awful big rod for trout. You are right, but because it is such a fun rod to cast, I put it up here. This rod will throw squirrels and rabbits. Line it with a Skagit Compact G2 540gr with a T-14 FLO Tip and let the fur fly. Don’t let the glass technology deceive you, this rod is a beast! It’s smooth and remarkably easy to throw a lot of junk really far with a super slow stroke. So chill out and let it work for you. As far as skating dries or swinging traditional wet flies, load up a Rage Compact 510gr and grab the polyleaders. This is definitely more of a steelhead rod than trout rod, but if you want to swing big flies down deep on big rivers, then this will fit that bill. When the winter doldrums get you down with crappy snow, head out to the coast to throw chickens at some fresh wild winter steelhead. On a side note, it’s been said that you will be required to grow a beard and wear wool flannels to swing this hammer.
The 2-Door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: Echo TR2 11’3″ 4wt
With rave reviews praising it’s amazing power and military-inspired cosmetics, if you need one rod to go anywhere and make it happen in any questionable conditions, the new TR 4113 is a fully capable trout spey rod ready to rip. Fast action and full of power, the 11’3″ length is ideal for a wide variety of river sizes. Trout spey gurus like the 330gr Scout head, but I know that Tim and the crew recommend 360gr for it. Many anglers run the 5wt/360gr Switch Streamer line. Balances really well with an Echo Ion 6/7 Reel. Can’t go wrong with this little guy – put the top down and enjoy the ride!
THE VESPA SCOOTER: Echo SR 10’6″ 4wt
May not be for everyone and not quite as versatile, but for swinging soft hackles and small dries this is the cat’s pajamas. Super light and sensitive this is also one of the best switch rods for nymphing as well. Super fun to fight fish on and very indicator friendly. Don’t expect to be dropping 90′ bombs with this one and about the biggest fly will be a weighted woolly bugger. If you are into technical fishing and want to save your shoulder from the single hand casting all day and increase your effective fishing distance, this is your pick. Pair it with an Airflo Bandit 6wt and you have got most everything covered. For those wanting to get more distance for swinging, an Airflo Switch WF4F/270gr with a 10′ floating trout polyleader will chuck a Salmonfly or October caddis to the far bank of the tailout. If you like the sound of mono running through your guides, this little guy is pretty zippy with a Scout 270gr and 30lb Impact mono.
~ Rick Matney is an Echo and Airflo Pro Team member – an A1 since Day 1! After working his way through college as a trout guide, he ignored his mother’s request to get a real job and started Chrome Chasers, a SE Alaska lodge that focuses on chasing steelhead. He divides his time between Montana and Alaska, taking trips to warmer environs like Hawaii and Baja to mix it up in the off season. Rick has helped with the design of several Echo products and continues to help push the development of new ideas. His unique energy and drive for adventure seems to take him to places few anglers have ever been.
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