Over the last month I’ve gotten to spend some serious time with the Echo Shadow X 3106. As a huge fan of the Shadow II for both personal fishing and guiding, I anxiously awaited the Shadow X’s release. In short, I have a new favorite rod. Recently I had the pleasure of fishing with Norm Maktima, 2018 National Fly Fishing Championship winner, recently retired Team USA member, and the mastermind behind the Shadow X.
Norm and I both live and work in New Mexico, and spent a day on the Rio Grande with both the 3106 and 3110 Shadow X. We talked hip hop, fishing, Nic Cage, and the thought process that went into what will become a much loved addition to your quiver.
What improvements did you want to see come out of the Shadow X compared to the Shadow 2?
Norm Maktima: Major improvements that I was wanting to see in the Shadow X were a down locking reel seat, lighter in hand (less swing weight), higher modulus graphite (faster recovery), interchangeable fighting butt or no fighting butt with washer weights for balance and not relying on additional extension (comp kit) to get that 10’6″ configuration. Slightly softer tip for added tippet protection and reduced fish bounce.
How has New Mexico shaped you as a guide/competitive angler?
NM: Fly fishing in New Mexico has had considerable influence on my competition game as we do not have much water available in the area. So if conditions change or become unfavorable, I cannot just hop in the ride and drive to another river without wasting the day driving. I have to adapt and try to make it happen in tough conditions if I want to fish or get some practice. At the same time, when conditions are great, I have opportunity to focus on parameters that I would come across during competition, such as pressured water, less desired water types, varying water conditions…basically tough fishing conditions. However, I can find those sections with awesome, less pressured fishing to focus on criteria to maintain higher hook up to landing ratios.
What I learned from competition feeds into the guiding realm as I have to analyze and be able to convey info to my teammates in order for our team to do well. Breaking down the situation and overall observance of the session is key to success. I find that is the same in getting clients to be productive, learning and enjoying the sport of fly fishing more. I pass along as much info that I have learned that clients can absorb. As a result, being a fly fishing guide in New Mexico sometimes requires me to dig deep into the competition vaults of knowledge to make a day productive for clients. This environment and waters challenge me and keep me sharp as an angler, competitor & guide.
Are there any charities or nonprofits that you work with or are close to your heart?
NM: I have always been willing to work with our local Trout Unlimited Truchas Chapter, New Mexico Trout and Project Healing Waters. I have been honored to be involved in an indigenous Pueblo based group that is working on river / cultural restoration. I am currently working on building the Native fly fishing community in the area. What I have been able to experience as a Pueblo Native from San Felipe, Laguna & Hopi Pueblos has been amazing and I want others to have the opportunity to experience that too.
Favorite Nic Cage movie?
NM:…Con Air!
Any new patterns to look out for?
NM: The new Maktima fly design coming out through Umpqua Feather Merchants is the PerdiChingon! This fly will be out by spring 2021. But keep an eye out for other Maktima fly patterns like the HDA Fav Variant, ICU Midge, and Low Water Baetis at your local fly shops.
Norm’s insight and improvements upon the Shadow II make the Shadow X a dream to fish. You’ll immediately notice how well the rod balances in hand (swing weight) and how quick the blank returns to a neutral position (fast recovery). The recovery is significant, I’ve been able to pick up a lot more fish on the drop, and the faster recovery is very noticeable keeping contact if you jig your nymphs or streamers mid drift. I was really blown away on how accurate the Shadow X is and its ability to turn over long leaders if you fish dries. I love the 3106 as an all-arounder for Northern New Mexico and Colorado, although the 3110 is equally at home. Having fished other 11ft 3 weights in the past, I was never a fan because of how clunky and unwieldy they were. This isn’t the case with the X, and after having a chance to test drive one, its a rod I will be adding to the arsenal in the near future. I really appreciated the extra reach and line control in the high water conditions we fished in, and if I lived in an area with larger rivers it would be my first choice.
You know the feeling when your weird college roommate comes by for a surprise visit and drinks all your beer and eats all your bacon? The Shadow X is the total opposite of that.
~ James Garrettson is an Echo Pro Team member and Euro-Nymphing extraordinaire currently living and guiding in New Mexico. From the small trout-filled creeks, the technical San Juan and the Rio Grande, JG samples the New Mexico trout fishing year round. When he’s not working or fishing, he spends time with lovely wife and daughter.
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