An all around good nymphing rod. Took the 6 weight, I built, in high water conditions and it performed well. Protected 5x tippett on a wild brown well over 20". For the price a well performing rod. The only improvement I would reccomend, is a stronger butt section. I think it would improve this rod's streamer throwing capabilities. Which is a must with any 6 weight in my opinion.
I haven't had time to fish with this new reel, yet. But it looks great and appears to be well made with very good tolerances.
I have numerous rods in my collection but none as unique as the Clout 9' 5 weight. I have fished with it for a number of years and it is now my "go to" rod for everything from rivers to lakes, big fish and small. The sensitivity of the rod right down into the grip is remarkable.
I built a Flex 10wt for Saltwater and used it on a recent trip to Stuart, FL. I built the rod with a REC Reel Seat, a Winn composite grip, Pac-Bay single foot guides, and used Reddington Behemoth reel filled with Rio Outbound Short Tropical 10 wt. F/I line.
The outfit is well balanced, casts large weighted flies (Clousers) well both in-shore and near-shore situations. We landed snook, jacks and Spanish Mackerel on that trip, and the rod worked great.
