The WildStream Searcher 10 foot 6” 3wt. is a specialty fast
action rod designed for American Tight Line nymphing (also known as Euro
nymphing). The construction of the rod is made of IM 10 weave graphite (intermediate modulus) that
features a thinner wall for extra sensitivity and a lighter feel. The key to
any good Tight Line nymphing rod is a flexible tip that will transmit every
tick on the bottom substrate and the lightest grab from a trout. Though it is a
3 weight, the butt and mid-section is of a 5wt. caliber for fighting larger
fish. A Grade 4A cork full wells grip,
beautiful reel seat, and a fighting butt complete the operator’s controls of
the rod. Single foot guides for even more sensitivity and ultra smooth wraps
complete the Searcher. It also has an extremely appealing finish with a pearl
accented veneer.
A longer rod will allow you to reach areas a shorter rod
cannot, plus you’ll have better control resulting in a more effective drag free
drift. If you’ve never fished with a rod longer than 9 feet, it takes some time
to get used to it. You’ll need to be more careful walking down a trial near the
river, or bringing the rod inside your house. The last 4 inches of the rod to
the tip is very delicate and does not flex that much and can snap. Be extra
cautious when pulling on your leader and fly line out from the tip, the more
vertical the rod is, and the more the tip is at risk of failure. It’s wise to
set the rod down and pull the leader or line straight out of the tip.
WildStream Ambassador Cat Toy https://flyfishingwithcattoy.blogspot.com/
Photo courtesy of Mike Hinckley Media
While fishing you may have to stand farther away than you
normally would with a shorter rod. Netting fish alone with a longer rod also
takes a new approach. Reach your rod hand out and up behind you with the reel
turned away. When you slide the fish into the net, angle your body to the
creature and reach quickly with a fully extended net arm. Ninja warrior style!
This gives you the reach you need and will help you from possibly breaking your
rod.
I first fished this rod on the Yampa River, in Colorado, and
it was very interesting Tight Lining with a size 22 fly. The takes were so
subtle, but I could either feel them, or the sensitive tip would make my
sighter section dance. A Galvan Rush Light reel with a RIO competition nymphing
line was used and I must say I do like the smaller diameter fly lines for this
style of nymphing. I hooked several fish that were very big and at first I was
concerned the 3wt size of the Searcher would not be able to handle them.
Fortunately the over sized butt section did its job and it was an advantage to
be able to use the fighting butt while playing the fish. I’m impressed!
A few days later I fished the Searcher 106-3 on the Arkansas
River. The trout were not as big as the Yampa River, but there was more water
and I got a feel for how well the Searcher performed while nymphing faster and heftier
water conditions, plus a heavier rig. Not only is this rod fun to fish, but it
is an amazing tool for Tight Lining. If you had to choose one rod and style of
fly fishing for consistently putting fish in the net, the Searcher and Tight
Lining would be it. I’m looking forward to fishing it as soon as I can, this
rod is a winner!
Price for the Searcher 106-3 is $240, comes with an extra
tip, case, and rod sock. There are other models available like the 10' and 10'
6" in 2, 3, and 4 wt. For ordering or more information contact James
Kissinger of WildStream USA at 775.737.1306, or email him at
wildstreamfishing@gmail.com
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