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Dynamic componentry, a blazing light swing weight, and a stylish unsanded rod blank make this rod an angler's dream on paper. But how did it perform at typical trout distances? Who should fish this rod and what style is it most suited for? We answer those questions in this fly rod review along with a host of others. Read on to find out how Epic's Graphite/Carbon rod stacks up against the competition.

The fiberglass movement has been gaining popularity in contemporary fly fishing... a revival of sorts. Rods like the Echo River Glass, Orvis Superfine Glass, TFO Finesse Glass, Scott F Series, and more have brought fiberglass back in style. Glass allows the angler to slow down, fish more delicately, and be more in tune with short presentations on smaller creeks. While larger glass rods for saltwater species exist, most anglers think of a 3wt or 4wt fly rod for trout when they hear the word 'fiberglass'. This new Epic Fastglass II 7' 6" 4wt Fly Rod combines everything we love about Fiberglass with modern innovation and impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. Add a lime green blank color, a nifty reel seat, and one of our favorite grips on the market, and it's easy to see why the Epic Fastglass II is so much fun to fish. Read on to find out what the rod does well and why we're big fans of Epic's short-range glass series.

TFO's flagship saltwater fly rod series, the Axiom II, is all-new for the 2019 season and is a solid offering from a company focused on affordability and performance. Entering the market in the mid-$300 price range, the Axiom II definitely falls in line with TFO's mission to create affordable rods. But what about the performance of the Axiom II? That's one of the questions we set out to answer in this review. Whether you're choosing a rod for Bass, Bonefish, Steelhead, or Salmon, the Axiom II has a lot to offer at an attractive price point. Read on to find out what we liked about the 8wt version of the Axiom II and some of the cool features on this rod.

Surprising accuracy at close range and stellar versatility overall make this rod a little more than just a streamer-only rod like we've seen from other fly rod manufacturers in the recent past. Functional componentry and a pretty cool lightning-blue blank color contribute to the rod's aesthetic appeal and high performance. But who should fish this rod? What's its flex profile and where does the rod cast best? What about power and weight and swing weight? We've answered all those questions and more, like we always do, after casting, examining, and experimenting in this fly rod review. Read on to find out how the Axiom II-X performed.

Fly fishing for Pike means big gear. These fish are large, strong, and aggressive. They eat big flies, often require sinking lines, and don't turn over and come to the boat easily. That means a strong reel is a must. And a reel that picks up line quickly, has enough drag to stop a charging fish, and one that accommodates heavy sinking lines add to the angler's chance of success. Here, we cover the must-haves for a Pike fly reel and how to choose the best one.

Fish will see this fly from a mile away... I promise. The Midnight Mullet combines bright flash and catchy colors to draw in the big-mouthed predators. Seriously, this fly is made to be fished aggressively and to trigger some hardcore strikes. Snook and Tarpon charge at the Midnight Mullet Streamer because of its visible lateral line, striking profile, and eye-catching aesthetics. If you're a serious warmwater saltwater angler this pattern gets the job done when nothing else can. Learn how to tie it right now as Jared gives step-by-step instructions.

The EP Baitfish is an insanely versatile minnow pattern. This fly can be used in freshwater and in saltwater, for Bass, Pike, Stripers, Tarpon, and just about any predatory fish that swims. The pattern is easy to tie because it's repetitive and uses only a few materials. The EP Baitfish can also be tied in a variety of color schemes to imitate just about any kind of bait. If you're a streamer angler and you prefer targeting predatory fish, keep a few of these in your box for the next time you're out on the water.

Steelhead season is here. Well, almost. It's definitely time to start thinking about long, fishless days and fooling the fish of a thousand casts. Bright chrome, screaming runs, acrobatic jumps. It's all within reach. Steelhead are difficult to catch and require persistence, dedication, and skill, however. They're not for the faint of heart. When you finally hook one, the right gear will improve your chances of landing it. Read on to find out how choosing the right fly reel affects your chances.

The Borski Slider was originally invented for Bonefish but has quickly morphed into a fly that's well-known for its ability to fool picky redfish. Thi baitfish imitation works well in shallow water marshes and sandy flats when targeting fish with a large appetite. The fly is relatively easy to tie, especially the back half, but does involve spinning some Deer Hair. The Deer Hair acts as a natural weed guard on the hook and makes it an even better pattern for areas with grassy bottoms. If you're headed to the southeastern US this winter to chase Redfish (like we are), don't go without a few of these flies.

The Spawning Mantis is a stellar pattern for the Bahamas and particularly South Andros. The orange color in the fly attracts the attention of Bonefish on the flats and fishes well in shallow water. The fly's extra weight helps it drop quickly to land in the feeding zone every cast. This pattern can, of course, be used almost anywhere there are shrimp and is a phenomenal pattern on sandy flats. It's also pretty simple to tie with multiple repeating steps so it's a great pattern for novice saltwater tyers and anglers. Read on for detailed step-by-step instructions.