The 8 weight fly rod is an essential tool for nearly every fly angler. Whether targeting Bonefish, Steelhead, Bass, or Pike, its versatility is unrivaled. Fortunately, there are many excellent 8 weight rods available today, with features that suit any angling pursuit. Today, we’ll take a look at several of the very best 8 weights of 2024, to help you pick the right tool for your fishing.
G. Loomis holds an esteemed reputation amongst saltwater fly anglers thanks to big names like Gary Loomis and Steve Rajeff pushing boundaries with innovative rod designs. Saying the sport wouldn’t be where it is today without G. Loomis isn’t hyperbole. Unfortunately, for budget-conscious anglers, high-performance G. Loomis fly rods have always come at the expense of the angler’s wallet. After we got our hands on the new mid-priced IMX-Pro V2 8wt, we were excited to give it a spin. After all, it has the Loomis name behind it, and at $595, the price tag is pretty reasonable in today’s hyper-inflated market. If you have ever drooled over the Loomis section at the fly shop but walked away in tears after glancing at price tags, read on to see if the IMX-Pro V2 8wt is the mid-priced saltwater Loomis you’ve been waiting for!
With the R8 Core, Sage seems to be back on track by making rods with a smooth, progressive taper that gives the caster exceptional feel and feedback but still delivers plenty of power. When Sage announced the new Salt R8 would replace the Salt HD, we were excited about the rod’s prospects but a little apprehensive over a new salt-specific Sage Rod. Has Sage finally delivered? You will not want to miss this review!
Scott is no stranger to making great mid-price rods like the salt-friendly Tidal and the fresh-oriented Flex, which were nearly impossible to find during the pandemic. With Scott officially throwing both into the discontinued graveyard, it seemed like they planned to focus on their flagship models until they released the brand new Wave seemingly out of nowhere. At $675.00, it is cheaper than the fantastic Sector but also pushes the boundaries of what constitutes ‘mid-priced.’ Will the Wave crash the mid-price market or make little more than a ripple? Read on to find out.
Hardy is no stranger to producing great saltwater fly rods. The Zane Pro’s predecessor, the Zephrus Salt, was especially well-received by the anglers who had the opportunity to fish them. Read on to see if the Zane Pro stands out in a crowded market filled with exceptional 8wts geared for the flats fanatics.
Introduction If you’re around any fly shop long enough, you get to know the local gear junkies – the guys who really know (or want to know) everything about the latest and greatest tackle. These are the guys who hid paychecks from their wives to pick up the Hardy Zenith last spring. And when […]
