We get questions about specific rod models all the time. "How does the 3wt compare to the 4wt?" "When should I use this rod?" and "What line works best on this rod?". This article is designed to pass that info along to you. We started a model-by-model blog series to provide better information so you can make a more informed buying decision. We recently had the opportunity to cast every model of Thomas & Thomas’ Paradigm series during an event at their headquarters in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. Your mileage may vary.

Series Overview

The Thomas & Thomas Paradigm is the ultimate presentation rod for the modern-day trout angler. These rods are lightweight, deep flexing, and, typical of T&T, feature the highest quality components. If your general fishing experience involves light tippet, long leaders, and tiny flies, you have come to the right place. But this isn’t your father's dry fly rod, and you can expect better all-around performance than similarly billed rods from yesteryear. 

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823-4

Perhaps no other rod in the series personifies the Paradigm better than the 8’2” 3wt. While many might see the longer length as problematic on intimate brook trout streams, it’s the perfect combo for smaller spring creeks. Think of the Driftless Area’s meadow streams or limestones in Pennsylvania. The rod is super lightweight and has a surprisingly quick recovery speed. Unlike most rods in the series, we wouldn’t hesitate to fish a slightly heavier line like RIO Gold or SA Infinity, especially if you are making a lot of casts at shorter distances. 

Lines: RIO Gold Elite, Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout 

Best Use: An excellent dry fly rod for smaller spring creeks and Appalachian freestones.

844-4

The shorter 4wt feels like the 3wt’s older brother. While not the lightest four-weight out there, it is a great overall performer when paired with Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout. You can read the full detailed review here.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout, RIO Gold Elite

Best Use:  A great all-around rod for the angler who finds themselves fishing smaller-sized trout streams.

904-4

The longer 4wt is a true technical trout tool. Perfect for fishing long leaders and tiny flies to spooky fishing. A great rod for the dry fly purist fishing the likes of Silver Creek and Depuy's Spring Creek. It likes a lighter trout line, and even a RIO Gold would be too heavy. It folds if pushed too hard, and you can forget about nymphing or fishing streamers. Still, it serves its purpose well if you don’t mind taking two rods to the river or exclusively fish hatches.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout, Rio Technical Trout Elite, Royal Wulff Triangle Taper, Cortland 444 Peach

Best Use: Technical dry fly fishing on eastern tailwaters like the South Holston and Farmington River.

905-4

The five-weight is light and features a slower action, indicative of the series. While we prefer our 5wts have a little more versatility, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a softer 5wt and who want to fish a light trout line like the RIO Technical Trout. While lacking the power and line speed of the Avant, the 905 is accurate at shorter distances and protects light tippet. Perhaps the perfect rod for the Upper Deleware’s spring mayfly hatches.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout, RIO Technical Trout Elite, RIO Gold Elite, Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity

Best Use: Go with the 905 over the 904 if you tend to throw slightly bigger dry flies and need more backbone.

906-4

The softer six-weight was one of our favorites in the series, but this rod isn’t a streamer six or for bulky indicator rigs. It is, however, built for the green drake hatch on the Henry’s Fork and makes a solid hopper dropper rod too. One of the few rods in the series that can handle an MPX, which is nice for helping punch out bigger dry flies in windy conditions. If you fish dry flies on big western tailwaters, it’s hard to go wrong here. 

Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX, RIO Grand Elite Fly Line, RIO Gold Elite

Best Use: If you spend a lot of time throwing hoppers and other bulky foam patterns out of drift boats, it will be hard to find a better option.