Thomas & Thomas Avantt II Fly Rod Review
Thomas & Thomas Fly Rods represents a legacy of American craftsmanship that dates back to 1969. Handcrafted in Greenfield, Massachusetts, these rods are renowned for blending traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge performance materials. Known famously as "The Rod You Will Eventually Own," Thomas & Thomas (T&T) has evolved from its bamboo roots to become a leader in graphite and fiberglass rod design, utilizing proprietary technology like StratoTherm resin to create lighter, stronger, and more responsive blanks.
Whether you are a technical trout angler looking for precision dry fly presentation or a saltwater enthusiast chasing tarpon on the flats, the T&T lineup offers specialized tools for every scenario. From the celebrated Contact II for Euro nymphing to the powerful Sextant for saltwater applications, each rod is built with meticulous attention to detail, featuring premium cork, titanium guides, and distinctively beautiful finishes.
Thomas & Thomas Fly Rods Quick Picks
Best All-Around Trout: Thomas & Thomas Avantt II Fly Rod - Designed for anglers who need a fast-action rod that balances high line speed with exceptional loop control. This rod features the latest StratoTherm resin technology for a lightweight feel and precise recovery.
Best for Euro Nymphing: Thomas & Thomas Contact II Fly Rod - The gold standard for tight-line techniques, offering incredible sensitivity and a specialized guide spacing to reduce line sag. Ideally suited for technical nymphing where detecting subtle strikes is critical.
Best Saltwater: Thomas & Thomas Sextant Fly Rod - Built to handle the rigors of saltwater environments with lifting power and quick recovery for punching casts into the wind. A top choice for flats fishing, from bonefish to tarpon.
Best Presentation: Thomas & Thomas Paradigm Fly Rod - A medium-action masterpiece designed for delicate dry fly presentations and protecting light tippets. Perfect for anglers who prioritize feel and finesse over raw power.
Best Value: Thomas & Thomas Zone Fly Rod - Delivers premium T&T performance and American craftsmanship at a more accessible price point. A versatile option available in weights for everything from small streams to saltwater predators.
How to Choose Thomas & Thomas Fly Rods
By Water Type & Species
Freshwater & Trout: For general trout fishing, the Avantt II is the workhorse of the lineup, offering a fast action that handles a wide range of flies and conditions. If your focus is strictly on dry flies and delicate presentations, the Paradigm offers a classic medium action that loads easily at short distances. For small stream enthusiasts who enjoy a deep-flexing rod, the Lotic fiberglass series provides a soulful casting experience.
Euro Nymphing: The Contact II is purpose-built for this technique. Unlike standard rods, it features specific guide spacing and a sensitive tip section to detect the faintest takes. Models range from 10' to 10'9", giving you the reach needed for effective drift control.
Saltwater: The Sextant is the flagship saltwater series, designed to generate high line speeds and conquer wind. It features reinforced strength for fighting powerful fish. For specialized applications like surf casting or heavy predatory fish, the Exocett series offers specific models like the Exocett Surf and Exocett Predator.
Action & Feel
Fast Action: Rods like the Avantt II and Sextant are fast-action tools. They generate tight loops and high line speeds, making them excellent for windy conditions, distance casting, and turning over heavy flies.
Medium Action: The Paradigm and Lotic series offer a more relaxed casting stroke. These rods bend deeper into the blank, providing more feedback to the caster and protecting light tippets during the fight. They are ideal for scenarios where accuracy and delicacy matter more than distance.
Who Should Choose Thomas & Thomas
Heritage-Minded Anglers: If you appreciate American-made quality and attention to detail, T&T rods are hand-rolled and finished in Massachusetts with some of the finest components in the industry.
Technical Nymph Anglers: The Contact II is widely considered one of the best Euro nymphing rods available, making it a top choice for serious competition and recreational nymph anglers.
Saltwater Specialists: Anglers needing a rod that can withstand harsh saltwater environments while delivering precise casts to spooking fish will find the Sextant series highly capable.
Not Ideal For
Budget-Conscious Beginners: Thomas & Thomas rods are premium, investment-grade instruments. Beginners looking for a starter kit might find the price point high, though the Zone series offers a great entry point into the brand.
Why Trident Carries Thomas & Thomas
We carry Thomas & Thomas because they represent the intersection of history and innovation. Their commitment to handcrafted quality ensures that every rod is not just a tool, but a piece of art that performs exceptionally on the water. From the specialized Contact II to the versatile Zone, T&T offers reliable performance that aligns with our commitment to providing the best gear for our customers.
Care & Maintenance
Rinse After Saltwater Use: Always rinse your rod, guides, and reel seat with fresh water after fishing in salt to prevent corrosion.
Ferrule Care: Periodically apply a thin coat of ferrule wax to the male ferrules to ensure a secure fit and prevent sticking.
Dry Before Storing: Never store a wet rod in its tube. Allow the rod and sock to dry completely to prevent mold and finish damage.
Avoid Car Doors: The most common cause of rod breakage is car doors and tailgates. Break your rod down before transporting it.
Complete Your Setup
Related Gear
Fly Reels - Pair your T&T rod with a high-performance reel from brands like Hatch or Nautilus.
Fly Lines - Choose the right taper to match your rod's action, such as SA Amplitude or Rio Elite lines.
Euro Nymphing Gear - Find specialized leaders and tippet to complete your Contact II setup.
Related Guides
Thomas & Thomas Fly Rods FAQs
Q: Where are Thomas & Thomas fly rods made?
A: All Thomas & Thomas fly rods are handcrafted in their facility in Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA.
Q: What is the warranty on Thomas & Thomas rods?
A: T&T offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner against breakage due to defects in materials or workmanship. They also offer a repair service for accidental breakage for a fee.
Q: What is StratoTherm resin?
A: StratoTherm is a proprietary resin technology used in many T&T rods. It fills micro-voids in the graphite blank, resulting in a rod that is lighter, stronger, and more durable without sacrificing feel.
Q: Is the Thomas & Thomas Zone a good rod for beginners?
A: Yes, the Zone is an excellent choice for anglers looking for premium performance at a mid-range price. It shares technology with flagship models but uses different components to keep the cost accessible.
Q: Which T&T rod is best for dry flies?
A: The Paradigm is specifically designed for dry fly fishing. Its medium action allows for delicate presentations and protects light tippets when fighting trout.
