It’s time to talk about casting that Kabuto 7-foot, 3-weight fly rod we looked at a few posts back. www.kabutorods.com This rod has a progressive taper. The action is moderate (mid-flex), but faster than the older Winston glass rods mentioned on this site. That comparison is a bit tenuous, however, because the Winstons have many years of use.
Given how much we anglers vary (height, weight, age, strength, and athletic ability) casting is always a subjective experience. With a 3-weight line, this rod loads in the upper 1/3. And for me, the Kabuto casts comfortably. It is accurate and very much at ease out to 45 feet. I tried a 2-weight line as well. The rod cast it, but felt underlined. Unfortunately, I did not have a 4-weight fly line handy, so I tried a 5-weight next. The rod loaded much deeper – down at least to the stripping guide. Yet the rod cast surprisingly well, courtesy of the power in the butt section. Hence, a 4-weight line is definitely an option. (If this rod interests you, be sure to read recent update on 4wt line!) This range makes the Kabuto a versatile rod, capable of adapting to the owner’s casting style and needs.
Finally, here are two general thoughts about small glass rods. Short rods have one distinct disadvantage; they make it harder to mend line. This quickly becomes apparent when casting a dry fly over a complex current. The remedy lies in improving your curve-cast, your wiggle-cast, and your reach-cast. Next, when an increase in distance is required, a fast tip-action graphite rod usually responds well to an increase in casting force. A slower fiberglass rod often doesn’t. And, the slower the rod, the truer this becomes. So what do you do when that big trout pops up a bit farther out? You lengthen your casting stroke-the distance your casting hand travels from front to back.
If you’re interested in learning more about these fly rods, visit this excellent site www.thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot.com Have a great day with your glass rod.
