It seems inevitable that every generation thinks they've reinvented the wheel or created the better mousetrap. The basic concept is that "new is better than old," "fast is better than slow," and "light is better than, well, heavier;" that's not "heavy," just heavier. It must be better, it incorporates new technology, new materials, and/or new methods. We're told that "it," whatever "it" is, addresses the needs, wants, and perceptions of this generation; a new tool for a new generation.

My response is: "Whatever. - *sigh*"

Such marketing bullet points miss the mark. When it comes to flyfishing, there is something to be said for "tradition." In fact, it is the essence of the historic; the knowledge, customs, and practices of the past; the allure of a 'traditional sporting gentleman' that attracts many to flyfishing. Such ambiance doesn't make the new "bad" or the "old" superior. But, "new" isn't necessarily an improvement over the old.

Rod Action

It's truly a shame to see this series of rods supplanted by the "faster is better" apostasy which has swept the ranks of rod manufacturers. While some may point to "flat" sales vs. "market share increases" or company survival in a market of changing consumer demand, these individuals simply don't grasp the point. Business cycles ebb and flow. But, well-made, "it ain't broke, so don't fix it," uniquely and appropriately designed products for specific purposes are a rare species that should be protected and preserved.

At one time, bamboo was the fly rod material of choice; and for many, still represents the epitome of what is "right" about the sport. Fiberglass was, and still is or should be, a less expensive alternative; the "poor man's bamboo." For the last couple of decades, graphite and, lately, mixtures of graphite or graphite and boron, have dominated the market.

What has remained consistent through all these changes in rod materials is the fish. When it comes to trout, very little has changed in terms of what needs to happen to catch them. Yes, some waters now have "educated" fish; trout which see so many artificials, anglers, and/or have been caught and released so many times, that their "behavior" is somewhat more askance than their predecessors when it comes to taking a fly. However, a flyfisher from a century ago would still recognize the requirements involved in "presenting" a fly to the fish and catching it.

Unfortunately, this same angler would be hard pressed to recognize the tools, specifically the fly rods, we now use in our piscatorial pursuits. It's not so much a case of not recognizing a rod for its intended purpose, but recognizing the action of the rods used. At one time, manufacturers of graphite rods attempted to emulate the action of a bamboo or fiberglass blank in as much as they could using the newer, "techier" material.

Probably the three, best graphite rod series ever made in terms of evoking memories of the actions of bamboo and fiberglass were the Pwrply (G series) rods by Scott (not their newer G2 series, it's a different graphite and slightly altered rod action - see Traditional Class), the Paradigm series by Thomas & Thomas, and the IM6/WT series by R.L. Winston. I'm not the only one that thinks this way. As famed outdoor writer Thomas McGuane stated in his book The Longest Silence:

"I have an eight-and-a-half foot Winston for a number-five line, a rod I've followed throughout its evolution of materials. This one is of IM6 graphite and in my view is the five-weight trout rod against which all others are measured, although the Scott of the same size is right in there. These are the best for the small freestone rivers of the kind that I often fish." (The Longest Silence, (2001) Vintage Books, p. 265)

Scott has now discontinued the Pwrply/G-series. A couple of years ago, Thomas and Thomas made their Paradigm series a special order, 'allow 4-6 weeks for completion and delivery' item. Now, even R.L. Winston appears to be verging on the discontinuance of their WT. In fact, it has become nearly a self-fulfilling prophecy in that, with Winston's emphasis on their boron technology in terms of marketing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a stocking dealer with WT's to try.

Why do I specifically point out these three series? First, all three are graphite rods with progressive actions (progressive actions mean that the rod will load 'progressively,' or in stages, down the blank as more power is needed either for casting or fish playing). Second, with this progressive action, all three are "full-flexing," giving good 'feel,' protecting tippets, etc. And, in the end, all three are as close to a "traditional class" of trout rods as you can come in graphite. This is easily seen in their their descriptors:

Scott G series: [2002 catalog] For the last 27 years, the Scott G Series (PowR-Ply) has been a fly fishing cult item for technical trout experts. It's the mantle piece for "dry fly only" guys, hatch chasers, and people who insist on the spelling Compleat. The PowR-Ply's ability to protect the lightest tippets, and make the most technical of presentations is unparalleled. These hardcore fly fishermen who covet G series rods will surface every now and then, and refer to this series as being "velvety." That seems to work for us. They're simply "velvety."... [2004 catalog] Delicacy, Tippet Protection and Presentation These are the hallmarks of the G Series. Technical trout experts have chosen the G as their go-to rod for almost 30 years. If you need to protect the lightest tippets, make tricky mends in complex currents and fish teensy patterns that require osprey vision then take a serious look at the G Series. A timeless action with tradition to spare, G rods are a true pleasure to fish.

Thomas & Thomas Paradigm: [2006 online catalog] The action of these Paradigm rods reaches back to the poetry of flycasting. Spring creek afficianados have described them as having the ability to "paint the fly on the water." These are the rods for the discriminating flyfisher...the angler who delights in the art of presenting flies to wary trout on oft-times gossamer tippets.

A progressive taper with extreme tip sensitivity and full-flex action are the hallmarks of T&T's Paradigm Series fly rods. These rods are designed to load effortlessly while generating smooth, narrow loops in the full range of casting distances. Whether you are laying down a size 18 dry fly with a whisper or dead-drifting nymphs in deep currents, this fly rod will produce results...

R.L. Winston WT: [2003 catalog] This is the rod series that defines "Winston Action..." [2004, 2005, 2006 paper catalogs (all identical) and the 2007 paper catalog (some minor tampering with adjectives and prepositional phrases] Most trout fishing situations involve casts of less than 60 feet, usually far shorter. And when you're working these shorter distances, the ability to make gentle, accurate presentations is the key to success. Many experienced anglers consider our WT rods to be the ultimate choice for such fishing. With progressive tapers, they work nicely at close distances yet can make longer casts when needed. Proven on trout waters worldwide, these medium-action rods are incredibly smooth, offer incomparable touch and feel, and the tips are soft enough to protect 6x and 7x tippets while playing large trout.

Do you see a similarity in the above write-ups by the respective companies? It seems that these represent a traditional class of rods that is being relegated to the dustbin of history by companies more focused on computer generated sales figures than those "technical trout experts," "Spring creek afficianados," and "experienced anglers" that made these one-time, specialty rod companies who they were.

What's In A Series Name

There is often some confusion and a certain amount of debate that occurs among owners of the Winston IM6 and the Winston WT rods. The name of the series changed around 1999 or 2000. Winston felt that the "IM6" moniker, one that actually denotes a specific type of graphite mix, perceptually "cheapened" the rod series since many, lesser expensive rod series began inundating the market touting that mix of graphite. (This is a discussion in and of itself and can be found, briefly, dealt with here - The Sage Z-Axis - It Might Get Your Mojo Workin')

In addition, Winston officially claims that changes to the graphite mix had already been in place for several years prior to the name change. In fact, one company representative plainly states that they personally witnessed the last of the "IM6" designated rods taken from the exact, same run as the first "WT" labeled rods. However, something to bear in mind is that although Winston claims no difference other than the name change between the IM6 and the WT series, many IM6 owners swear that the WT is a slightly 'faster' rod, model for model, than their IM6.

For 2007, R.L. Winston introduced their new BIIt rod series. Playing off the success of their "fast" action BIIX series, Winston has, ostensibly, adapted the WT action to a graphite/boron mix where:

"INNOVATION MEETS TRADITION. Introducing our new Boron IIt series, which proves that advanced boron technology can be utilized to create exceptional medium-action fly rods. With this series, we have moved our proven second generation boron in a whole new direction, with extraordinarily lightweight rods that combine the powerful, highly responsive characteristics of Boron II with the legendary smoothness and delicacy of our more traditional action rods. At Winston, we fully recognize that many people enjoy fishing for trout with medium-action rods. The new Boron IIt is a true breakthrough for such anglers." (2007 R.L. Winston catalog)

What was that I said about marketing bullet points? In a nutshell, the BIIt is lighter than the WT; e.g., an 8 1/2' 4 wt. 4-piece BIIt weighs 2 1/2 oz. while an 8 1/2' 4 wt. 3-piece WT weighs 2 3/4 oz. It incorporates newer technology; i.e., the boron. It is certainly a "slower" action than the BIIX; i.e., closer to a more traditional action than the BIIX. And, having fished an 8' 4 wt. BIIt, I can say that it is a sweet dry fly rod.

However, I can also stipulate that the BIIt is not as versatile as the WT. While not exactly being "sensitive" in terms of the fly line used, it is also not as accomodating or forgiving of line choice as the WT. It does not have as much "backbone" (that being a relative term when addressing medium/slow action rods) as the WT for nymphing; despite the boron.

Finally, the lightweight a sleeve-over ferrule design of the BIIt (vs. the spigot ferrule design of the WT) does not impart the same feel as the WT. As a friend puts it: "The BIIt four weight casts like a 3 wt. and feels like a 2 wt." That's not to say it has a "bad" or unacceptable feel. It's just, well, different. And, one is forced to ask: "How different does a rod have to feel before it is no longer a "traditional" action rod?"

The WT

There are 23 different models (20 base models with 3 offered in two and three piece versions) of the WT available. All have a cigar shaped grip; except for the 5 wt. JWF (Joan Wulff Favorite) which has a Half Wells style. All come standard with an uplock nickel reel seat and Burled Box Elder reel seat insert. Winston does allow for a certain "customizing" of the grip and reel seat (downlocking and different insert) for, I believe, an additional $50. But, you should check with Winston before purchasing to make sure as to what's is and is not available for what extra cost.

Most of the WT rods and blanks are 3-piece. The 8' 4 wt. TMF (Tom Morgan Favorite) is a 2-piece only. The 8 1/2' 5 wt. (McGuane's favorite cited above and what many consider to be the preeminent offering of the series), the 9' 5 wt., and the 9' 6 wt. are offered in 2- or 3-piece configurations.

All blanks are "Winston Green;" which says something in certain company. The 3-piece rods are $615; with the blanks running $310. The 2-piece models retail for $595 with the blanks costing $300.

2 Weight

6' 6"

7'

7'6" (A nice little, graphite rod for small streams.)

8'

3 Weight

6' 6"

7'

7' 6"

8' (A favorite of many in the 3 weight configuration.)

8' 6"

4 Weight

7' 6"

8' TMF (Who is Tom Morgan in relation to fly rods? See http://www.troutrods.com/bamboo.html )

8'

8' 6" (My personal favorite and the only graphite rod that challenges my 804/4 Scott Pwrply for the spot of "If I had to keep only one of my rods...")

9'

10'

5 Weight

8' 6" (Again, many consider this to be the absolute best of the series.)

8' 6" JWF (This one is particularly marketed toward women. The Half Wells grip has a "cut out" for thumb placement that is considered better for a woman's grip; though a number of males have found it works well for them. To see who Joan Wulff is, see http://www.royalwulff.com/legacy.html)

9'

6 Weight

8' 6" (Good for streamers and Hex hatches)

9'

Final Thoughts

If you should try these rods, remember, they are not what I term "parking lot" rods. They do not punch line out for just any tyro first learning to flyfish. But, with a little practice, once you do learn to cast these, you'll cast even better with other rod designs. Once you feel the fish into the cork, you'll ask why you're messing with other rods.

Ask five WT owners which line they recommend for the rod and you're likely to receive a minimum of eight different answers. I regularly use a Rio Classic. I've used and found appropriate a Cortland 444 Peach (see The Cortland 444 Classic: It's A Peach). I've found myself going more and more to the Rio Selective Trout (see A Fly Line for Trout and for Selective Fly Fishers) and feel it to be a slightly better alternative for the 3-piece version of the 8 1/2' 4 wt. (Yes. I have both a two and a three piece model of this one.) Still others extol the virtues of the Scientific Anglers Trout line and a vocal, though smaller, group shout the praises of the Wulff TT lines (see above link for Joan Wulff).

I've tried WT's with a Scientific Anglers GPX line and found it usable; but, I don't recommend it. Still, there are those who do. I got to play with the new Cortland Precision Dyna-Tip Trout line on the BIIt. While it cast well enough on the BIIt, it did feel a trifle "heavy" for that rod. I simply haven't had a chance to work with it on the WT; but, I think it should work well enough. In short, it pays to experiment a bit depending on rod model along with how your casting style and sense of aesthetics mesh.

This is the one, graphite rod series that is still readily available in what I would view as a 'traditional' action. Some, newer series come close, but just don't have the "feel" that I think represents the best of the breed. Maybe that's why so many think that the "WT" moniker of this series stands for "Winston Traditional" rather than "Winston Trout." Maybe if it weren't for the marketing types trying to tap into a "new" consumer, it would be considered a good thing to espouse the traditional. After all, tradition has a certain ambiance that "new" hasn't had time to develop. And, when it comes to trout fishing, it's still pretty much the same "old" game.

Recommended: Yes