Shadow 3105 Question

[cchobot]

Hey Everybody, first post here but have to admit I've been lurking for some time. Finally sold a few things and have saved enough for a nymphing setup... VERY EXCITED ... I've read a lot of threads on the internet comparing the rods and unfortunately, do not have access to any friends who own the rods I've been considering so I can't borrow for a test drive. With that said, I'm leaning towards the Echo Shadow 3105.

A very specific question about this rod though, I've read that some have felt it needed a heavier reel to balance well. I like the looks and price of the nautilus fwx series, but am worried either the 3/4 or 5/6 might be too light to balance well with the rod ( they weigh in at 3.6 and 3.8 oz respectively.

If this topic has already been covered, I apologize and ask someone can point me in the right direction. Again, usually I'd rather "test drive" the rod, but don't currently have access nearby (I live in RI). Also, I'm honestly so new to the whole thing that I probably wouldn't know what made the rod "good" or not for this application (flying blind here). Maybe someone on hear lives close by and wants to meet up on the Wood I'd be loving that

Also, I know Aaron will be coming up this way in April to River and Riptide, but kind of wanted to have my gear ordered and ready by then

So any input that can be offered on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in general to everyone here, I've been learning a ton both from the Forums, Aaron's video and all the TPO Video tips. For example, The Davy Knots alone have been a huge help, as have the various tying videos.

[wwelz]

I live on the boarder of ct and RI. I would be happy to help you get going. I have been Euro Nymphing for three years. You will make the fastest progress by booking a trip with Aaron on the Farmington but maybe I can help in the meantime.

[AaronJasper]

Cchhobot,

Bill would be someone very good to fish with. He studies this nymphing like it's his job

About the rod, you really should compare them both before you make the purchase. Rod weight and balance are very key to having a comfortable time with the nymphing. Remember, even if you get a large heavy reel for the ECHO, you will then be holding a long heavy rod AND reel. Getting a light rod and reel are very important. When you are EU nymphin you are very active and are constantly casting and making motions with your arm. If the rod and reel is heavy you will wear your arm out in short order. For example, I use the MK Swift when I nymph, if I nymph with the Angel, which is a heavier reel, which makes the rod weight more, it's almost unbearable to fish for more than an hour. The crazy thing there is that the Angel is only 1.5 ounces heavier than the MK Swift. So a little weight can make a huge difference.

[cchobot]

Hey thanks guys, Bill, sometimes I fish eastern CT as well and was over on the farmington last thursday. I hear what you guys are saying about the rod weight. That's one thing that struck me during my first few feeble attempts at putting some of these ideas into practice. It's A LOT of work. Like in a good way, it's a VERY active form of angling. And with so much to learn, well, again it's just really exciting. Thanks for your replies, and Bill let's hook up and fish sometime. I live in Newport, RI so I'm about 40min from the Wood, about an 1:15 from the Shetucket etc, etc. But I'm happy to make a drive.

Aaron, the video was great. I actually just watched it again yesterday after making my first trip where I tried to employ some of the tactics. There's so much in there that helps, especially comparing to the fresh experiences from the day before, I literally sat in front of the TV taking literal notes ... I think the wife thinks I'm crazy

[aceubanks]

For what it is worth, my 14 year old son and I both nymph with Echo Shadow 10 1/2 foot, 3 weights. I absolutely love it. But, I don't really have anything to compare to because this was also my first nymphing rod. I fished Spring Creek all day Thursday and definitely felt it at the end of the day. I simply passed it off as being out of casting shape. But hey maybe there is something to not having the proper reel attached.

[Magnet]

Cchobot,
Just my opinion. For about the same cost as the Echo Shadow you can get the 11 ft 4wt Greys streamflex which in my opinion is so much a better rod. Not even close.

[cchobot]

Thanks for the feedback guys, Magnet, I'd read some of your thoughts on the topic here:

http://troutpredator.info/general-eq...ys-streamflex/

But I realize those thoughts are dealing with the 10' Greys vs. the 10'6" Shadow, I REALLY appreciate any input you could provide on the 11' Greys as it relates to/differs from the shadow.

Thanks so much!

[afishinado]

[quote author=AaronJasper link=topic=5469.msg41093#msg41093 date=1298161607]
Cchhobot,

Bill would be someone very good to fish with. He studies this nymphing like it's his job

About the rod, you really should compare them both before you make the purchase. Rod weight and balance are very key to having a comfortable time with the nymphing. Remember, even if you get a large heavy reel for the ECHO, you will then be holding a long heavy rod AND reel. Getting a light rod and reel are very important. When you are EU nymphin you are very active and are constantly casting and making motions with your arm. If the rod and reel is heavy you will wear your arm out in short order. For example, I use the MK Swift when I nymph, if I nymph with the Angel, which is a heavier reel, which makes the rod weight more, it's almost unbearable to fish for more than an hour. The crazy thing there is that the Angel is only 1.5 ounces heavier than the MK Swift. So a little weight can make a huge difference.
[/quote]

Interesting. I've found a slightly heavier reel that balances the rod so it is not tip-heavy is more comfortable for me to fish all day. When fishing a tip-heavy rod/reel my forearm tires quickly because I'm holding up the weight of the rod, whereas a balanced rod seems to be almost weightless. Ever try picking up a 2x4 near the end, yet you can carry the same weight easily when balanced in the middle. YMMV.

[Magnet]

Cchhobot,
The echo shadow has a tip section which is different from the rest of the rod. It took me a while to figure this rod out but it seems to bend more at the tip section. This is unlike the Greys which bends cohesively throughout the entire rod. Thus the force at the hook point on the Greys is actually greater than the echo where most of the flex is coming from the tip section. Im sorry if it seems like I am criticizing the Shadow but these are only my obsevations and opinions. I might add that I seem to loose more larger size trout during the fight with the Shadow. It seems less forgiving for the less than expert angler as myself. I know the designer of the Echo Shadow is one of the top competative anglers in the world. Maybe this rod was designed for the competition scene but not for the average angler like most of us are. So it may not be fair for the average guy to review and compare these rods but but I doing it anyway. Ha ha. The echo doesnt balance out with a ross evloution 3 which I used on it. You need a heavier reel than that. So additional weight becomes a factor. No fighting butt either. The Greys Streamflex 11 ft 4 wt has a fighting butt, balances out nice, has a better reel seat appointment and guides, has quick flex recovery, extra 6 inches in length , similar price point and warranty... get my drift?

[Gregorygob]

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