Echo Base Fly Rod

I purchased the 7'6" 3-wt model of this rod in March of this year after reading so many positive reviews here and elsewhere. Since then I've utilized it primarily as a panfish rod on local ponds, but wanted to hold off on writing a review until I had a chance to truly put it through the wringer. That chance came this past week with five days of stream and lake fishing in Colorado. The rod was paired well with the Echo Base reel (though the reel leaves much to be desired) and SA GPX WF3 line. It performed it's best in tight quarters, but could also lay out a surprising amount of line for a sub-8 ft rod. Wind was an issue on open water as it is for all light fly rods, but I cannot knock the rod for under-performing in a category it was not built for.With regards to set up, this rod performed well slinging smaller weighted streamers, hopper-dropper (and hopper-double dropper) rigs, single dry and double dry fly set ups. It was delicate enough to lay down a size 20 CDC dry. Yet, powerful enough in a pinch to turn over a size 10 hopper with beadhead nymph trailing 24" behind. It had more than enough backbone to handle the "larger" 12-14" cutts and browns I encountered, but also enough play to make the plentiful 4-8" brook trout entertaining.All in all, I highly recommend this fly rod. And if you can find a better rod anywhere near this price, please let me know.

Good deal on a well reviewed rod(here... the Yellowstone shootout, etc). I ordered it late Friday and received it today(a Sunday no less)! I wanted a travel capable rod for an upcoming trip to N. Georgia next month. At 69$ currently, this 5 wt. was a great option versus my current ragtag stable of uncased 2-piecers. While I have no actual fish hours logged with it yet, my yard practice utilizing my patented 'overclocked metronome' technique tells me it will likely be much enjoyed by me on the water.Now, I guess I should mention I find the cork 'meh' and the reel seat utilitarian, but for the price? No problem. The only actual nit I have is that one of the alignment dots was applied 1/8" off, necessitating a line-of-sight correction. Of course, I do that regardless a pole has them or not, so c'est la vie.So yeah...seeing this is an initial review, I am of the opinion that buying this Echo Base was money well raided from my wife's checking account. (It's better to beg forgiveness than to...well, you flyfishermen/women know the rest).

An old fishing guide thought it was a bit on the stiff side, but still liked it. Even more when he learned the price. Really simply adorned but nicely done.Great rod for a backup or friend and a great rod for anyone starting out. Hell you could fish it a lifetime and be happy. Yes on a budget but you will get a ton for your money keep it forever - or gift it to someone starting out if you ever get good enough and rich enough to “upgrade”. Thanks Tim Rajeff!

I've been looking for a new 6wt but I wanted something that wasn't going to be too expensive but still perform well. The echo base performed better than I had expected and I had no problem getting my line to lay out straight or doing roll casts. I broke it in throwing streamers and heavy nymoh rigs on a few 12 inch trout but I'm really hoping to put this rod to the test on smallmouth this spring. The quality of this rod is on par with my Orvis Clearwater, and it even comes with a nice rod tube and a lifetime warranty. I would highly recommend this to a beginner or an intermediate angler looking for a great rod at a value price.

I love this rod- great construction and beautiful. The reason I purchased is because the picture shows that the rod has a cork end. When I received it, though, it has the standard metal end. I can't use the ones with the metal end, I have nerve damage and it causes extreme pain. I'm definitely sad to return this.

I have owned many fly rods over the years. For the money, this one is as good as most. I own a Thomas and Thomas 9 wt. for salt water, can't recall the model, but it was rated as one of the best ever models overall. This echo rod has very good build quality and workmanship.. It is a little slower than my 9 wt T&T but that's ok. Great casting fly rod and has held up well to my abuse. I only use it in fresh water.

Likes, aluminum reel seat, nice cork grip, and a dark blue finish that looks awesome. Dislikes, only one, alignment dots on butt section and stripper guide section don't line up, otherwise very happy with rod. Can't wait to see what she does on the water. I'll update after I've had a chance to fish with it

Love this rod so far. I've got into some good sized trout on my first couple outings already. This rod performed awesome. I primarily use a 7wt and was expecting more of learning curve on a 5wt, but casting my indicator rigs with this was a breeze. Super stoked with the rod. My only complaint is the alignment dots are way off. Not a big deal, just have to eyeball the guides. Would definitely recommend this rod.