G Loomis NRX fly rod for saltwater

Hi All,


Anyone have any opinions on the G Loomis NRX 9 wt fly rod?  Also, would it be appropriate for rock fish and ling cod fishing?  Thanks!


Michael

The NRX is their top of the line rod.  Here is a good review of 8wt rods:
http://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2014-8-weight-shootout-g-loomis-nrx-orvis-h2-sage-method-sage-one-tfo-bvk-scott-s4s-beulah-opal-best-saltwater-fly-rod-fly-rod-comparison

I've only cast a 7wt but it was a canon. Many serious Striper guys love them in 8-9wts with shooting heads. Very fast and stupid quick recovery, I think 9wt. would be perfect with shooting heads for rockfish/lings too. Don't know if I would take it on the ocean just because of the cost, I prefer beater rod/reel setups on the ocean but to each his own.

I'm looking for a 9wt too, if you get one let me know how you like it. Check out the Sage Method, Salt and Xi3 if you're in that price range too.

Definitely a decent rod for rockfish & lings. I respectfully disagree with Ted - I did use "beater" rods in the salt, but found a better rod (I mostly use a 9 wt Scott S3S) is easier to cast all day & handles those big lings when you get 'em. My 2c.

Hmmm...does this mean you might be a fly guy next time we're out?
Bill

Maybe not the next time, but perhaps the time after that.  My rod is arriving next Wednesday.  Still need to get some appropriate flies.  Used to tie my own for freshwater, but those were size 16 to 22.  Purchasing some material to attempt to tie some large clousers on size 2 hooks.  We'll see how that works out. 


By the way, how do you secure your rod?  Do you use a rod leash or is there some way to float the rod?  Thanks!



Michael

Definitely a decent rod for rockfish & lings. I respectfully disagree with Ted - I did use "beater" rods in the salt, but found a better rod (I mostly use a 9 wt Scott S3S) is easier to cast all day & handles those big lings when you get 'em. My 2c.

OK, I admit it, I buy cheap rods for the salt so I can buy nice spey rods, LOL!

I love that NRX.   I cast farther with that Rod first time I picked it up than any Rod I have ever cast, bar none.   That said I also feel it too good for salt.   I don't know why I feel that way.  I always feel if I drop a rod overboard I won't feel so bad if it were a cheapy.   But my rod is always leashed so it wouldn't drop.  Still I feel the salt is rough on equipment so I don't like to subject my best equipment to abuse.   But I also see Bills view.   If you have good gear- use it and enjoy it.   It's all about getting as much pleasure from your investment as you can and your investment protected in your closet isn't giving much pleasure , other than when you sneak over to fondle and admire it.

Michael. I always leash my rod.
Flies. Happy to give you some flies to get started.
And you are welcome to come over and tie flies.
Btw. I got some Halloween wig hair 75% off I use to tie big clousers.   Some of it came already with built in Mylar flash.

Personally, I don't use a rod leash. In my experience, the main issue with using a fly rod in a kayak is the pile of running line you create when you strip in the fly. A rod leash is just another item for the running line to grab onto, reducing the cast length. So I try to "clear the decks" & just let the line coil on the kayak deck in between my knees/legs - the fewer items for it to grab, the fewer tangles, the longer the casts.

With that said, I did lose one rod overboard when a fish grabbed the fly as I was paddling. But only one, and that was some years ago. And it was a cheap rod (with an expensive reel on it). (It's at the Pinnacles in Carmel Bay if anyone wants to try to find it - it's yours!)

I recommend Airflow Ridge running line. After trying several, I have found this to be the best one.

I too have LOTS of saltwater & striper flies & would be happy to give you some.
Bill

I have the NRX in a 10' 9wt.  I originally got it for surf and bass ponds, but had it in the Delta on a kayak and it had wonderful control and line placement.  The NRX is so light compared to older generation graphites, that the 10' length still felt light in hand after a days use.