RL Winston AIR TH 13’3＂ 8wt Spey Fly-fishing Rod & Sage Reel Package Steelhead
Seth Wakefield The RL Winston AIR TH 13’3″ 8wt Spey Fly Rod & Sage Reel Package is a high-performance setup designed for steelhead and salmon fishing, particularly in larger rivers where spey casting is advantageous. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and why it’s a great choice:
1. RL Winston AIR TH Spey Rod (13’3” 8wt)
– Action: Fast-action with a responsive, lightweight design—ideal for spey casting and long-distance mends.
– Material: Built with Winston’s proprietary “AIR” resin technology, offering a perfect blend of power and sensitivity.
– Line Weight: Optimized for 8wt spey lines (e.g., Skagit or Scandi heads) for throwing large flies and handling heavy sink tips.
– Length: The 13’3” length provides superior line control, mending ability, and leverage for fighting strong steelhead.
2. Sage Reel (Likely a Sage Spey Model)
– Drag System: Smooth, sealed drag (possibly from the Sage Spectrum C or RPLX series) to handle hard-running steelhead.
– Capacity: Holds an 8wt spey line + backing (likely 200+ yards of 30-50lb backing).
– Durability: Machined aluminum construction for corrosion resistance in saltwater or Great Lakes conditions.
3. Ideal Use Case: Steelhead & Salmon
– Spey Casting: Effortless long-distance casts with minimal backcast room.
– Versatility: Works well with Skagit heads (for heavy sink tips and big flies) or Scandi heads (for lighter presentations).
– Power: The 8wt handles large intruders, leeches, and tube flies while providing backbone for strong fish.
4. Why This Combo?
– Winston’s Feel: The AIR TH rod has a crisp recovery and smooth loading, making it forgiving yet powerful.
– Sage Reliability: A sealed drag reel ensures smooth performance in harsh conditions.
– Balanced Setup: The rod and reel are matched for optimal swing weight and fish-fighting performance.
Potential Alternatives/Upgrades
– Line Pairing: Consider a Rio Skagit Max or Airflo Scandi Compact for optimal performance.
– Reel Upgrade: If targeting larger salmon, a Sage RPLX 8/9 offers more drag power.
This package is an excellent choice for anglers targeting steelhead in big rivers like the Columbia, Skeena, or Great Lakes tributaries. Would you like recommendations on lines or specific techniques for this setup?