ICAST 2014 Coverage - Winston Nexus fly rods

ICAST 2014 Coverage

Winston unveils two new fly rod lines

Date:	7/23/14
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Winston
Reviewer:	Wolbugger

Introduction: In the world of fly fishing, the R.L. Winston brand is synonymous with ultra-high quality and craftsmanship. Founded in 1929, this long-standing company produces a variety of rods for everything from trout to tarpon. As the sport constantly evolves, Winston continues to keep their product line fresh by staying at the forefront of design and demand. At this year's IFTD fly fishing show in Orlando, they unveiled two new fly rod lines that should gain the attention of those seeking premium quality from a legendary manufacturer.

Like all Winston rods, the new Nexus lineup is nicely appointed.

Nexus: Winston is well known for using Boron in their blanks, but the new Nexus lineup goes a new direction. Made in Twin Bridges, Montana, this is an all-graphite series of premium rods designed to be smooth, powerful, and lightweight. Boasting glossy-black blanks, the actions are said to be perfect for a range of fresh and saltwater conditions.

Nexus saltwater rods use anodized aluminum reel seats.

These 4-piece rods will be available in weights from 3–12 and come with chrome nanolite stripper guides and chrome plated snakes, anodized aluminum reel seats (rosewood insert on 3–6 weights), and a matching aluminum tube and sock. MSRP starts at $475 with availability beginning in September.

Light two-handed models are really catching on these days, and Winston is meeting the demand.

Microspey: The new fast action Microspey rods are comprised of three new models of light line two-handed rods within the existing Boron III TH rod series. These sticks will be perfect for trout as well as other long-distance lightweight applications. Microspey blanks are finished in the familiar Winston green hue and utilize a special 11-inch cork grip with a diameter that's more similar to a standard trout rod.

Microspey rods feature aluminum reel seats with an R.L. Winston logo.

Other features include anodized aluminum reel seats, a 3 1/2-inch bottom handle, TiCH-finished stripper guide with nanoplasma ring, special chrome snake guides, and a graphite rod tube and sock. These new additions consist of a 10-foot 6-inch 3 weight (270 grain), 11-foot 4 weight (330 grain), and an 11-foot 6-inch 5 weight (390 grain). MSRP on the Microspey rods will be $830 with availability starting in September or October.

Adam Hutchison of Winston displays one of the new Nexus saltwater models.

Conclusion: We are excited to see these latest offerings from Winston. Even more exciting are the thoughts of where we could take these new rods to chase some of our favorite species like trout, stripers, and snook. Winston has been around for a very long time, and it's very apparent that they don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon!