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A Winning Rod/Reel Combo for stalking native bows and brookies in small
streams.
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Date: |
4/24/02 |
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Tackle type: |
Fly Reel |
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Manufacturer: |
Ross |
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Reviewer: |
Buzz |
Total Score: 8.83
Ross’s San Miguel 1 matched with a custom 2WT.
Fly-Rod.
Introduction: If
you are an avid fly-fishermen there are two schools of thought to developing
your arsenal of rods and reels. One is to purchase gear and equipment that is
well suited to many types of fishing. While this is good for the wallet, it can
leave you short changed when you venture out to fish streams that are outside of
your equipments comfort zone. The second school of thought is to match your
equipment to the exact type of fishing and conditions you will find yourself in.
This review will show you a first hand look at an ultimate rod/reel combo that
will make fishing for smaller fish in smaller streams second to none.
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Ross San
Miguel 1 Specifications |
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Line Capacity |
WF 2 + 50 yards of 20 lb. backing |
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Spool
Width |
.70 inches |
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Weight |
3.9 oz. |
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Materials |
Space Age polymer disk drag system between polished stainless steel
surfaces. |
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MSRP |
$375.00 |
Impressions: It is typical for many fly-fishermen to start off with a
standard 8-9 foot 6 weight rod. As your skill progresses you will likely begin
to fish streams that are much bigger and much smaller than you intended when you
first purchased your first set-up. This will leave you over- rodded and under-rodded
for many situations. The result is that you will not have the same fishing
experience than if you use equipment that was precisely made to fish the
environment and conditions you find yourself in.
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The Ross San
Miguel 1 is a tiny reel that is packs Ross features and quality in the palm
of your hand |
First,
the Reel: Ross has hit a home run in producing the
San Miguel Series One. Arguably, this is one of the most maintenance free,
practical, best performing reel on the market today. If you want to feel the
definition of smooth, try checking the drag and retrieve on this work of art.
Features of
the San Miguel 1:
1. Waterproof adjustable drag system
2. Polished black finish for protection and stealth
3. Low inertial start-up makes for a more responsive drag
4. Built to last
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The San
Miguel 1 has a remarkably responsive drag for a reel of this size |
The Test:
I have tested this reel on small streams in Montana and Northern California. My
first impression of this reel was its silky smooth retrieve and drag system. I
absolutely could not believe how light this reel was the very first time I
picked it up. This reel is the epitome of perfect form and functionality. I
have caught and released many 12” native rainbows and brook trout with this reel
and its sensitivity allows you to feel every twitch at the end of your line. It
also has an exposed rim that is perfect for palming if you happen to hook into a
fish that is larger than you expected.
Awards:
Ross San Miguel 1 has won the award of ”The most innovative and successful
product” at the 1999 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show.
Warranty: Ross really stands behind the workmanship of
this reel with a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship
for life as long as the original purchaser owns the reel. A big plus!
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The San
Miguel 1 looks right at home paired up with this custom built rod from
Raptor Rod Works of Chico, CA |
The Rod:
I had this rod custom made by Raptor Rod Works of Chico, CA. As a result the
guides, cork, reel seat, wraps, and stripes were all made to my personal
specifications. If you are looking for a comparable rod I would suggest you
look at 2 Wt. Rods by Sage, Thomas and Thomas, and Scott. You will need to demo
the rod to see which has the action and feel you are looking for. However, if
you are going to be in small streams and in tight places, you will want a rod
that is short, light, and compact.
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The rod
exhibits a very flexible and sensitive tip, perfect for exciting brook and
rainbow fights |
Testing
the rod & Reel together: I never realized how much fun
small fish can be if you are properly equipped with the right gear. Using any
reputable 2 Wt. Rod with a San Miguel 1 reel will let you feel every twitch from
the fish when it has taken you fly. I could not believe how much fun I had
knowing that none of the fish were trophy’s by anyone’s standards. However, if
you get into a feisty 12” or 14” fish you will feel like you have a bolt of
lighting at the end of your rod.
Ratings:
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Ross San
Miguel 1 Ratings (?/10) |
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Construction/Quality |
Some of the most
innovative technologies have been used to create this masterpiece. Rugged
Space Age polymer, and polished stainless steel. |
9 |
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Performance |
Makes casting all day
effortless. At 3.9 oz. you don’t even realize there is a reel on your rod. |
9.5 |
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Price |
With an MSRP of 375.00 you
will likely spend more on the reel then you will on your rod. However, if
you want to have the very best, you must consider this reel. |
8 |
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Features |
Can be set-up with a left
or right hand retrieve. But what if you don’t like the smooth sounding
drag? Well you can actually disable the outgoing click and run completely
stealth with a silent retrieve and silent drag. The fish won’t even know
you are there. |
9.5 |
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Design (Ergonomics) |
Don’t plan on changing
the set up of this reel while you are on the water. You will need an Alan
key and a small Philips to get at the internal guts of this reel. |
8 |
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Application |
This reel is only made to
put on a 2 or 3 Weight rod. Anything else is an absolute injustice to what
this reel was intended for. If you put this reel on the application it
belongs, you will be amazed at all aspects of its performance. |
9 |
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Total Score |
8.83 |
Pluses and Minuses:
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Plus
Minus |
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J
Premium construction |
L
Fit for one application |
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J
Smooth retrieve |
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J
Responsive drag |
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J
Great material quality |
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Conclusion: If you enjoy getting away from the crowd and hiking into
secluded areas, chances are the streams you find will be small. However, these
streams will hold native bows and brookies that when matched with the right
equipment, can give you the thrill of a lifetime. Light 2 and 3 Wt. Fly rods
matched with the San Miguel 1 is the best set up you could have bringing up the
lower end of your rod arsenal. You will look at small streams and small fish in
a totally new light.
Keep Fishing - Buzz
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