| Rod Test
Hot set-up for
spring creek fishing
by Trico Spinner
Rod: Performance
Fly Rods Chalkstream 87
Recently, it was my pleasure to
try a new prototype rod from Performance Fly Rods, the shop of Dave Lewis, in
Harrisonburg, Virginia. Designed and built with input from an experienced spring creek
fisherman, this new 8'7" rod, weighing only 2 1/4 ounces is a joy to fish. It matches
up perfectly w/ a Lee Wulff Triangle Taper 4/5 line. A Hardy JLH 6, Orvis CFO 6, or
similar light weight reel would be appropriate.
Many rod builders are attempting
to build tubular graphite rods with a more moderate action than the super-stiff models
they have delivered in the past. I have tried a number of these rods, and have found a
common fault with many of them. When softening the lower portions of the blank, they
neglect to to compensate by increasing the tip diameter. The result is a rod that will not
support the power generated by the midsection and butt. Vigorous roll casts or fore casts
will lead to the tip collapsing. The Chalkstream 87 (best described as a 'progressive' or
'semi-parabolic' action), on the other hand, casts smoothly at all normal fishing
distances. It will pick up and shoot all the line needed, enabling the angler to use fewer
false casts and keep the fly on the water. Style and fashion seem to come and go. Hemlines
rise and fall, trousers gain and lose pleats and cuffs, all without any connection to, and
often in conflict with, functionallity.
Reel seats do not seem to be an
exception to this rule. The only function of a reel seat is to securely hold the reel to
the rod. It should do so in un unobtrusive, yet aesthetically pleasing manner, with the
minimum possible weight. Twenty-five or thirty years ago, it was very difficult to find a
rod with an uplocking reel seat. They had fallen out of style many years before. Now, they
have come back into style, and it is difficult to find anything else. The Chalkstream 87
is more pragmatic. It is built with a nickle silver butt cap and sliding ring, with cork
insert. This is both attractive and light in weight. It leaves nothing below the reel to
snag errant loops of line.
The rod is finished with black
hardware to reduce glare. The wrap color is matched to the color of the blank. A nice
touch is the presence of 2 small wraps, located 15 and 20 inches from the butt. This makes
possible accurate and speedy measurement of fish. The rod is furnished with a velour bag,
and black and brass finish tube. Overall, this is a well-thought-out and well built rod.
Designed for the spring creek dry fly fisherman, is fulfills its purpose as well or better
than competing products.
While this rod is a prototype,
Dave is considering adding it to his standard line. I believe he should be encouraged to
do so. He can be contacted at:
Web site: http://www.performanceflyrods.com
E-mail: flyrods@aol.com |
