Moonshine Revival Fly Rod - Review

In the Fall of 2017, I bought myself a Moonshine Revival.  I fiberglass rod and one that I do believe is made in Asia.  But it was a good rod.  WAS?  Yes, I sold it with a about 5 other rods and several reels as to purchase some more rods and reels because that is what I do.  And Moonshine Rod Co does make at least one model here in the US by hand but it's graphite.  I know some local guys that fish Moonshine rods too.

This rod is a medium-fast rod.  Almost a slower moderate feel but loads quicker than a vintage Cortland 619 (if you've ever owned one).  It has a vintage glass look the the blanks and loads and casts and loads well.  I was casting small to large flies - nothing articulated.  And it had a smooth feel to the rod.  A solid feel when "fish-on" but seemed to lack soul.  Like the soul my old Fenwicks.  I did expect a deeper bend with a 13' Smallmouth on in the riffles.  I did cast 5WF and 6WF line.  Such an attractive rod.  The rod seemed as if I had pulled it off the rack at a sporting goods store (instead of handcrafted).  Attractive enough to buy yet good enough to perform - as a "budget" glass rod.  I use that term loosely because fiberglass rods can be astronomically priced -and graphite too.  For $225, I expected something great and I got a "good enough" feel with great looking components.  It's described as classic glass - almost throwback rod.  Classic glass in my opinion, has a slower cast and deeper bend.  You do get an extra tip and it is nicer than those mass produced glass rods from companies like Maxcatch.  And I bought 2 of those Maxcatch rods for the boys but I'll save a review for later.  I only used this rod 2 or 3 times but I obviously didn't fall for it but we all have different tastes.

• Good flex tip - kind of a mid-flex feel to the rod.
• Great components
• Looks great
• 2 tips
• Could possibly pass as a 5/6 rod
• I'm not as sure if this rod is as Slow as described.

Am I trashing this rod or the company that sells it?  Nope. They are fine, hardworking folks that also make smoking pipes.  If I did fish graphite, I would definitely own the Moonshine Drifter or Midnight.

Definitely not an entry level rod.  Quality work with a great warranty.  Definitely a mid-priced rod.  Would I recommend this rod.  Yes, if it fits your budget but you could save up a bit more for something better.  Leave any questions in the Comments or email me.

Echo Bad Ass Glass - Fiberglass Fly Rods and Smallmouth Bass

Last Spring, I injured my knee and my ankle. I was laid up for a month before heading off to Canada for mountain biking, hiking, urban exploring and the likes of physical exertion my ankle wasn't ready for but knee had mostly healed.  I then spent the summer riding my mountain bike to strengthen my knee.  Then I was ready for Fall.  When Labor Day came, I was up for a great amount of wade fishing.  At least 2 days a week.  Sometimes, 3 or 4 outings of about two to four hours.

I haven't been regular in blog posts but there are a lot of outings and photos from last Fall to share.  One of my goals last year was to fish as many fiberglass fly rods that I could.  After all, I had spent time collecting them and rebuilding one of them in the Winter.

The last 2 posts have patterns and photos of fish from the Fall. I will say that it was the most productive year for Smallmouth fishing that I have had since 2013 and possibly EVER.  I did catch a lot of good size creek Smallies.  Lots of good 12"-13" inchers with some 14"-15' and even a good 16".

While there are a lot of really good fly fisherman out there and some folks that know how to hit those fatties, I think that I've really found how to fish local Ozark creeks for bass and panfish.  And that's mainly how I fish.  Creeks and a few streams here and there.

Over the next month, I will do reviews of such rods as old Fenwicks, newer cheap China made, mass produced rods, new glass and the such - and even another rebuild and new builds.  I would say that the Echo BAG surprised me with trout and smallmouth - and yes, even on panfish.  And WOW, do I have an amazing "on stream" photo with the ECHO BAG.

AND, I've got to start throwing in some tomato growing and salsa recipes  . . .  and okra too.  yup, a little gardening. 

Cheers.