Blue Halo Fly Rod Review 8’ #6

I built an 8’ 6 weight Blue Halo fly rod with components from Proof Fly Fishing.  While I always purchase components from Proof,  I’ve never had a Blue Halo rod much less BH blanks.

I already built an Epic 686 which to me is a moderate to fast rod.  The Berkley Buccaneer and Berkley Talisman are older rods with a good ol’ sweet feel to them.  Slower glass with a deep bend.  I rebuilt the Talisman and it is such a joy when playing big Smallies.  I like building rods and wanted to know about Blue Halo quality and performance.  And since they have Fast and Slow blanks, I went with something more relaxed or slow - and I built that Epic just last year.  

The quality is pretty good.  Lots of clarity in the rod.  Ferrules seem to be reinforced and have plugs.  A nice and smooth and glossy finish.  Worth the money.
  
The performance is great.  It’s a slow rod for sure but not a buggy whip and definitely not as slow as an Eagle Claw Featherlight.  It almost feels a mix between my Fenwick 805 and Berkley Talisman.  The rod loads well with SA Panfish which is a 5/6 line.  It also loads Rio Bass #6 exceptionally well but I may purchase a regular 6 or Rio Smallmouth line.  That Rio Bass seems a bit zingy for me even on the EC Featherlight.


Along with some rebuilds, I’ve built on Epic, Proof, Lamiglas and Haldin.  I’ve got McFarland and North Fork Composites (GLoomis) blanks waiting to be built.  And I definitely recommend Blue Halo.
Email me at rzrbk804@yahoo.com if you have any questions.