[steelheadmike]

Was wondering if anyone has an opinion on Diamondback Two Handers. I almost finished building a 14ft 8/9wt and just wanted to know if anyone has one and if they think its a good rod or not. I am new to the Clave and new to the world of Spey fishing. As soon as the rod is finished I will be making my first steps towards learning the art. To complete this setup I have an Islander FR3 reel and an Airflo Two Handed multi tip line. Looking forward to hearing your opinions and any other helpful advice any of you have for a green horn to the sport.

 

[RLN]

I have used a diamondback 14' 9/10 3pc about for about 15 days of fishing. It was a powerhouse of a rod that cast both floating and sink tip lines well for me and I would recommend the rod for any winter-run fishing. It may be a bit to much rod for smaller fish and smaller streams. The rep I borrowed the rod from did not have an 8/9 .
rln

 

[steelheadmike]

I have used a diamondback 14' 9/10 3pc about for about 15 days of fishing. It was a powerhouse of a rod that cast both floating and sink tip lines well for me and I would recommend the rod for any winter-run fishing. It may be a bit to much rod for smaller fish and smaller streams. The rep I borrowed the rod from did not have an 8/9 .
rln

Thanks alot RLN. I feel alot better about the purchase now. How would you classify the rod? Slow ( traditionl ) or Euro ?? I can't wait to start the learning process. I also have big plans to swing flies for Stripers. I have a place by my house where I can catch 10-30 fish a day on flies and when that gets old take a short 5 minute drive and hook "big" browns and "bows" on the same river!! Not to mention Smallies too.

 

[Nooksack Mac]

I have two rods built on Diamondback blanks (available from Dale Clemens at attractive prices): a 12 1/2-foot 7/8 and a 13 1/2-foot 8/9. Both are 3-piece, with glossy black spiral-pattern, and are on the fast side of medium, but with enough power for sink tips. The shorter one takes a DT8 or WF8 long-belly; the longer needs a DT9 or a l0 long-belly, and does better with a WF11 "launcher" than with its rated sizes. No flies on either of 'em.

 

[steelheadmike]

Dback

Thanks Nooksack. I just wanted to be sure that I purchased a good thing that would be enjoyable to learn with instead of a "dead stick" that would turn me off to spey fishing. It looks really enjoyable and pruductive at the right times. I don't think I'll be putting down the single handers for it ( I do a ton of Striped bass fishing and some trout. Stripers are basically the only game in town thats close )

 

[Salar-1]

Mike
They're good rods.Some find them somewhat heavy.With a Spey double taper on you'll be hard pressed to have someone out distance your casts.I have a 16 ft 10/11.that I use for the opening in Gaspe waters for Atlantics.
Cheers
Brian

 

[steelheadmike]

thanks

Once again thanks for your input. Now my only question is should I stock up on a few more blanks before they are out of stock. I think Cortlandt is discontinuing most of the Spey rods.

 

[RLN]

I have a 12'6" 7/8wt and use it on small to mid-sized rivers with a 7/8 rio mid-spey. The line casts very nice on this rod. It is really nice on summer fish and no problem to cast 80' of fly line out of the tip.Also I out a braided loop on the end and use poly leaders for those times when you need a deep sunk fly.

 

[bigstealrod]

well my opinion is any man with two hands on his rod should consider himself very lucky!!