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Those of you who have had the opportunity to fish with any of the ‘jewels’ in the CONTACT series know that each model in the lineup has been designed with a specific purpose, while maintaining a degree of versatility to tackle a variety of tasks in both still and moving water environments. The newest member to this bloodline shares the same characteristics as its predecessors and has become an essential tool to my angling arsenal. Here’s why…
A UNIQUE TOOL
The first thing that sets the 1086 apart is the ‘void’ that it fills in the current rod market. Simply stated, there isn’t anything else like it. The current ‘euro’ nymph craze has driven every rod manufacturer to saturate the rod racks with long, limber, 2-4 weight rods - most of which are capable of steering average size trout to the net. That being said, those of you who have experience fishing the 1084 CONTACT know that it is a 4 weight on steroids, capable of handling most trout that you plan on encountering. But what happens when you need something more?
TRIMMING THE FAT
In the past, many of us have gone the 10’-11’ 6/7 weight route by default to put the brakes on large resident and migratory fish. Depending on the make, model and design, these rods range from acceptable fishing tools to heavy war clubs (especially if you go the ‘Switch’ rod route). The 1086 is noticeably lighter in the hand w/ less ‘swing’ weight than other rods in this category. Translation – Anglers will be able to fish longer and harder with no perceivable fatigue.
BALANCED STRENGTH
The 1086 features larger hardware -including an additional stripping guide, double-locking reel seat, and a partial composite cork-similar to what can be found on the EXOCETT SS rods. All of these additions make the Big Brother in the CONTACT series stand out from other members of the family and ready to survive epic battles and harsh environments.
This rod’s taper is similar to what we’ve come to expect from the CONTACT line up. A ‘beefed’ up taper permits solid hook sets on larger fish, yet maintains a level of sensitivity that is necessary to detect subtle strikes and confident wrangling to the net. Note - The sensitivity of the tip section is nothing short of amazing for a rod of its strength and purpose.
JACK OF ALL TRADES
Random notes from the river…
Joe brought the first two prototypes to Chile where they were thoroughly tested on large resident and migratory trout in fast flowing rivers and crystal clear lakes. The rod handled large jigs (1/16-1/4 oz), large nymphs, pupa, and medium-size streamers with ease. Fish exceeding 30” were brought to hand during the season.
Since then, this rod has been used to ‘nymph’ up resident trout, smallmouth and carp in larger rivers across the Lower 48. In addition, this was my go to rod for large Alaskan Rainbows on the Kenai River this fall. It is an ideal tool for the Great Lakes steelhead angler who wants to be able to confidently handle migratory fish and having the option to run lighter tippet in lower water conditions, knowing that the rod will protect it well. Those of you who want to bounce back and forth between indicator and ‘tight-line’ set ups will appreciate the sensitivity that this rod provides in a lightweight package.
The 1086 in the ultimate ‘nymph’ rod for the angler who plans on doing some heavy lifting.
RECOMMENDED LINES
Cortland Omni Verse WF6
Cortland Camo Tip 7
Cortland Indicator Nymph WF6
Cortland Ultralight WF6
Cortland .027 Running Line
OPST 25 lb. LAZAR Line
Wulff Long Belly WF6
Lance Wilt is a Thomas and Thomas Advisor. He owns and operates Wilt’s Outcast Anglers and offers guided trips in Pennsylvania and Chilean Patagonia. Visit his website at www.outcastanglersllc.com.