Moonshine Rods

The Vesper Fly Rod - 4-Piece

Best value & most comfortable cork grip

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

3 wt

Weight:

225

Yes these have a high quality blank for the money, but don?t overlook the cork grip. Many fly rod companies have downsized their cork grips and have short, skinny handles with no ergonomics. But not these, you get a full 7? of cork just like all fly rods used to have 20 years ago, even on the shorter 3 weight which is getting rare (most others give you tiny, downsized grips on 3 wt rods under 9?). Cork is good quality, and composite cork at the ends provides reinforcement at these damage-prone locations - not just for looks. Most comfortable grip I own, and a well-contoured half wells such as these are still the best overall handle design that fits a wide variety of hand sizes and gripping styles (unlike the Snub-nosed style grip used by others, that is essentially a straight piece of cork with no ergonomics). Also, many fly rods with high quality blanks often skimp on components and other features. In addition to the awesome cork grip, The Vesper is a complete value package, with alignment dots, hook keeper, extra tip, 2 locking rings on the reel seat, excellent workmanship and a good warranty. Company does not mention composition of the single foot guides and tip top, but they appear to be good quality and have held up through several fishing trips in 2021 - they have not had the coating wear off like some others. These rods are super light, a great match for todays lighter fly reels, takes less weight to balance them correctly. These rods fish great, and cast a wide variety of fly lines well. The 3 wt. has enough backbone to fish well as a 4 wt., but these don?t need to be overlined, and the light tip makes them load well at short range and cast dry flies well too. Great value, made in Korea just like many other great rods (Hardy Zenith, Douglas Sky G, Loop Cross S1).