Review: Sullivan Fly Rod

Maybe it’s the luck of the Irish that makes Sullivan Fly Rods so damn good. But I’m guessing—more likely than not—it’s the knowledge and dedication that goes into the rod building process. Now I’m not a hardcore angler, but I’ve been fishing long enough to recognize quality craftsmanship, and I've cast enough rods to recognize the difference between one that costs less than my running shoes and one that costs more than my first vehicle—it's big. My 5wt. Syringa fly rod from Sullivan Fly Rods casts like a Cadillac, and with the sticker price of a Kia, it's a steal.

The Syringa is a custom-built, medium-fast action rod, making it great for casting whatever fly is working that day. I’ve thrown small, size 18 dries, a dry/dropper combo, and heavy streamers all with accuracy and precision. The rod is very responsive; so much so that I’ve learned to be much gentler when mending line. And since each rod is built to order, you can customize the action, thread colors, cork grips, reel seats, and stripping guides, making your rod truly one-of-a-kind.

You can hope for luck or bank on experience when purchasing your next fly rod, but you already know what I'm going to say. Available at SullivanFlyRods.com; $800.