Written by Steve Richards
I have a fault when it comes to my fishing tackle, in that I don’t look after it very well, basically, I’m very hard on it.
Now, luckily for me, I’ve managed over the years to build up quite a collection of different rods, meaning some get a bit of a rest. Last year I was lucky enough to be lent the new Helios D in an eight weight, which I quite liked.
I felt for me though, the nine-weight version would be my preferred rod, and by a stroke of luck, I managed to acquire one through success at the Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival. This year I found myself once again standing on the east coast shores of America in June, fishing for striped bass with my friends.
This is a trip that tackle can really be tested, and I normally take 3 or 4 different rods and reels to go with the many flies, that most of which never get used. Rods taken this year were a Helios 3D 8wt and three nines: Gloomis NRX, TFO BVK, and the new Helios D.
Previously, both the NRX and BVK would have both been in my hands on various days during the two-week trip.
This year though, I found myself really enjoying the new Helios D, so much so I might as well have left the others at home.
The NRX and BVK are both fast action rods, capable of throwing a decent line even in some of the most demanding winds. The new Helios just feels a little more comfortable using for long periods, the swing weight lighter.
When fishing for striped bass, you are aiming to catch a keeper, this is a slot size fish between 28 and 31 inches. A 28-inch fish is basically a double figure bass and you know almost instantly you’ve hooked a keeper, as within seconds, you will watch helplessly as your fly line disappears well into the backing.
I’ve fished for stripers a few times now, and I’m always amazed by how powerful they are compared to our UK bass. It’s not uncommon for these fish to make two or three strong runs just as you think you are winning the battle.
These fish really command respect, and a decent rod helps to hold the fish under pressure as you put a good bend into the rod. The new Helios had absolutely no problems at all in taming some big fish and was a joy to use, catching bass up to 32 inches this trip, well into double figures.
The NRX is still a fantastic rod and a favourite of mine, but for the time being it will be getting a rest, it will still be in my suitcase for next year’s trip to the States, although I suspect it will be hard to put the Helios down again.
The best fish for me of the trip, 32inches around 14lb.
