Contact II Euro Nymphing Rods by Thomas and Thomas // Field Testing and Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ย. 2020
- Link to Purchase T & T Contact II Rods: redsflyfishing.com/products/c...
Link to Lamson Speedster Fly Reel (the one on the 10' 2 Weight): redsflyfishing.com/products/w...
Link to Sage ESN Fly Reel (on the 10'9" 3 Weight): redsflyfishing.com/products/s...
About Thomas and Thomas Fly Rods: thomasandthomas.com/pages/abo... - กีฬา
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Hi Joe. Great videos man - watched all yours from gear to rigging to methods when 1st getting into euro nymphing - really helped a lot. I have the 1st model of the T & T Contact (a 10 ft 3 wt) and absolutely love it. An incredible rod. I was indicator fishing with a tandem nymph rig but since going to the euro method, my catch rate is 10 fold better. Unbelievable! I fly fish the SC & NC mountains where streams are a little tighter. T & T is a great company. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks Daniel, I appreciate all the kind words and support. You have a great rod there, take care of it. These are special! Merry Christmas to you as well and try to fish over the holidays if you get the chance!
I own the T&T contact II 10 ft 2 wt and have caught trout over 20 inches. may favorite nymphing rod but handles dries just fine. couldnt be happier. Love your videos!
Great feedback! I'm blown away by this rod!
thank you! exactly the review i was looking for!
You're welcome, they really have something special here!
Great Foley work
I'm sold on this rod and currently saving for one. I just want to say that the T&T customer service is something special. I've reached out twice to the company with questions and they responded right away. The last response was from Joe Goodspeed himself. It's very cool to have his input on my rod choice. It's an expensive rod, but you get what you pay for and the crew at T & T really seem to recognize that a purchase like this is a serious investment for most anglers. Kudos to you and T & T and thanks for the review!
Thanks, Joe! I enjoyed this video so much I had to make the purchase. I love my 10ft 2wt T&T. Caught my PBR on it 22 inch Brown in my profile pic. This was on my first Euro Trip! Fishing these smaller creeks in NC. Still learning....Thanks Again!
Excellent! Thank you, I hope you ordered this from Red's!
@@redsflyshop They were out of stock so I didn't, but I tried to purchase it at Red's Fly Shop. Tight Lines~
@@redsflyshop I did get my second T&T the 10 9ft 3wt. from Reds! Thank you guys for super service!
@@allenstilwell7769 Awesome, thank you for the business! We appreciate the kind feedback as well.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the review Of the T@T Contact ll. I had a chance to fish with a guide on the Farmington and used the Contact 11’3”” . Awesome rod and an even better fishing day! I got hooked ended up with a shadow x 3 wt 10’6” ( excellent starter)This was Two years ago. Nice rod to start, but I will be stepping up to a T&T , I live in Upstate NY so I see a lot of T&T euro rods being used by the top guides and most rave about their performance. The 10 footers are excellent dry fly casters and a some say the 10’ 9” isn’t to shabby either! I hate carrying two rods and most of the water out here is not your large river type systems. You look like you were having a ball with your new quivers ! I hope to get back out to the Yak again this summer. I had a fun time with Colton as my guide this past summer.
Hey that's great feedback Eric, thanks so much for taking the time to comment here and glad to hear that your trip with Eric was so great. I am really pleased with the T & T, super great rod.
Hello
I liké your "euro nymph" Vidéo
Thomas contact is fantastic rod in 10.8 foot
But she has un biggest Challenger
The nymphmaniac in 11 foot 3#
IT s much less dollars and in power on 15 inch & most
Also is not tired in long fishing day and versatile for the size of river fishing.
Thanks for your times
And good year 2021
Great review! Would be interesting to see your review of the 11'2" 3wt and the 10'6" 4wt. The 4wt really does not get much attention.
The #4 is awesome for big flies, I will get out with a streamer and a #4 later this month and put up some tips on using Euro strategies with big flies, for big fish.
Great now I have to upgrade my rod. Been tossing between this and ESN.
I have the T and T contact 10’8” 3wt and 10’6” 3wt ESN, they are both awesome rods. It’s hard to say which is better. The contact has a fighting butt whereas the ESN doesn’t. They’re both light and can cast anything you want. I run SA 4x sighter material for a leader and I can feel everything on both rods. The most subtle takes can be seen and felt with both rods. You can’t go wrong with either rod.
@@patbatad9491 Excellent feedback Pat, thanks for sharing here.
Joe thanks for the great review. II wanted to get a T&T 3 wt. I am on est coat fishing stream and creekls 45-70 ft ( 120-250 cfs). Fished a 10 footer before but extra reach would be great. Going back and forth between the 10 ft and 10 ft 9in. Rod is going to be a dedicated nympher. You touched on it a bit at the end but wanted to know your opinion regarding how it fished and the ability to throwing smaller tandem nymphs.
Small water if you can get close without spooking fish (choppy currents or sharp ledges) a 10' rod is really nice to handle. If you have to fish them from a bit further away, the 10'9" will give you an advantage.
Hi Joe, I got a 10'6" 3wt Shadow X from you last year and love it. After talking w/Echo and Red's I set up an extra spool w/a 4wt WF floating line, the Shadow X does a surprisingly good job casting drys, wets and small unweighted streamers. I'm planning to upgrade to a T&T 10'9" 3wt soon. How do you think the T&T Contact II will do w/the 4wt line casting drys, wets and small unweighted streamers? Have you experimented w/this w/the T&T? THANKS for your reviews & videos!
I’m fishing out east in mid to large size water. What rod your recommend. 11ft 2 inch 3 wt or the 10ft 9 inch 3 wt ?? Love the videos
Thanks for the review. This may not be the place for this question, but I was wondering what your current sense is on the relative value of drop shot nymphing vs. Euro nymphing?
It's a very good question, I typically drop shot on my Euro rigs in extremely heavy winds combined with a snaggy bottom. An anchor fly that is too heavy can get mucked up, snagged, and doesn't ride along. A heavy shot can be really helpful in place of an overweighted anchor fly in this situation.
What is your camera/video setup in your watermaster? Love your vids
I'm too new to even consider a 800 dollar rod. Maybe someday though. Beautiful rainbow!
I started on the moonshine epiphany 10' 2wt and it's been a great rod to learn on.. I think it was only $189 and you get 2 tips.. which is really nice because the tips are sensitive on these type of rods
@@Belbivdevoe I've seen some moonshine rods on Amazon. I will check that out for sure! I need to do some research on what Euro Nymphing is first lol I'm not really sure.
I didn't start there Judas, but am ending up there. Be careful you'll get hooked! I can't provide an endorsement for Moonshine rods, but will tell you after a couple of seasons of use the Echo Shadow II is the most sensitive $300 rod I've used, but it's fragile HOWEVER you can buy a spare tip for $55 which is very unique and can bale you out on a trip. It's essentially pre-paying warranty. The Redington STRIKE is excellent, and has proven itself VERY reliable. It isn't quite as touchy but it casts a small nymph setup with ease, and has put tons of nice fish in my hands. If you haven't looked at our Monthly Rod Giveaway, we're giving away a STRIKE on Monday to a customer that just puts the name of that rod in their order comments. Drawing will be live on on TH-cam!
@@redsflyshop I bet I've seen alot of videos on it must be addicting lol. I'll check those out but I'm thinking next year I'll spend the money on a sweet Euro setup. I'll definitely need an extra tip I am rough with my stuff. I saw that I'll have to pick up some flies haha. But like you said people saying I never win anything that is literally my family and I. We have a joke saying it's our last name and a syndrome. Always worth a try though thank you for the reply and the giveaway!
Thank you! I wanted to ask you how long is your leader when you are using Euro line? I’ve been fishing mono rig before, no problem here. But I’ve been missing the feel (handling) of the flyline. With Euro line I have sometimes trouble to cast it without some friction of the line/leader connection in the guides. Where do you have this connection before you cast it? Do you have the tip of the line off the top guide (so the leader have to be maybe too short) or do you have the line almost all inside your reel and cast the leader to avoid this? Thanks everyone!
I like my line about 2' longer than whatever rod I'm using. I prefer to have fly line in my hands and about 12" out the tip. (assuming we are talking a FIPS type nymphing line).
Great review and a couple of nice bows landed to boot! I’m set on the length I want to get , the 10 ft 9 inch ! But I see they also make a 4 weight! What would be the advantage of a 4 weight as opposed a 3 weight?
If you plan to throw indicators, sink tips, and streamers, and big stonefly nymphs for larger trout 20" + I would get the #4. The touch isn't nearly as critical with big flies. You'll find it to be more durable too of course. Our trout top out at 19-20" here so the #3 is adequate.
Great video. The Contact II looks like a sweet rod! Do you have videos on your leader setup for euro nymphing. Also wondering how you connect your leader to your euro fly line? Thanks
Thanks! Yes, sure do. I encourage anglers learning to build leaders to start with the RIO product, and modify it a bit. Then at least they are starting with an acceptable leader. th-cam.com/video/sjdMEmCP9lY/w-d-xo.html
If you can get your hands on Hends (pun intended) Camou leader your life will suddenly become much easier :):)
Perfection loop on the leader to the loop on the fly line, tippet ring at the end of the leader, tippet of your choice, nymph and you are good to go :):)
Oh, and you might want to add 30 cm of Hanak bi- or tri-colour indicator between the leader and the tippet-very useful. In that case-blood knot between the leader and the indicator and tippet ring at the end of the indicator.
Hey Joe. How bout a Review and Rig Set up for the Rio Technical Nymph Line With The Built In Leader. Thanks! Tight Lines & Wet Nets
Oh that is a good idea, I need to get that line. I'm still using the FIPS quite a bit and need the upgrade for sure. Good plan! Thx!
Joe I live in Colorado and it’s cold. My Rio Euro Nymph Shorty seems to always have memory and coils in it. Is there anything I can do or is there a different fly line I can use for winter climates that might tend towards less memory?
That is a tough one. It's a balancing act to create lines that will play on a 90 degree day... and a 20 degree day. Mine was pretty whacky yesterday and I had to stretch it, that is the RIO Fips full blow ESN line, but same deal right. If you haven't tried stretching it by hand start there.
Joe have you had a chance to give the Contact II 11'2" 3 wt a try yet or know of anyone who has? I fish some streams where that extra 14" would keep me from getting too close to the run! I know I'm spooking trout in order to get to the back edge. Im just wondering if that rod might be a little "floppy"?! or if it is close to being as tight as the 2 wt.
I'm going to give that rod a go. This is a big river and I think it might let me reach out and touch 'em. I haven't used it yet, but I'll add this to my quiver!
The 112’3 is a significant change from the Gen 1 Contact I still own and fish. Way better recovery in the tip and like it’s been said the new blank material and layup of the materials make it a stronger and faster rod. Punches way above its weight yet can fish light and fish jig streamers really well without the tip collapsing on heavier bugs. Def has the stones to move a good fish in current. The 1123 was hard to find on the East Coast but Reds was the only shop that had it in stock. You will not be disappointed!
It gives you a 1foot advantage, putting it into micro trout Spey……world, rio single hand Spey 3wt. Perfect match….
Best dry fly setup you could have!
Unimaginable mending…..
Excellent!
Awesome video. How would you compare this rod to the Sage ESN? I know you rave about the ESN!
I love that Sage ESN, but the T & T seems a bit tighter. I think it might be the guide placement. I have fished them side by side in the 2 weight (which I use most of the time) and the T & T has a bit more energy for casting a larger nymph, but still has the ability to load with a couple of #16's. T & T has a fighting butt on the #2 as well. Both extremely fine rods, in the #2 I prefer the T & T after fishing it for a few weeks.
Joe....
I Have followed you for 3 years now and seldom miss a video. I have a question un related to the T n T rods ......YET related to the pretty ( and big) trout you catch near your shop.
Here in western north Carolina, specifically near Asheville the trout I catch are typically frisky stocked 9 inch browns and rainbows that jump , twist and resist being held.
Some big browns and rainbows are also stocked. I have caught a couple of 22 inch fish in the last month.
I marvel how you scoop your big guys out of the water single - handed and hold them ( quietly) for the camera. The big fellas i caught were just not going to be held by hand, and made sure i got that message.
Whats the trick ? Worth a video ?
Thx Joe.
Ron
Yea, it's a talent. No joke haha. Make sure not to put your thumb over the fish. They will often squirm and fight ya when you do that. Usually if you just let gravity rest them in your hand they will cooperate.
Hey Joe, Have you done a review on the longer T&T 11.2"?
I have not, that rod would be outstanding on this big river out here.
Hey do you prefer the TandT over the sage ESN? It would be cool to see a comparison of the two.
T and T overall, but I did fish the 10'6" Sage ESN 3 Weight on Friday and was damn impressed. Both super fine rods. Coin flip really, but I do prefer the fighting butt of the T and T overall.
How does this rod compare to the ESN?
I am super interested in the 11'2 version especially since Sage discontinued the 11' ESN.
Tony, that's a tough one. The fighting butt on the T&T is quite nice, that is a difference maker for some. Rod to rod, they are extremely comparable but needing to add length the T&T is your only option.
@@redsflyshop Thank you! I own the ESN in 11' and the new one in 10.6 #2 and frankly can't figure out why Sage decided to go shorter and lose the fighting butt-something super nice to have when you snag a real good fish.
Seems T&T in 11.2" is the ticket for me.
I am also super interested in their #6 10'8-seems as a great weapon for targeting big fish. Any thoughts on this one?
@@tonyg3091 I believe that #6 is really designed for Steelhead in the great lakes region. I just don't see it being necessary for trout, the lack of finesse with even a decent sized nymph would put the angler (or at least myself) at a disadvantage.
@@redsflyshop Thanks! I live in Europe and here we have some rivers where barbels take nymphs. These fish are beasts that can grow way past 5kg mark and fight like crazy. With #3 ESN you are totally outgunned and much more serious firepower is needed. I use 7 weight Sage One 11,6 switch rod for nymphing that's why I believe the 10.8 #6 T&T might just be the ticket.
Have you tried the Winston Boron Super 10? I’m wondering how it compares to the Contact II and ESN.
Not even close. It's a WONDERFUL strike indicator rod IMO. If you were splitting indicator/esn 70/30 I think it would be an awesome choice, but I don't feel like it's the right rod for direct line nymphing in comparison. The Sage and T & T are the cat's meow.
@@redsflyshop , thanks. I have a soft spot for Winston rods because I have a Pure that I love, but I’ll scratch the Super 10 off my list.
@@jimcox3622 I have several Winston Rods, but in this realm I believe there are other choices. Now when it comes to delicately dropping a #14 Elk Hair Caddis on a rising brown trout against a pile of sticks.... gimme my RL Winston!
Amen!
Thanks Joe. So you'd give it the nod over the sage ESN? Any aspects of the sage that you'd prefer?
I love that Sage ESN, but the T & T seems a bit tighter. I think it might be the guide placement. I have fished them side by side in the 2 weight (which I use most of the time) and the T & T has a bit more energy for casting a larger nymph, but still has the ability to load with a couple of #16's. T & T has a fighting butt on the #2 as well. Both extremely fine rods, in the #2 I prefer the T & T after fishing it for a few weeks.
Hi joe! I have a million dollar question for you! Contact 2 or ESN?
Oh man, tough choice. I love my Sage rods, but head to head I "think" I like the CONTACT II better. Pains me to say that, as I love the team at Sage and the rods they turn out.
How does it compare to the Sage ESN Euro nymph rod you reviewed awhile back. (2Wt)?
I think straight side by side, the T & T 2 weight is stronger but has similar sensitivity. Close enough I don't have an opinion in that department. The Sage probably casts tiny nymphs better. However, the fighting butt on the T & T is greatly appreciated, and I like the guide placement better. The first guide on the T & T is on the bottom section of the rod, so you get a bit less slack between your control hand (trigger finger) and the first guide. I think the tight feel of the rod is at lease partially due to being able to keep the line snug.
@@redsflyshop Thank you, I think I'm going to order one at the1st of the year. Do you think the 2wt is better for a novice at euro nymphing ?
@@philstanley4727 Oh that's great, yea, it will help you learn really fast but if you fish in areas with a lot of large fish you'll want a #3.
How do the 2wt 10' and 2wt 10'9 compare?
10' is snappier, feels like a faster action. I prefer it on small water, but for reach the 10'9" is pretty great. If I had to choose (1) it would be the 10'9" for where I'm at. Often on big water. Good question.
"The rod you will eventually carry"
It was true for me, I didn't realize how good these rods were until I finally got my hands on 'em.
Oddball question for you Joe - I bought a WaterMaster from you all and love it (and my Euro rod)! Wanted to mount a video camera to the WaterMaster Kodiak and wondering how you have yours set up? Can you describe here or maybe post a pic on Instagram? Thanks! ;-). PS - keep up the great work - love your vlogs!
I use a Vortex High Country Tripod with a quick detach mount to a Manfrotto Smart Phone mount. I'll do an Instagram vid on how I have this setup. Congrats on the WM!
@@redsflyshop would love to see a vid on how you have it set up and mounted - thx!
@@DoranKevin Yea ok, that is a good idea. Smartphones have like stabilization features and such, so it makes pretty good video off the Samsung S10. Not super pro, but my job is guiding and selling tackle, not making pro quality videos so it seems to fill the bill.
Can you euro nymph from a drift boat ?
You sure can, not a great way to learn but in high swift water against cut banks.... oh my. Big trout aren't safe. It doesn't work as well in lower clear water as the boat needs to be tight. If the fish feel safe (like high water/cut banks) you can float right up alongside the trout and get 'em.
@@redsflyshop Thanks ! I was curious as if after I become proficient in euro-Nymphing how and where I could enjoy it more .