G. Loomis Asquith 490-4

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   I’ve never cast a 9’ 4-weight quite like this one.  The original ASQ 490 cast from the center of the rod like a slingshot.  This rod is truly “fast progressive,” starting with flex in the tip and loading slightly deeper with each increment of fly line.  It throws automatic tight loops with a compact casting stroke while still allowing the caster to manipulate loop shape and line speed for softer presentations, slack line casts and reach casts.  No other 4-weight offers this combination of control, line speed and lightness.  It is simply in a league of its own.  The Asquith 490-4 would be my first choice for dry fly fishing on all but the smallest rivers.  At 9 feet, it’s an ideal light nymphing rod for pocketwater streams such as the San Miguel and Dolores, but where it surpasses all other 4-weights is in situations where the angler has enough room to make a real fly cast.

   I first cast it with an SA Infinity Taper, which loaded the rod properly but seemed to lack in the shooting department.  Next, I tried the Rio Technical Trout WF4, which cast as well as any rod/line pairing I have ever thrown in my life.  The rod will easily handle a Rio Gold or SA MPX, but for dry fly casting in the 100th percentile, fish the Tech Trout.

   I can’t imagine a finer dry fly rod for match-the-hatch rivers such as the Missouri, Green, Snake, Delaware, Yellowstone and San Juan.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)