Winston

In recent years, Winston has recaptured its identity in both historical and modern terms. Dating from the 1930s, Winston has been a cutting edge company with regard to materials use and taper development. From the age of bamboo through the fiberglass decades and right into carbon fiber, Winston pioneered rods from their San Francisco factory that led the industry both technologically and in terms of fishing capability.

Some spectacular rods were designed in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s, including the WT, LT and Saltwater BL-5, as well as specialized models influenced by Tom Morgan and Joan Wulff. Late in this period, Winston’s identity swung toward “the company that uses boron.” Many fine rods were produced in the 1990’s and 2000’s, but in some cases the emphasis on this unique material overshadowed the characteristics of the rods themselves.

Today’s fast action Winston rods, the Air 2 series and Air 2 Max saltwater models, still capitalize on the lightness and power of Boron, offering anglers a departure from Winston’s traditional “touch” action for both freshwater and saltwater. Winston has clearly re-trenched its legacy with the Pure series, however, a modern reference to legendary dry fly rods of the past.