G. Loomis Asquith 790

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Presenting more of a pure “tip action” than its predecessor, the new Asquith 790 has an essence of synthetic lightness and material superiority. Like all models in this series, the butt section is stiff enough to impart the potential for limitless distance in the hands of the skilled caster. This reduces feedback to the caster, however, so less experienced anglers may find this rod hard to associate. Control, line speed, loop shape and range are unsurpassed, but the angler must possess the skill to cast the fly rod, rather than expecting the rod to cast itself. It’s an executioner, not a school teacher.

   The rod will handle any saltwater fly line, but the caster must initiate each stroke with rapid acceleration because the rod resists deep flex and recovers with blazing speed. It wants to cast tight loops long distance in response to power. This is a lightweight rod that “swings light” and demonstrates remarkable accuracy with an unwavering level casting loop.

   In my hands, the Asquith 790-4 comes to life with a slightly heavy saltwater line. I preferred it with an SA Bonefish Plus over the regular Bonefish taper, as I could feel the Bonefish Plus pull a little deeper into the blank, flexing it smoothly and naturally, generating line speed more rapidly.

   My last observation is that I strongly prefer the new Asquith grip. The former model was too chunky for my medium sized right hand, but the grip on the 2026 Asquith is ideal in diameter and perfectly contoured. I think every angler will find the grip comfortable, whereas the former Asquith grip was favored by casters with large hands.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   I have been waiting to get my casting hand of the new Asquith 790 for a lot longer than I imagined. I finally got to line it up and take out behind the shop over the weekend. I did not get the chance to throw multiple lines on the rod, but I had an SA Bonefish taper and some time. The new Asquith 790 is an improvement over its predecessor in every way. The only complaint we could every muster regarding the original Asquith was the hardware. Grip, guides, strippers and reel seat have all been improved. The new Asquith 790 in my hands feels more refined, a shade quicker and a measure lighter. The 790 fills the same role in my mind as the former, a consummate 7 weight flats rod.

   The SA Bonefish WF7F was light for my liking on the rod, a Bonefish Plus WF7F is the better all around choice for the rod. The rod gave me the impression that it would handle any saltwater fly line, and it will handle the line in step with your casting ability. This is a high performance fly rod that requires some expertise to bring out everything it has to offer. The line leaps into the backcast and hangs there, like there’s an electric moment when the line straightens out, a little charge that travels from the end of the line to the casting hand at the moment. It is hard to deflect the rod and throw a bad loop. Loops come out long and level, with an intimate feeling of control and line speed. Technological refinement and a perfect relationship between taper and materials, the new Asquith rods just feel like nothing you’ve picked up before.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)