G. Loomis Asquith 890

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   The term is “optimized.” While new Asquiths lack the “playful” quality found in some fly rods, they are clearly the product of elite material design. At a cellular level, they simply feel different from other rods. Weight is perfectly distributed in the blank so that the Asquith 890-4 feels lighter than its competitors. Casting engagement with the fly line is automatic, but the caster must approach the rod confidently, rather than tentatively.

   Like the 790-4, I preferred this model with an SA Bonefish Plus line, which loads the rod for short shots as well as the distance cast. Line speed is incredible. This 8-weight casts longer, tighter loops than any other. Anglers who fish slower action trout rods (Scott GT, Winston Pure, Sage R8 Classic, etc), will need to deliberately quicken their stroke to fall in stride with this al dente 8-weight, but every experienced saltwater angler will immediately recognize the design supremacy of this lethal fly rod.

   The butt section of this rod is extremely strong and gives the impression that it could easily handle most permit, stripers and other 9/10-weight class fish.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   I had the notion before I picked up this rod to cast that it had to be good, that it had to be the best, I was not disappointed. The new Asquith 890 fills the role of the preeminent saltwater 8 weight, like the coolest guy at the party that rolls in fashionably late and everyone wants to hate. Except he showed up with all the best spirits, made everyone laugh, and bought anyone a room that had too much fun to drive home. Hard to hate on that guy. Also hard to not enjoy watching perfectly poised loops rip out of the tip of this remarkable rod. An SA Bonefish Plus WF8F was all I could hope for. The casting experience isn’t a sit back and sip casually kind of thing, but more akin to what I imagine flying a jet fighter feels like. You can feel the line speed building to the point of chaos, but it is smooth and controlled simultaneously. The energy traveling through the rod to the line is something exclusive to this rod and has a feeling that I don’t recognize across all fly rods. While there is a tremendous amount of power in reserve in the new Asquith 890, it is so much more than a down and out line slinger. The touch and connection to the caster as the line leaves the rod gave me the sense of hauling line with my fingertips, and very fine movements seemed to express an inordinately positive result.

   If you are in the market for the most refined saltwater 8 weight, the new Asquith 890 should be at the top of your list. You know who you are, and you don’t just have one fly rod, probably not just one 8 weight for that matter. You are a discerning angler and don’t mind paying to have the bow to yourself for the day, because you choose to fly fish and you want the best experience. The new Asquith 890 belongs in your rod case.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)