Thomas&Thomas LPS Fly Rod Review
Thomas&Thomas LPS 7′ 6″ 3wt. Review
When considering the features that make a rod nice to fish with, one is left with lots of questions. Rod choice in ALMOST entirely subjective. By almost I mean that the poorest rods will seem that way to pretty much everyone. There are then, traits that make a good rod just that-good. As far as I’m concerned, it needs to function well under a good variety of fishing situations. Any criteria beyond that becomes an issue of money. The fit and finish, quality of components, warranty, rod tube/bag etc. There are also less tangible issues like pride of ownership, the pleasure of fishing a beautiful, purpose-built rod.
If there is a rod that evokes more of an emotional response than a Thomas&Thomas, I can’t think of it. The deep blue rod tube, polished aluminum end caps are just a hint about the quality of what awaits inside. From the dark anodized and engraved harware that bolsters the curly maple reel seat all the way to the tip top, the workmanship is second to none. Based on appearances, this rod could easily stand up to any i’ve ever seen. Sold on the aesthetics of the rod, performance was the next question. With all the fast action rods available (including other models by T&T), I wondered why anyone would choose an LPS. That is, I wondered until I had a chance to fish it.
As far as I’m concerned, a good rod is one that can be pursuaded to perform in any one of a number of different fishing scenarios. Back casting, roll casting, heavy, flies, wind etc. Before I’d even cast this rod, I was pretty sure it would be a nice rod for small trout and dry flies.
On my first outings with the rod, I found myself casting heavy nymphs into the swollen rivers of our early season. With a slight adjustment in the speed of the casting stroke, the rod cast beautifully. When a little more split shot was added, a quick haul on the forward cast propelled the line forward with lots of authority. The small trout I hooked in the first few ventures with the LPS were a blast to bring to hand. I did not, however, feel I could give a fair opinion on the rod until I’d hooked a fish that might better test the backbone of this fine little rod. That opportunity presented itself a little over a week ago. While fishing a nice run that has held some smaller brown and brook trout in the past, my line stopped suddenly. I set the hook on a hefty brown that was not as keen on meeting as I was. In the brave 4 second battle that ensued, the fish made short work of the 6X tippet I had forgotten to remove when switching to the nymph. Rigged with 4X fluorocarbon leader the following week, the outcome was much different.
The rod seemed to demand that you apply a good deal of pressure to a larger trout to keep them from shaking free. The exciting facet to that is that the full arc in the rod proves to be a fantastic shock absorber, responding quickly (and gently) to change in direction of a fleeing fish. The feeling was quite natural. The rod provided what can only be described as good feedback It has been a pleasure to fish, a pleasure to have in the field.
In the LPS, Thomas and Thomas has created a delicate, beautifully appointed rod with even more ability than they claim. It is truly a serious fly rod, built to provide an angler with a lifetime of service. It would be a great addition to any angler’s collection.
Related Link: Thomas & Thomas.com
