Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get out on the water since my trip to RMNP, family and work schedules are crazy and I will be heading for a business trip to NYC for the entire next week.
Anyway, my first impression is that it is compared to the Iwana 12ft noticeably heavier which it is, but not by much: 2.7oz (76.5grams) vs 3.5oz (100grams). I like the slightly longer cork grip that allows to adjust how and where you can hold the rod depending on the situation on the water. It casts nicely on the lawn with a furled lined, but the real test will show Amago's true identity on the water. The cork grip seems to be of good quality with few fillings, bug given the experience I had with the Iwana (some of the cork filling dissolved or became loose) I decided to seal the the cork with cork sealer that I had left from my previous fly rod building projects. The cork sealer is easy to apply with a brush and the cork is afterwards slightly darker, a more dark honey color which I personally like better than the original look of the cork.
The reason why I added the Amago to my arsenal is that I felt I needed a longer rod for the South Platte which is considerable bigger than the small creeks of RMNP where the Iwana is perfect. Also the trout in the South Platte are somewhat bigger and beefier, depending on the section a 18" fish is average with much bigger fish present.
I might be sneaking out tomorrow for a bit of fishing and will then post my first practical impressions of the Amago.
Stay tuned & Tight Lines, -K
Oh yes, someone else was excited too!
