G.Loomis fly rods have been around now for 26 years and have set bench marks in design many have tried to follow. A few years back Loomis introduced the 5 weight Max GLX and this series has now expanded to encompass 4-6 weight rods.

I will go on record now and say that these fly rods are NOT for everybody as they have a very fast design and hence not too forgiving. I have owned my 4 weight since their release in Australia and over the last week in Tasmania I have had the first real opportunity to put it through a solid week of fishing in very varied conditions and fishing environments.

Now some of the days proved testing with some miserable winds; although not too strong. This rod is teamed with a Teeny LaFontane WF4F fly line mounted on either a BFR Modula M55 reel or a Snowbee XS. Unlike in NSW, you can use up-to three flies and this proved no problem. It did not matter if I was casting three weighted nymphs or, combinations of dry flies and nymphs, the rod handles all of the loads presented to it.

Now we have established the Max GLX 4wt will perform when grunt was necessary, how was the delicate presentation scenario? BRILLIANT!!! This however is where a disciplined casting stroke comes in; less is definitely best. These rods load very quickly with a very limited casting stroke. Leaders of up-to 15 feet proved no problem to deliver to skittish fish in very shallow water even in a variable breeze.

I know that bream and flathead don't inhabit your local freshwater stream or lake however, it is worth a mention that last Christmas I used this same rod to deliver small clouser flies of up to size 6 using an intermediate 5wt line. This will show that flies such as medium BH Woolly Buggers and the like are easily handled for trout.

If you are a lover of fast design fly rods and are looking to invest in a top shelf stick, this is a cracker. G.Loomis has delivered yet another beautiful fly rod.