ORVIS Fly Rod Midge Custom #5 7ft 9inch 2 pieces Fly Fishing
The ORVIS Fly Rod Midge Custom 5 7’9″ 2-Piece is a specialized fly rod designed for precision and finesse in fly fishing, particularly for small streams or delicate presentations. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and ideal use cases:
Key Features:
1. Length & Action:
– 7’9″ (7 ft 9 in): A shorter rod offering excellent control in tight spaces (e.g., overgrown streams or small rivers).
– 5 Weight: A versatile mid-weight line rating, suitable for small to medium-sized fish (trout, panfish, etc.).
– Likely a moderate-fast or medium action, balancing sensitivity for delicate casts with enough backbone for accuracy.
2. 2-Piece Design:
– More durable than multi-piece rods, with fewer ferrules to weaken over time.
– Slightly less portable than 4-piece travel rods but offers smoother performance.
3. “Midge” Designation:
– Optimized for fishing small flies (midges, nymphs, dry flies) with delicate presentations.
– Great for technical situations where subtlety matters (e.g., spooky trout in clear water).
4. Custom Series:
– Likely part of ORVIS’s higher-end lineup (possibly vintage or limited edition), with premium components like a cork grip, lightweight reel seat, and high-modulus graphite.
Ideal Uses:
– Small Streams: Maneuverable under branches and tight spots.
– Spring Creeks/Tailwaters: Delicate presentations for wary trout.
– Dry Fly/Nymphing: Excels with lightweight rigs (size 16–24 flies).
– Short-Range Accuracy: Perfect for casting 20–40 feet.
Pairing Suggestions:
– Reel: A lightweight 4–5 reel (e.g., ORVIS Battenkill Disc).
– Line: Weight-forward floating line (e.g., ORVIS Pro Trout).
– Leader/Tippet: 9–12 ft leader with 5X–7X tippet for small flies.
Vintage Note:
If this is an older ORVIS model (pre-2000s), it may have a slower, more parabolic action compared to modern fast-action rods. Collectors and traditionalists value these for their smooth casting feel.
Would you like help identifying its era or comparing it to current ORVIS rods like the Superfine Glass or Helios series?