Review: Redington Tilt reel and Strike V2 nymphing rods

Euro-nymphing: it’s a description that has come to encompass a wide variety of modern river nymphing methods (French, Czech, Polish, Spanish). Yet it is the US-based tackle firm Redington that is at the forefront of innovation with its latest Strike rod series and Tilt fly reel.

Strike V2 nymphing rods

The Strike V2 range includes the most popular rod lengths and weights for euro-nymphing applications. Each has an unpainted, medium-fast blank and extra-sensitive tip, and is fitted with a down-locking reel seat. A host of features will bring joy to the heart of the dedicated nymph-fisher. The shaped handle with micro fighting-butt improves balance when tight-lining, an optimally positioned stripping guide prevents line slap, and double snake rings on the tip section stop fine tippets from wrapping around the blank while casting or mending a drift. The Strike V2 is a comprehensive package that offers specialist anglers superior presentation, control and sensitivity. 

Sizes: 10ft, 2wt (3.7oz); 10ft 6in, 3wt (4oz); and 10ft 6in, 4wt (4.2oz).

Tilt reel

This 4in ultra-large arbor reel is aimed squarely at the dedicated euro-nymph angler. Its anodised 6061-T6 aluminium construction has a full frame to stop thin lines and leaders from slipping between the frame and spool, and a narrow design for better line lay and faster retrieval. 

The spool releases with a push of the centre button to reveal a compact carbon-fibre disc drag, ideal for protecting the ultra-fine tippets required to catch grayling during the colder months.

Surrounding the drag unit are three 1oz removable weights that allow you to fine-tune the balance between rod and reel. To the uninitiated, this may seem excessive, but spend a day ‘high sticking’ with an ill-balanced outfit and you will quickly appreciate their importance. 

The weights can be added or removed with a 2mm Allen key via small screws on the reel’s reduced back plate. This is not a difficult procedure, but one best done prior to your fishing trip as loose screws on the bankside are a recipe for disaster.

A nice touch is the rounded reel seat, which allows long, French-style mono leaders to be looped around it for storage without fear of kinking the fine material.

Colours available are black, black/silver and garnet/gunmetal.

If euro-nymphing is your passion, Redington’s Strike rod and Tilt reel are well-built specialist tools with innovative features that will be well suited to your needs.

Redington Tilt reel, £299.99; Strike V2 nymphing rods, £399.99.

Contact: Guide Fly Fishing, 01977 681300; guideflyfishing.co.uk