Aeroflex Freshwater

I recently purchased the Aeroflex 3 wt , 7’6” rod for casting dry flies in small streams. I had the opportunity to fish with it once so far. Casting and accuracy is fantastic! I can’t wait to get back out with it again!

Love my Diamondback Aeroflex 9' 5wt. For years, I have been a fan of the original Diamondback Aeroflex, and I still own several. I was looking forward to seeing what Joe and the Diamondback crew would do with this reimagined classic. What they have accomplished is beyond my expectations. The rod has the backbone and strength to deliver smaller streamers to "distant" fish all day but also has the accuracy and delicacy to use small dry flies up close.

Not only does it cast well in all condition, but it is also a blast to fish with. I have landed trout - both large and small and all sizes in between - as well as aggressive river small mouth bass. This rod handled them all very well.

Cosmetically, the rod is gorgeous. The blue-green blank, and blue-silver wraps are great. And the cork, and guides complement the overall design.

All-in-all and outstanding rod and great value.

I really enjoy my Aeroflex, and am looking forward to adding another (next time a 6wt) to my quiver.

Thanks.

Best long 3 weight I’ve fished

I purchased the Aeroflex based on my experience with the Ideal Nymph for trout fishing relatively small waters. The first time I used it, I was on slow waters about an hour before sunset and trout were rising on emergers in the middle of a light caddis hatch. I rigged the rod with 444 Peach DT on a 3x tapered leader that was stepped down from the tippet ring to 2' 5x and 4' of 7x and was able to cast size 18 Elk Hair Caddis 30' upstream. There was enough rod to unroll the whole leader and the fly would gently land on the water. A light line mend and the fly was drifting perfectly, without any significant slack in the line on the water. Hooksets were immediate and firm. I caught about 6 without a single missed hookset. I then turned around and started swinging soft hackles downstream. I caught about 15-20 more rainbows on the swing with solid hooksets. The largest was about 15" and the rod protected the light 7x tippet nicely. I broke one tippet on a large rainbow (not the rod's fault), but landed the rest pretty effortlessly. I'm really impressed with the rod and it performed much better than I expected. I think the only thing I wish was different was to have a slightly longer rod option. The 8' rod is kind of short for longer casts (My limit is around 80' with a very fast 9'5" rod) and makes mending and roll casts a little more technical, but if your cast has good fundamentals, the rod's potential will exceed the angler's abilities.

You can’t beat this rod for the price. I’ve used my 5 to throw size 22 tricos to small streaters in the greater Yellowstone area. Preformed better than any rod could. This rod has to be your next rod!