The TFO 10 90-2 Series 1 is a medium fast action fly rod designed to be an all around go to 10 wt. rod for use
in fresh and salt water. Its low price tag makes it a particularly attractive fly rod for the beginner or experienced flyangler alike.
TFO 10 90-2 Series 1
Rod Length
9'- 0"
Line Rating
10 Wt
Rod Action
Med-fast
Weight
4.7 oz
Material
IM-6 graphite
MSRP
$99.95
First Impressions:
The rod is finished with an attractive translucent dark green surface, a matte black aluminum reel seat with double up-locking rings and two stripping guides.
I found the rod to be well balanced with a large arbor reel(9-10 wt). I set up two spools, one with a 200 grain line and the other with a 400 grain line. The 400 grain line is the ideal line weight for a 10 wt rod. Casting any rod with different line characteristics is a reasonable way to assess a particular rods range of castability. I made several casts with both lines and found the medium-fast action taper
made for reasonably tight loops, long and accurate casts with the 400 grain line , whereas, the 200 grain line required an alteration in my casting stroke to achieve a reasonable cast distance. Overall, I was pleased with the rods performance, but needed to test the rod under real on the water conditions.
On the Water:
I first tested the TFO 10 90 on early run stripers wading and casting from the sand bars of the Little River in Gloucester, MA.
Casting a fly rod while in waist deep water(without a stripping basket)can be a real challenge. After an hour or so of lifting and casting a 400 grain line I was convinced the TFO 10 90 would make
a good addition to my arsenal of fly fishing gear for my charter boat. Throughout the summer months, my clients used the rod for stripers and blues. The rod performed well in most conditions with most of the anglers.
The only exception was casting into a 15 knot wind. A fast action taper would add an additionl 20-30 feet of distance. Later that season I decided to take the rod with me on a trip to Terrace B.C., Canada for Coho salmon.
The river fishing would allow for a different set of angling conditions than that of saltwater fly fishing. I used the rod with many different lines and presentation techniques and found the rod to handle them all. The TFO fished well, having sufficient sensitivity, hook setting backbone and fish fighting flex to handle the aggressive hard hitting coho salmon. All in all, the TFO 10 90 Series 1 fly rod is a very good choice in the
lower price niche.
TFO 10 90-2 Series 1
Construction-Quality
Tried and tested IM-6 graphite with an attractive translucent green finish.
4.5
Performance
A med-fast action rod, good in most wind and angling conditions.
4.0
Functional Design
Good quality cork handle with uplocking reel seat.
4.0
Price
A low to mid price range fly rod with quality workmanship and lifetime warranty.
5.0
Application
Good all around fly rod, will handle fish in the 10-40# range.
4.5
Score:1-5(5=highest)
Total Score
4.4
Plus
Minus
Quality
Durability unknown
Warranty
Price
Conclusion:
The TFO 10 90-2 Series 1 fly rod is a quality product and performed quite well given the small price tag.
