The G-Loomis FR10812-3CC 12 wt Cross Current is a well designed big fish fly rod and an excellent choice if you’re after sharks, big dolphin, tarpon, school sized tuna or roosterfish. This is especially true when you are on the boat-side of the surf; this rod has the vertical lifting power to handle it.
The rod is finished with an attractive dark olive gloss surface, dark brown guide wraps, high quality gold finish anodized aluminum reel seat with double up-locking rings, two extra large alconite ceramic stripping guides, and hard chrome snake guides. The high quality cork grip has been tapered down to a small diameter (note picture comparison) at the back end near the reel seat to allow for a more complete finger wrap; this should improve the casting stroke through improved wrist rotation.
On the Water:
I purchased the FR10812-3CC 12 wt Cross Current for use on my charter boat in our pursuit of school sized bluefin tuna. “Running and gunning” for tuna is very challenging as well demanding on skill level. School tuna charge to the surface during their feeding orgies and will stay on the surface for a short time, sometimes only seconds. So if you’re going to fly cast for these super fast fish, you’ll need a rod that will load quickly, cast accurately and for distance. I wanted to test the rod under actual offshore fishing conditions, that is, chasing tuna! I set up my Abel 4G with a Teeny 650 grain line and set out to cast the rod on the open water several miles off shore. The wind was a steady 15 knots and the seas were a normal 3-4’. I stripped off the entire 100’ of fly line into a 5 gallon pail (to reduce fly line “bird nesting”) and made several casts with the wind at my back to get my stroke going. I quickly gained an appreciation for the stiff, fast taper action of the rod. The rod/line combination loaded in only two strokes and I easily emptied the pail. Next, I positioned the boat so that the wind was crossing opposite to my casting side and repeated the casting. Again no problems, two strokes and all the line out and on the water! Finally, I positioned the boat so that the cast would be directly into the 15 knot breeze. Casting into wind reduced the two stroke distance to about 85’, an acceptable loss of 15’. More often than not, the time it takes to make an accurate cast is more important than the absolute distance.
Later that day I had several opportunities to cast the rod to several small groups of tuna. My distance and accuracy were excellent, my presentation, however failed to get me a hook up. I did have one fish turn on the fly, but no take. Unfortunately, (for me) I did not get the opportunity to test the FR10812-3CC 12 wt Cross Current fish fighting power this past season, but fully expect too next season! So, if you’re skilled (and lucky) enough to make the perfect cast and are rewarded with a hook up, the rod will have to provide reliable fish fighting power to bring a bluefin to the boat and then up from the depths without failure. I fully expect this rod to be up to task. (Note: I will add a supplement to this review when the testing is completed.)
FR10812-3CC
Construction-Quality
An advanced graphite composition,thicker blank wall for stronger vertical lifting, "mid"-range modulus and power rating. Finished with all high quality components and with a custom-fitting rod sock and Cordura® nylon-covered hard case.
4.8
Performance
A stiff- fast action rod, excellent casting distance.
4.9
Functional Design
A "purposely" well designed big fish rod.
4.9
Price
A medium high priced fly rod with high quality workmanship and components.
4.8
Application
Excellent BIG FISH fly rod, specifications are matched for its intended purpose, to maximize casting effectiveness and performance.
4.9
Score:1-5(5=highest)
Total Score
4.86
Plus
Minus
Performance
Quality
Warranty: The FR10812-3CC is covered by a limited warranty against defects in workmanship and materials for the lifetime of the original owner.
Conclusion:
The FR10812-3CC is a G Loomis quality product with excellent performance and warranty.
