MidCurrent Tested and Trusted: Backup 6-Weights from TFO and Echo Worth Fishing

The TFO Blue Ribbon 6-weight gets the job done against a big river walleye. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Really nice fly rods are great, works of peak craftsmanship built with premier materials and the latest technology. But regardless of price, fly rods break, and in my case, they break often. Having a backup ready and waiting is the difference between fishing and not fishing.

My primary tool for guiding and personal fishing is a 9-foot 6-weight. The 6-weight covers the gamut of bass, walleye, carp, stillwater trout, and just about any application that requires longer casts and some lifting power. Given my proclivity to breaking them (sometimes it is my clients and friends, too), and that I like to have multiple sink-rate lines ready on still water, I currently keep six 6-weights in the garage waiting to be called up. This has been a tough year on rods, and for me, that is saying a lot. As of this writing, three of my premium 6-weights are back for repair at their respective manufacturers, which means my lower-priced backups are seeing the primary share of the work.

Here are two cost-effective options that cover a wide range of species and applications and have proven capable of keeping me and my clients on the water when the top-shelf rods are out for repair.

Temple Fork Outfitters Blue Ribbon

The Blue Ribbon ($319.95) has become my favorite backup and sometimes gets primary billing, even when the premium players are still available. TFO lists it as a moderate-fast action, but on the water, it fishes a bit slower, with a smooth load that delivers surprising line speed. Its current role in my lineup is as a popper-dropper rod for bass in both ponds and rivers, paired with a RIO Elite Gold Max fly line. It is an aggressive taper for a rod this soft, but the combination turns over wind-resistant poppers and heavy jigged bass flies surprisingly well.

The softer tip and midsection make the fight a lot of fun, and the components have aged well with frequent use. The Wells grip is slightly oversize, which fits my larger hands nicely, and the hardware is double uplocking, a feature not often found at this price point. That extra lock provides confidence that a reel will not loosen during the fight or while you’re casting.

Where the Blue Ribbon falls short is durability in the mid-tip section. I have broken this section just below the ferrule five times. I do not like to blame a rod for breaks, since they are often the angler’s fault, but after multiple failures in the exact same spot, a pattern emerges. Fortunately, TFO’s warranty system is excellent. Replacement sections can be ordered and delivered within days, so the rod is rarely out of commission for more than a week. That quick turnaround matters, because this is a rod I genuinely enjoy fishing.

Echo Trout X

Lightweight design and power are the strengths of the Trout X. It is exceptionally light in hand, and the included carbon-fiber tube is equally lightweight, making it my travel rod of choice for work trips. When fishing is not the focus, but I can sneak in a few hours after meetings, this setup straps easily to a backpack, and adds almost no discernible extra weight to lug around. The balance of weight savings and versatility means more spontaneous fishing on new water, and less time sitting around in a hotel room.

The Trout X ($399.99) is much faster than the Blue Ribbon, and it is great at long casts with impressive accuracy for its price. It pairs well with a variety of line tapers but prefers a slightly longer head. The Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity is an excellent floating option, and the rod has no trouble managing full-sinking lines, either.

Where the Trout X shows its limitations is in the grip and reel seat. I strongly prefer a full Wells grip on every rod—I would choose a full wells on a 1-weight if it were available—and the narrow half Wells on the Trout X feels a bit awkward. The single uplocking seat and absence of a fighting butt are also notable drawbacks. I added a foam butt cap, which helps secure the locking ring and provides a functional fighting butt that braces against the forearm or midsection when battling hard-pulling fish. I have not managed to break the Trout X yet, which is saying something given my track record. When that day comes, Echo’s warranty is excellent, and the process of getting the rod back in shape should be quick.

The Trout X is lightweight, making it an excellent travel rod. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Dependable as a Spare, Strong Enough for the Starting Lineup

Premium fly rods are a joy to cast and fish, but when they are sidelined for repair, it is the backups that keep you fishing. Both the TFO Blue Ribbon and Echo Trout X provide reliable, cost-conscious options that cover a wide variety of fisheries. While neither is perfect, each has distinct strengths that make them strong pinch hitters until the premium rods return. For anglers who want a dependable six weight on hand without spending a lot, these rods are fun to fish, functional, and keep the day alive when mishaps arise.