MidCurrent Tested and Trusted: The Lamson Liquid Fly Rod
The Lamson Liquid is an all-purpose fly rod that performs well in a wide variety of angling situations. Photo: Chris Gerono
One of the hardest things about shopping for a new fly rod is finding the perfect one to suit your needs. With a wide variety of weights, actions, styles, and lengths available—and with many designed for a specific purpose—it feels like you need a different rod for everything. You need a rod for trout, a rod for bass, and a rod for panfish. You need one for dry flies, one for nymphs, and one for streamers. It just feels like finding one rod to do a bit of everything is harder than it should be—unless you have a Lamson Liquid Fly Rod.
As a fly-fishing guide, my discovery of the Lamson Liquid series came at a perfect time: during the peak of guide season. After using the rod only a few times, I realized I’d found a solution to having to carry a dozen rods with me at all times, so I could find one that would both suit the fishing conditions and techniques, as well as my clients’ casting ability. The Lamson Liquid fly rod is one of those rare fly rods that can do a bit of everything well.
The 5- and 6-weights (top) have a standard butt, while the 7- and 8-weights feature a fighting butt (bottom).
Smoothly Fast
The first thing I noticed when casting a Liquid rod was the action. A medium-fast rod, the Liquid seems to sit right at that perfect balance between power and accuracy. It makes the Liquid ideal for throwing long casts with heavy nymphs and streamers, as well as perfect for dropping small dry flies on top of a trout’s nose.
In addition, the action of the rod makes it ideal for beginners who are just learning to cast. The rod is both smooth and forgiving for anglers learning to work out the kinks. My clients have picked up casting quicker using Lamson Liquids than with any other brand or type of rod I’d ever used before. Yet the rod is still an incredibly useful and fitting tool for expert anglers who can really open the Liquid up and take it for a drive.
If you’re looking for a useful rod at a decent price, the Liquid is a solid choice. Photo: Chris Gerono
The Multitool
The other thing that sets the Lamson Liquid apart from other rods on the market is its adaptability. Along with its versatile action, the rod’s graphite finish and composite blended cork grip make it tough as hell and suitable for a day of multi-technique and even multi-species angling.
In a single day, I’ve used a Liquid to fish large foam dry flies in the morning, before switching to a heavy nymphing set up without the rod missing a beat. I’ve also used it to swing and strip small streamers and to cast tiny dry flies on spring creeks. This led me to push the limits a bit and I’ve now used my Liquid for bass and even for pike, without finding anything that the rod couldn’t handle.
Lamson also offers outfits that feature a Liquid rod and matching Liquid reel. Photo: Chris Gerono
Heck of A Deal
Perhaps the best thing about the Lamson Liquid rod is the price. While most fly rods with similar adaptability will cost you somewhere between $500 and $800, the Lamson Liquid retails between $200 and $220. (You can also get a rod-reel-and-case outfit for $350-$360.) This makes the rod ideal for those anglers who aren’t looking to spend an arm and a leg for a new do-it-all fly rod. Available in 5-weight through 8-weight, the Lamson Liquid one of the best deals on the market and the absolute perfect rod for fly anglers who have serious fishing needs.
