Stream Time - IM6 & AIR

I've had a few fishing trips up on Rainy Mountain that have given me plenty of stream time to acquaint myself with these two 7'6" 3wt Winston rods: the IM6 7'6" 3wt (3pc) and the Air 7'6" 3wt (4pc). Yeah, I've tested these often in the local park and have posted about them, but there is nothing like fishing a rod on an actual trout stream. Fishing the little Rio's is essential for me to really learn about a rod's characteristics with casting and managing a tight line with a trout. So, you know, there is a 32-year gap between these two rods, and yet, they both exhibit that fabulous 'Winston Feel' this angler appreciates.

The Winston IM6 7'6" 3wt rod (3pc) is a true creek rod that loads easily and can cast a line effortlessly, whether the target is close to my feet or out to 35 feet as is limited by my mountain rivers. This rod has magic, and I admit I'm spoiled to own it and fish with it. It just works in my stream environments perfectly. The IM6 is softer and more lively than its counterpart in the Air series. I feel like I'm romancing the stream when fishing with the IM6 rod, while the Air is more businesslike in personality.

When I'm casting with the Air 7'6" 3wt rod, I can immediately sense the stronger butt section of the rod. Yeah, that boron does make a difference between it and the IM6 stick. It doesn't load as easily down into the butt section, and I can feel the rod definitely has a firmer flex throughout the blank, as compared to the IM6 rod. I'll have to get on a larger stream from those on Rainy Mountain to truly flex the entire blank...there are some streams up north of here that will be a perfect fit for this 3wt rod. You can bet I'll be fishing on them this summer...