Gorge Fly Shop Blog: Winston Air TH Spey Rods

For decades, Winston has been revered and sought after as the rods that combine the right amount of feel and power in a two-handed rod. The blend of high modulus graphite, Boron and premium hardware have made these Green rods favored worldwide

Today we have the New Winston Air Spey Series.

This new collection of rods encompasses the blend of Boron III technology, Super-Silica Nano Resin, High Modulus Graphite, Flor Grade Cork and the high end components never to be seen before in a Two-Handed rod. Winston, located in Twin Bridges Montana, is the only company to harness all these materials into a hand-crafted rod.

Brian Silvey and Michael White have worked in calibration with Annette McLean, Senior Rod Designer at Winston to bring 10 new models to market. Without a doubt, these rods have a feel unto themselves. This new feather weight feel is noticed by simply putting them together. The first shake of the rod gives the caster an indication of its sweet action. Like treasured rods of the past, the deeper deflection or “Winston Feel” is certainly apparent in the Air TH range.

With this said, this by no means the action is “slow”. These rods have a wonderful observed load sensation, giving the caster enormous feel but with stunning recovery. This precise load gives the caster reference as to what is happening during the casting stroke. These reference points are important in anchor point set up, the swivel to the key position or forward stroke.

The caster is executing the cast on feel, allowing the tempo to be created in a natural way. The incredible light weight action really highlights the Super Silica Resin System, allowing for a feather like feel. Rod line weights are consistent in each family and are appropriate for their line designation.

Here are write ups in regards to the all-new Air TH Family:

12’0” 5wt Air Spey-

This rod is on the upper end of what we would consider Trout Spey or a light summer run steelhead rod. This rod is perfect when you need a bit more power than the 5wt Micro Spey. While they are both in the 5wt category the 5wt Air will comfortably carry a bit heavier line, thus being able to cast a slightly heavier tip and fly. Reel Match- Bauer RX 4 Micro Spey. Line Match- Skagit 390gr. / Scandi 360gr.

11’ 6” 6wt Air Spey-

Small but mighty could be the mantra for this little dagger. This rod is not afraid of the bottom hand, speed or distance. While being the shortest in the family, this rod carries a big punch. Go through the motions and this rod is an easy caster. But you can push this rod and it doesn’t’ mind one bit. Great rod for the Grande Ronde, John Day, Rogue River summer run steelhead fisheries. Reel Match- Bauer RX 4 Micro Spey. Line Match- Skagit 420 gr. / Scandi 390gr.

12’6” 6wt Air Spey-

This rod configuration will always have a home in any spey rod line up. This new 6wt will be a delight on any summer run steelhead stream. Casting dry lines to sink tips, this rod is the quintessential summer steelhead stick for the angler looking for the dialed set up. This rod is not to be overlooked in the trout spey arena as well. The traveling angler could easily add this rod for Alaska, South America or larger flies for the Western States. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 450 gr. / Scandi 420gr.

13’3” 6wt Air Spey-

Magic! This rod is going to become a quick favorite for summer steelheaders across the Northwest. Anglers have been asking for a longer 6wt to carry longer heads and greater mending capabilities. With Winston always having iconic rods in the 13’3’ length this one just seemed like a natural evolution. So light in hand this rod loves Scandinavian lines with touch and go casts. Not sure if a single spey rod has ever been more fun! Reel Match: RX 5 or Classic Spey RX5. Line Match: Skagit 420gr. / Scandi 390gr.

12’3” 7wt Air Spey-

With spey lines trending toward shorter and shorter head lengths this new 7wt certainly is at home with short Skagit’s or Scandi lines. This rod will be right at home on coastal rivers where obstructions behind the angler are prevalent. This shorter rod is the perfect stick to cast all varieties of flies and lines and get into places that require creative casting. Also, the perfect choice for an angler that needs a rod for smaller water would be wise to consider this 7wt. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 510gr. / Scandi 450gr.

13’3” 7wt Air Spey-

If the anglers of the world where to convene and vote for Hall of Fame Spey rod the Winston 13'3" 7wt B2X would be a certain nomination. This configuration of length and line weight has been a home run with both the B2X and B3TH. Enter the new 13’3” 7wt Air Spey... This new model has all the characteristics of previous models: lots of feel, light weight, good grain window, easy to cast, fun, responsive, powerful…. But, its lighter, crisper and just a delight to cast. This is certainly the Do-It-All spey rod from Winston. Dry lines, sink tips, multi-density tips, little flies, big flies, short casts, longs cast, big fish, little fish this rod will do it all. The ultimate Anadromous spey rod if you are going to own one. Reel Match: RX6 or Classic Spey RX6. Line Match: Skagit 510gr. / Scandi 450-480gr.

12’3” 8wt Air Spey-

The Big Brother to the 12’3” 7wt Air TH. 8wt rods are seeing a bit of resurgence in the Pacific Northwest and are not just viewed as a B.C. rod. Anglers that are casting larger flies and heavier tips are enjoying the increased power while have a very light rod in hand. Again, this shorter format will allow for increased movement in tight quarters or smaller rivers. Per the normal tread, if British Columbia Steelhead is in the plan, this is a go to rod. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 540gr. / Scandi 480-510gr.

13’3” 8wt Air Spey-

This last new addition to the “One-Thirty-Three” collection, and frankly, is an exciting new rod. For all the reasons we love the 13’3” 7wt we will get more power here. This is the perfect big water, big fly, big fish rod. The rod is going to perform outstanding on B.C. rivers such as the Bulkley, Kispoix, Dean, Sustat, Skeena to name a few. Anglers looking for a winter rod to carry big flies, heavy tips a long way will love this rod. This is a great answer to the angler that is constantly pushing the limits with their 7wt. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 540 gr./ Scandi 480-510gr.

14’6” 8wt Air Spey-

Long Belly casters are going to slap some high-fives all around and rejoice for this long 8wt. Whether your studying for your CI from the FFI or just want to blast some 100 footers on the Clearwater, this is your stick. This big boomer might not be for everyone, but for those that want to strip less and cast more, this is your baby. Long Belly lines are at home with this rod. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 540gr. / Scandi 510gr.

12’9’ 9wt-

Quiet possibly the most glaring whole in the previous Winston Spey line has been a powerful, yet manageable 9wt. This rod is built for big fish, whether they come from the Atlantic or Pacific. The short lever is perfect for fighting big fish and will not wear you out casting all day. Get your T-14, T-17 and 5 inch fly out and put it into flight. If you’re into the green sticks and love King Salmon, this new arrival is waiting for you to put it into the game! Reel Match: RX 7 or RX7 Classic Spey. Line Match Skagit 540-570 gr. / Scandi: 510gr.
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Find Winston Air TH Spey Rods at "The Gorge"