The Atlantic Salmon Reserve: Fly-fishing Russia's Kola Peninsula

**boerie** · 10-02-08

Hi Herman

We usually begin the season with a double-handed 10/11 15 footer. A longer rod facilitates line control and fishing ergonomics. Some people do use single handed rods but they usually find it exhausting work. By mid-July I generally use a 9 ft 8 weight for dry fly fishing and a 12 ft double handed rod for the heavier flies and longer casts.

Its all boils down to what you are used to using but there is a great deal of controversy over which rod has more fish turning power. I'm not talking about a specific rod or brand of rod for that matter but the double handers vs. single handers equation. In my opinion you cannot beat a double handed rod for turning power and there is no doubt that a double hander has a lot more leverage which is precisely why some of the heavier saltwater boat fly-rods have a double grip and an extended butt. Many Anglers from across the 'pond' would beg to differ. I certainly wouldn't like to hook a 40lb + Atlantic on a single handed rod, it just wouldn't be fair to the fish! I few seasons past, an Italian guest played a fish for over 2 hours and lost it. Speaking to him afterwards, he vowed never to use a single handed rod for Salar during the spring weeks ever again!