Blank lin by Mr Gary Loomis!

I finally got the chance to put the proto Goulven suggested I build last winter through its paces: a flax fiber blank, a prototype from Gary Loomis. Suffice to say, I was as excited as a flea at the idea of putting it through its paces... It's now done!

For the technique, it's a "rolled" blank whose carbon has been replaced by linen fiber (you read that right, linen, like the beautiful shirt or pants you put on on summer evenings for social barbecues ^^). This prototype has unusual dimensions: a 16mm thick butt, a 2.2mm tip and a length of 7'9 for a power of 6 (estimated as I had no indication of the blank's power), that's how conical it is. For assembly details, take a look at the forum by clicking on this link => viewtopic.php?f=9&t=6546

[caption id="attachment_1054" align="aligncenter" width="640"] This blank lin is simply gorgeous.... With an inimitable old school style[/caption].

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So I decided to take this exceptional blank to the Domaine de Coyolles, where I'd be sure to hit some fish when fishing Sight nymphing and Dry fly (2 techniques I'm particularly fond of).

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In the morning, despite the wind, I fished the surface with some success, I was able to string together some combative fish.

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The afternoon fishing will be under the surface with a small light nymph or worm imitation will allow me to fight several nice fish

[caption id="attachment_1057" align="aligncenter" width="640"] These beautiful bows allowed me to test this blank in combat. The result: pure Pleasure[/caption].

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What strikes you at first glance is that this blank lin looks like hell. It won't go unnoticed!

"What about in action?" you might ask. In fact, when you first pick it up, you'll notice that the action is somewhere between split bamboo and fibreglass. It couldn't be more parabolic. One thing's for sure: the action of this blank will not suit anglers who swear by Fast and X-Fast blanks and modern Fly fishing techniques. Spreading long leaders (over 6 m) is not really its cup of tea. The core business of this linen blank is short- and medium-distance dry fly fishing. It's a blank you have to let work, you have to give it time to load up properly and not hesitate to accentuate the rear blocking before shooting forward. But once the right rhythm is set, it's a real pleasure to fish with this rod. What's remarkable about this blank is that, despite its particular action, there is no parasitic vibration. The result is perfect line control and straight, precise casts.

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In combat with a beautiful fish, the blank reveals itself: it bends, it's round, and the high flex fatigues the fish alone and very effectively absorbs the headbutts of an angry rainbow. In short, it's super fun!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArpHyXYmCJw

I think you've understood that I really enjoyed riding and fishing this exceptional blank. It really is a "Pleasure" object for taking your time at the water's edge and catching half a molle with every fight with a fish ^^. I'd like to remind you that this blank lin is a prototype and will never be marketed as such. The blanks that will be offered for sale will come in 3 sizes: - 3wt 7' 9" 3 pieces - 4wt 8' 2" 3 pieces - 7wt 8' 6" 3 pieces

I invite you to take a look at the website of our friends at EDGE Rod's where you'll find more info on the design of this forward-looking blank: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/58 ... ary-loomis I'M BLANK LIN.