I can't remember for sure how long ago it was that I bought the Penta from Don...last Winter maybe.  Anyway, I opened the rod tube to see if it was still in there or if it went hitch hiking back to Texas.

The South Fork Snake River is just a few miles away and we have had some nice hatches lately.  There is a real pale Sulfur hatch on about a #14 and I tie up a pretty blond Cahill nock off to match and it worked pretty good tonight on a few LDR's.  I finally got a 15" Brown that wanted to dance all the way to my hands...so the Penta got some Idaho Mojo.


I used an old US Made Martin Classic 56 with a Rio WF 5.  I'd say it worked pretty good.  A 6wt would have been fine too.  A 5.5 might be perfect but with a bamboo, who cares.  The rod certainly would not...all I would have to do is adjust the cast here and there.  Bamboo is cool that way.


The 7' Penta certainly is or can be a Bamboo 'bugger chucker'.  I really doubt if the rod was meant to be a dry fly rod - But! it certain showed some real authority and when I did my part, 60 feet was simple and still land a #14 Cahill on the surface like a feather.  I think it is a streamer rod...sort of a Bamboo version of a Sage Smallmouth..but classier, but the Sage Smallmouth is no dry fly rod and it would be foolish to try it.  The Penta works pretty good as a dry fly rod when I need it too.


15" Brown in mid fight.


The South Fork of the Snake is a special river.  Parting shot here in fading sun.

I really need to fish that some time. that's the kind of water that yells "hey there's trout in here!"

Les

If you were getting 60 feet then you are in the groove. Did the rod meet your expectations for a big water rod? I thought it lighter in the hand than the sheer weight of the rod would indicate. It is a little hard to tell in the pix, but that is a wood grip and seat. However, with the titanium ferrules, it is smooth enough for dry fly work.

I am curious as to whether you could tell any difference in the tips? Don

I agree about the big hoppers, simis and bugs. I am not sure about the 6 weight line. A Rio 5.5 would do it for you, I think. However, if a 6 works, go for it. Did you notice how straight that tip tracks? I found that I was casting hooks with every cast when holding the rod at 60 degrees because the penta taper held to plane. Don