boron fly fishing rods

Sharpe’s of Aberdeen Aquarex 13’#9 3pc Fly Fishing Rod

The Sharpe’s of Aberdeen Aquarex 13′ 9 3-piece fly fishing rod is a specialized salmon fly rod designed for two-handed casting, commonly used in Spey or switch rod techniques. Here’s what you should know about it:

Key Features:
1. Length & Action:
– 13 feet – Ideal for Spey casting, offering long-range control and mending capabilities.
– 9 weight – Suited for large salmon, steelhead, or saltwater applications where heavy lines and big flies are needed.

– 3-piece design – Portable and travel-friendly while maintaining strength.

2. Construction & Materials:
– Likely built with high-modulus graphite (common in Sharpe’s rods) for a balance of power and sensitivity.
– Designed for traditional Spey lines (e.g., Scandi, Skagit) or modern shooting head systems.

3. Intended Use:
– Primarily for Atlantic salmon fishing in big rivers (e.g., Scotland’s Dee, Tay, or Norwegian rivers).
– Can handle heavy sink tips and large tube flies.
– Suitable for coldwater conditions where distance and line control are critical.

4. Vintage vs. Modern:
– If this is an older Sharpe’s rod (pre-2000s), it may have a slower, more parabolic action suited for classic cane or fiberglass techniques.
– Newer models (if still in production) would be faster and optimized for modern lines.

Reputation:
– Sharpe’s of Aberdeen was a respected UK tackle maker, known for quality salmon rods.
– The Aquarex series was typically mid-to-high range, favored for durability and smooth casting.

Pairing Suggestions:
– Line: A long-belly Spey line (e.g., Rio Spey or Guideline Scandi) or a Skagit setup with sinking tips.
– Reel: Large-arbor reel with strong drag (e.g., Hardy Marquis, Lamson Speedster) to balance the rod.

Considerations:
– Condition: If used, check for ferrule wear, guide wraps, or blank damage.
– Alternatives: Modern equivalents include rods from Loop, Sage, or Guideline.

Would you like help with setup recommendations or identifying its era?