Elkhorn Rods and Reels

Warren Steptoe – Steptoe Media – Queensland, Australia
Noted photo journalist and contributing writer - Australian fishing publications
Writes about the Elkhorn Traveller 4-piece 9 weight rod and the T-4 series reel  

"The Elkhorn rod and reel arrived today and they look great!  I have to say the presentation is
spot on for both.  The finish and attention to detail are a nice touch.  It just “looks like” good gear.

Now for the field test and as you know, I use GLX Loomis rods and believe that they are the standard
by which others can be judged.  I had a good cast with the outfit you sent up on both Saturday and Sunday and was quite impressed.  As you’d expect given the price differential, the Elkhorn rod does trail my favourite GLX in some ways, however it casts very nicely by any standard and, for the asking price, is really outstanding value for money.  I've used way more expensive rods than this which
didn't perform at anywhere near the same level.

The reel to my mind is even more impressive albeit without having given the drag a good workout at this stage.  It appears to compare favourably with competitors costing three and four times as much.
I intend to connect the whole outfit up to a few Moreton Bay long-tail tuna and am quietly confident there'll be no problems there.  On the basis of the “performance for dollar” issue which began our whole discussion, I think you're on an absolute winner with the Elkhorn fly rods and reels.”

It is versatile in that it can generate some serious line speed for a long distance cast and also for punching those lines into adverse windy conditions.  By dampening the casting style, the rod becomes smooth for accurate presentation and line pickup is also very good. The Elkhorn Traveller XF rod are light, responsive, sensitive and balance throughout the casting range, long or short.  

Briefly these rods and reels are high performance for the price, great quality, well constructed and brilliant value for money.  Better still, the no nonsense guarantee that is offered with friendly service.

Darren Hammersley – Launceston, Tasmania writes about the
Elkhorn Traveller 4 piece / 7 weight / 10 foot fly rod

This is a magnificent rod!  I purchased this in early December 2006 and thus far have caught about
80 trout using this rod.  When casting a single fly in a traditional style, this rod casts a mile and is
both smooth and accurate.  We also use a “three fly” method and the rod handles this with ease.
This is just a great fly rod and I will be recommending these to the other members of my fly fishing club here in Tasmania.  Thanks for all your help. 

Deanna Birkholm - Publisher "Fly Anglers Online" answers our inquiry June 25, 2006

The original owner of Elkhorn (Tom Clinkenbeard) had the right idea, and he did grow it very nicely.  Brian Chavet was a friend who then bought it from Tom.  He is giving excellent service, and the rods are, in my opinion, better than average at the price.  Side by side they are just a tad heavier than for example, a Sage of the same length and weight, but a small sacrifice for the price difference.  We thought the 4 piece travel rod was very nice.  The cane rods are great!  Beautifully made, cast smoothly and accurately.  For the price I don't think anyone can match them at all.  We have both
seen and cast them.I don't think you would be disappointed with the rods - or the service from Brian.

Jeff Taylor - USA writes about an Elkhorn Rod and Reel

"I bought a T3 reel and 6/7 wt. fly rod at the Bellevue show this year. I really love it. I took it to Argentina and let the guide cast it. He casts many high end rods that his clients show up with. When I told him the cost of your rod he was blown away. He felt it cast as well as anything he has used. I passed on your info to him. Congratulations on a great product at a price guys like me can afford."

Wayne Bigelow  - USA writes about Elkhorn Rod and Reel Customer Service

"Thank you so much for the lightning fast help with my fly rod! I couldn't believe how fast my rod
was returned. To top it off, your people went above and beyond my requests. The cork handle had taken a beating in some tough fishing in the Baja and I guess your people noticed that and took care
of that section of the rod as well.  Brian, know that I will be a walking promoter of your equipment
out here in the Pacific Northwest. I belong to a large fly fishing club, the Clark-Skamania Flyfishers,
and I'll be singing your praises every chance I get. We have a casting clinic this Saturday where I
will demo my Elkhorn rod and the fine treatment I received from you."