Winston BL5 9' 5 Weight
By Scott Clayton

As I was putting the finishing touches on the Stillwater Trout Fly Rods review I found out Winston was discontinuing their LT 3 piece line of rods. That was a little disappointing. Around the same time they announced their BL5 freshwater series. New for 1999 Winston introduced several additions to their BL5 rods including a 9' 5 weight all around trout rod.

Constructed from a boron/graphite composite the 5 piece rods in the BL5 series have very narrow butt sections. The strength of the boron makes this possible using less material thereby reducing the weight of the rod. The BL5 freshwater rods are primarily for salmon and steelhead in the longer lengths. The 5 and 6 weight rods are good choices for trout. According to Winston, the BL5 rods "are unquestionably the strongest rods we have ever made."

Even though I usually prefer a medium-fast action rod, I jumped at the opportunity to give the fast action BL5 5 weight a try.

Casting the BL5 in the short to medium range was a pleasure. When going for distance I was able to cast over 50' into a light breeze. With plenty of backbone this rod will easily cover normal fishing distances, and then some. The tip is super sensitive which will help protect even the lightest tippets. When casting several 5 weight rods side by side the BL5 felt lighter in hand. This rod definitely has the Winston feel, very smooth.

While playing a fish I enjoy a rod that flexes, allowing me to feel the animal at the end of the line. The soft tip of the BL5 was excellent in this category. I was able to catch fish ranging from 12" trout to a 21" striper using floating and intermediate sinking lines. Each one was enjoyable. I even managed to catch my first large mouth bass. At 6" it was nothing the brag about, but I enjoyed the new experience.

After using this 5 piece rod I'm ready to dump my 2 piece rods. This size is incredibly convenient especially when compared to 2 piece rods. The rod tube fit completely inside a duffel bag I use to carry my waders and fins.

The cosmetics are nice. However alignment marks would help ensure all 5 pieces are lined up. I liked the grip. I wish the rod had a hook keeper. At $695 the BL5 is not for everyone. It does come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Summary:
The BL5 9' 5 weight (5 piece) is an excellent all around trout rod. I'd use it on rivers and lakes. The packability of the 5 piece is tough to beat. The sensitive tip and Winston "feel" are definite pluses. If you have the means, this rod lives up to the Winston name for quality. When looking for a new rod, especially for travel, be sure to give the BL5 a cast or two.

Scott Clayton is the Fly Fishing Editor at GearReview.com.

For more information, contact:
R.L. Winston Rod Co.
Drawer T
Twin Bridges, MT 59754
406-684-5674
info@winstonrods.com