Marryat Tactical Pro #5/6 fly rod review

The Tactical Pro 9' #5/6 has an anodised aluminium up locking reel seat, AAA cork reverse half wells grip and is built on a matt black blank, with Fuji SIC and REC Recoil TM titanium/nickel guides. Black whipping with a turn of red thread and white alignment dots pick out the joints and make for a no nonsense, professional finish.
I wanted a new rod to use when giving lessons and casting demonstrations and the Marryat Tactical Pro fits the bill nicely. The rod is light and responsive with a fast recovery but a smooth progressive action that allows for nice loops at low speed and elegant presentation casts. When a long line is aerialised the rod bends into the butt and delivers distance with ease.
Historically I've tended to give demonstrations with a 'casting tool' not a rod I'd fish with, however I enjoy fishing with the Tactical Pro too. It's non reflective finish and progressive action is perfect for rivers and stillwaters delivering a fly with delicate precision at close range and having enough grunt to effortlessly cast a whole flyline (if that's your thing).
I have only two negative points: 1) The grip is a little too thick for my liking, but 30 minutes with a fine sandpaper sorted that out. 2) The rod tube is square with a zipped flap, square tubes are more easily crushed and the zipped flap offers little protection at the end (but my rods are probably more susceptible to damage than a recreational anglers).
These are small niggles and it certainly wouldn't stop me from recommending this rod, it's really very good, it fact it's excellent.
Retail price at time of writing £500

Available from www.flytyingcompany.co.uk​