Scott G2 Info

[seth dunn]

Hey folks-

I’m thinking of picking up a Scott G2 8’4″ 5-weight.  Thing is I can’t seem to find too many (read – none at all) reviews of this configuration.  I’d love to just go and cast one but none of the dealers in my area seem to have one in stock.  So short of that, I need some opinions on the G2 in general and if possible, this flavor.  My interest is really peaked by this length of rod because it seems like it would do well fishing dries as well as chucking some nymphs.

Thanks for any help you can give!

-Seth

[Tim Angeli]

Seth,

I believe there are some reviews of this specific rod if you search the archives on this board.

[none]

I’ve cast a 8.8ft #5 and a 9ft #5 G2 side by side.

It has been a while, but I do remember that the 8.8ft felt a bit softer than the 9ft version. I bought the 9ft because I wanted a rod that is delicate enough to cast a small dry fly as well as big nymph rig and the occasional streamer pattern. The 8.8ft seemed to me too much of a dry fly rod.

But maybe that’s just me…

So, not sure if the 8.4ft is even more softer?

[anonymous]

Seth,
If you can find one, go cast it.

[mike b.]

I’ve got the 884G, and I agree with Dave, I think it is one of the best rods made.

[bryan d. hulse]

I have a Scott G2 884. The only thing I can say bad about it is that all my other trout rods are collecting dust since I bought it. It is hands down the best rod I have cast for technical tailwaters. It straightens long leaders with ease and feels like a magic wand. I have a Ross Evolution 1.5 reel that balances awesome on it. If I were going to do a lot of nymphing, I might go with a 5 weight instead, but for my fishing, primarily small dries and midges with droppers, the rod is awesome.

[Zach Matthews]

I think the original poster was looking for info on the 8’4″ 5 weight G2.

[Zach Matthews]

Here’s Ian’s take; he’s forgotten his password.

I’ve lost the password for my IA account, I’ll reset it later.

In the meantime, here ya go:

I find it easiest to describe these rods from a design perspective, which can put some context on fishing applications, rather than throwing some random adjectives at you to try to characterize this rod.

We tend to think of the 8’4” G2 as a 8’6” rod with a few advantages. Taking two inches out of the tip allows us to build a rod that can load deeply but recover quickly, as there is less mass in the tip (which slows down recovery). A 8’4” rod has a pretty impressive fishing range, as its deep loading characteristics allow it to have great feel in close (and protect tippet), while its recovery speed creates surprising line speed to add some range at distance.

Obviously there are some compromises in mending and line control with a 8’4”, which make this rod more appropriate for smaller rivers where long drifts that require complex, long distance mends aren’t the norm. However, shorter rods do have an accuracy advantage.

One of my favorites in the 8’4” series is the 844/4. I really like that rod for technical dry fly fishing (long leaders, light tippets, small flies, spooky fish, etc.) The 844/4 matches really well with a 4 weight SA Trout, but gets really impressive at long range with a 3 weight GPX. If there isn’t going to be a lot of wind and I know I’m going up against tough fish, that’s the rod I take.

When I think of the G2 845/4, I think of Northeast/Catskills fishing. 8’6” rods are really well rooted in the Northeast tradition, and if you’re looking for a five weight that’s focused more on the dry fly side than nymphing, it’s a really great choice.

Hope that helps.

Ian

[seth dunn]

Thanks everybody, for your take on this rod and the G2 series in general.  I’ve located a dealer locally (which for me, means a 2.5 hour drive SW) that has one in stock; I’ll be heading down next weekend to fling some line with it.

Also, I really appreciate Ian’s take on the 8’4″ 5wt. specifically – good stuff!

Thanks,
Seth

[Juan Ramirez]

The year Scott has the original Scott G series 8’4″ 4wt. and 8’4″ 5 wt. 5 piece rods as their “Classics” line up.

[seth dunn]

Just a follow-up here; I was able to cast a couple of the Scott G2’s the other day and am really liking the 8’4″ 5-wt.  I think I’m going to plunk down the dough this weekend and pick it up – think it will go well with my Abel TR/2.  Anyway, if I can manage I’ll put some pics up along with my general impressions.

-Seth

[anonymous]

That’s a good setup. you won’t be dissapointed.

My 20 year old scott is a gem.

[jeff s]

I have 2 Scott G2 rods and love both of them.

[Author]

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