The Affinity Skagit (SK) two-handed fly rod blank was developed and tested with help from many experienced two-handed fly anglers from around the world.
The Affinity pedigree is unmatched – it’s our cornerstone fly series, with superior design, engineering and materials selection. A single VeroCore™ helical spiral is at the core of each 100% uni-directional carbon fibre Affinity Skagit. This type of structure is regarded as the most effective way of maintaining cross-section stability during bending.
Compared to the Affinity DQ: Affinity Skagit has slightly less flex (is stiffer) in the top 2/3, and has more flex (softer) in the bottom 1/3. This is done to more easily manage anchor release of Skagit shooting heads with heavily grained tips and heavy flies in tow, and to more easily manage dangle release of full sink classic Spey lines.
With Skagit shooting heads: The Affinity Skagit two-handed fly rod tapers come to the fore to manage the sustained anchor of extreme sink tips and heavily weighted flies with an absolute minimal amount of expended energy on the part of the caster. Line management of these lines (as with all shooting heads) is best done with a very economic short stroke, and underhand dominant.
With classic Spey tapers: The Affinity Skagit two-handed fly rod blanks are authoritative in the delivery of mid to long belly Classic Spey tapers, and will do especially well with full sink Spey tapers and heavy flies. Mid to long belly Spey tapers will inherently ask for a wider stroke. This is best done with an even high hand / low hand power push, and a slight underhand power at the end of the stroke.
(read about our five construction and fibre systems – HM, IM, HS, HSX, CG)
- Colours: Select from sanded finish (P2000), Clear Coat or a stunning array of Standard / Metallic Colour paints
As part of the International Year of the Salmon, CTS is donating $5 (NZD) from every Affinity SK sold to the Wild Salmon Center to go towards helping conserve wild salmon populations.
mark o. (verified owner) –
Haven’t built it yet but purchase and delivery was excellent – will report after I have fished it
James U. (verified owner) –
This is my second Affinity rod build. Took my 6/7 to Alaska and Canada with great success. Can’t say enough good things! Smooth, crisp action and a beautiful finish! I love the ability to select colors and end up with a truly unique custom rod.
Geir Arne J. (verified owner) –
Performs exellent fishing for atlantic salmon in the spring, on the big cold rivers, where heavy sinking scandi tapers is required. Deep loading with a powerful tip makes it easy to lift the lines out of the water. Material feels very stabile and gives a good precise feel when casting.
If the production time wasnt so long, i would give full score. Production time on the blank i ordered was very long. Took about 8 weeks to produce the rod blank.