I like diving down rabbit holes and when Kyle Vang gave me a heads up that he was working through a series of reviews of his ever growing collection of C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. fly rods for a few posts on his Instagram, I asked if he would consider compiling all of his notes for a post on T.F.M.
So, if you ever wanted to know a bit about nearly every fly rod model
that Chris Barclay has taper designed and built in his shop, this post is
it.
I'll never let go of my Synthesis Series 68 and you can visit these posts for on the reasons why...
SOMEWHERE UNDER THE RHODODENDRON
A DAY IN THE DRIFTLESS WITH A COUPLE OF FAVORITE 3-WEIGHTS
Slow scroll, read, and take notes on which one(s) you might want to have for your own collection.
Hello to all Fiberglass Enthusiasts far and wide...
This is my attempt to do a short collective review of the premium fly rods that I own from Chris Barclay at C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. I've been a big fan of Chris' since 2015 when I was a poor graduate student. I officially bought and received my first C. Barclay fly rod in 2022, which was a 8'2" 4/5 Tailwater Special. Since then, I've had the opportunity to come across many good fly fishermen friends who share the same passion for premium fiberglass fly rods. A handful of them who've let me picked their brains, which I still chat with 'til this day. Also having the opportunity to speak to Chris himself, who I consider to be good friends with, and also being patient with me pestering him with infinite questions. Thanks, Chris!
I've come to amass a decent amount of glass rods, sold a few, and regretted a few of them. You know how that goes. But the rods that receive the most questions are my C. Barclay fly rods, thus leading to this review. Let me preface this by saying that this review is based on my experiences and how I attempt to describe these rods to the best of my abilities. I know for sure that I pale in comparison to a lot of great fly fishermen out there. Here we go!
In this review, you'll hear me say "Authoritative Tip". By this I mean a tip that is not soft. It's firm, strong yet smooth. You can push the rod and the loops won't collapse as you shoot line. The loops stay tight and the fly lands EXACTLY where you want it to. I like to call it "casting with your eyes." My eyes see it there, and the rod delivers. Instinctual casting.
Chris Barclay describes all of his rods as, "Not necessarily progressive or parabolic, the best of all synthesized into a new classic. Smooth and unhurried with quick recovery. Responsive tip, mid and butt sections. You feel the cast and the fish."
This is exactly it. Some days when I fish Chris' rod, it feels progressive with a dash of parabolic. The longer I fish it, the more progressive it becomes. That is until I move onto another of Chris' taper, then that rod is even more progressive than the previous. A bit confusing to understand if you have not cast a few of Chris' fly rods.
60 - THE SCOUT - A 6' 2-weight in 4-pieces. This is a very sweet casting rod. It has a dash of parabolic in it, but still enough progressive bend in the blank to allow you to push it more than the 66. The "hinge" of the blank doesn't start to bend until about 18-19" from the bottom of the blank. I say it is 80% progressive and 20% parabolic. "Probolic" and "Paragressive" as the Mrs calls it. Sometimes I wonder if the rod is truly progressive, and that I "think" I feel a dash of parabolic in it because it's a smaller rod at 6'. I'm not sure if this is just me or the rod? Being only 6' in length, it can't be pushed too much for distance or your loops start to fall apart. It's not built for that. It is perfect for those tight spaces where you have little room to cast, bow and arrow casts, casting on your knees and super finicky small stream trout! It's also very fun on ponds for bluegills and smaller bass in the spring, summer and fall!
66 - THE GILA SPECIAL - This is a 6'6" 2-weight and this fly rod leans heavier on the parabolic spectrum. I've read that the feel of the 66 is stated as "Interesting." It's probably the most parabolic fly rod that I have from the C. Barclay Synthesis Series, similar to that of the 82, but lighter and smoother since it's shorter and in a 2-weight. There is a hinge at about 18" from the bottom of the blank. This is where the blank starts to engage with the stiffer mid-section from the softer butt-section. The tip of the rod is a medium stiff (if that makes any sense) and helps with hook sets and controlling fish. This rod cannot be rushed and is such a delight for casting foam flies to panfish and small stream trout. You have to SLOW down, but it's not a snail kind of slow. It's more of a smooth rhythm slow, where you actually enjoy and savior it. Once you get into the rhythm of casting the rod, it's very enjoyable. I love setting the hook on this rod and waiting for that tight contact you get when you connect with the fish! There is just something about it that is SO addictive! Perhaps because of the parabolic taper, it slows down that moment when you connect. That feeling is exemplified with this rod. This rod, along with the 60, are true to weight and does well with a WF/DT2. When I asked Chris how he intended the 66 to be built and fished, he replied that he enjoyed his lighter rods with a cigar grip, but will make them with a small ritz grip per request.
603 PROTOTYPE - This is an EXTREMELY fun rod. The Mrs describes it as a grown man's toy, because it is exactly that! This rod is progressive and slightly semi-parabolic. It's got a good backbone for a 3-weight. I'd call it progressively semi-parabolic. Much more progressive, but not quite as semi-parabolic as you think! I'd venture to say it is 90% progressive and 10% semi-parabolic. It is an excellent blend of the two. This fly rod doesn't like to be pushed, but it CAN be. To a certain point of course, as it is 6' long. It is similar to the 60, but firmer and faster and can handle size 10 foam flies. It is one of my favorite rods and I am sad to say it is a 1 of 1. I'd love for other glass enthusiasts to enjoy this rod with me. It is the prototype to Chris' 6'2" 3-weight. It is a true 3-weight, but can handle a WF/DT4 if you need it to. I feel that rods at 6' are very hard to do as most are overly progressive and become too stiff. This fly rod along with the 60 are perfect examples of 6' rods that are done correctly. Smooth and unhurried.
68 - THE BLUE RIDGE SPECIAL - This is a 6'8" 3-weight in 4-pieces. I believe this rod is the cornerstone of Chris' Synthesis series. If you were to only get ONE C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. fly rod (or two, 70p!), this would be it. It captures all of Chris' passion, experience, and essence of small stream fiberglass fly rods into a small, light package. A fly rod he wanted everyone to enjoy with him. This fly rod is progressive at short to medium distances and becomes semi-parabolic when shooting line. It's quick and has a stable tip for recovery and accuracy. It is as exactly as he describes it to be. It is true to weight and handles a WF/DT 3 and even a WF/DT4 very well.
68L - THE BRUSHY CREEK SPECIAL - This fly rod is mostly known as the 68L, which is a 6'8" 3-weight 3-piece LIGHT. It is a strong smooth progressive with a strong authoritative tip. The blank bends progressively throughout, but isn't stiff. It has the backbone to bring in a three pound bass with no complaints. It is much firmer in action compared to the 68 Blue Ridge Special 4-piece. I'll also use this fly rod with an integrated 150 grain Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Skagit to single spey to local smallies and panfish on a warmwater stream on a hot summer day. One of my favorite things to do! This rod does very great with a WF/DT 3 and WF/DT4. These two rods pair up very well together and you can choose your flavor depending on where you fish. I've used mine for trout and bass and it keeps on bending and bending. Amazing duo.
633SP - This is a 6'3" 3-weight Semi-Parabolic fly rod. This is such a cool rod and is one of Chris' new tapers that he's cooked up! These are different from Chris' 64p, 70p, and 75p, as they're slower and fuller flexing, but with equal recovery. The original 64p, 70p, and 75p are quicker and has a heavier feel especially the 70p and 75p. Chris describes these new semi-parabolic rods as having a "double-hinge" to the taper. It has a stiffer tip and a softer mid section. I find this to be true with the 633sp, though it may not be as noticeable in the 633 as the 733. Chris says the 733 is a little bit slower/more delicate. The 633 is true to weight and handles a WF/DT3 and WF/DT4 very well with no complaints. It is very similar to the 603 Prototype, with the 633sp having the hinge in the taper and the 603 Prototype being more progressive throughout the blank. Think of the 633sp as the size and weight of the 603 Prototype with the feel of a 70p! It is very capable and feels like it can handle BIG fish. In our previous conversations talking about glass rods, he said if I enjoyed the 66, I'd probably enjoy these new semi-parabolic rods too. He was right!
703 - This fly rod is a 7' 3-weight 3-piece and it is VERY close to the 68L vs the standard 68-4 piece BRS. It's built to stand in between the 68 and 72 models. It is a strong smooth progressive taper with a strong authoritative tip. During casting, it bends and flexes progressively throughout the blank. It is definitely a strong 3-weight and handles a WF/DT 3 and WF/DT4 very well. Chris modeled this rod after an old Winston Stalker 7' 3-weight and I think he nailed it! It's true to weight and can handle small dries and decent foam flies and micro streamers! Think size 10 and 8!
70P - This is a 7' 3/4-weight in 4-piece. This fly rod is a classic and is world renowned. It's one of the best fiberglass rods you can own. Chris describes it as smooth, medium-fast semi-strong semi-parabolic. I can't explain it any further than what Chris describes it as. It's very unique and different compared to the synthesis series. When I first held the rod and did a test wiggle, I went, "Hmm?" I then proceeded to lawn cast it and said to myself, "I understand now." It's that good! The 70p is semi-parabolic, but if I was not aware of Chris' description, I would've said it was progressive. I have a hard time explaining this rod because there is nothing like it. You have to experience it for yourself. I can't do this rod justice at all, but those who know about the 70p, know all about it. Despite it's short length, it's a great do it all rod. This rod does well with a WF/DT3 and WF/DT4 depending on what you like and the situations you come across. Chris says the only way to get one is on the used market at this point in time. I hope he continues these in the future. I'd like to have two!
72 - THE DRIFTLESS SPECIAL - This rod is very interesting because when I first felt it and did a wiggle test, there was a dash of "parabolic-ness" to it, just a dash. I seldom feel it nowadays, but I still remember that initial feeling. To me now, it's a progressive rod. What is interesting with Chris' fly rods is that the more you fish it, the more progressive it becomes, until all that's left is a progressive action. This rod also has an authoritative tip and bends progressively throughout. It is similar to the 703, but perhaps a pinch slower as it is a 4-weight. It is a true 4-weight and handles a WF/DT 4. I've tried it with a WF/DT5, and the rod slows down significantly. Having experienced the Synthesis series, I wished I would've went with this taper and/or the 79 4/5 GP first! It probably would've calmed the storm of my curiosity in fiberglass rods...but what's the fun in that?
82 - THE TAILWATER SPECIAL - This is a 8' 1/2" 4/5-weight in 4-pieces. This fly rod is parabolic and much slower than the 66. It's got the same thing going for it, just a 4/5. It is a little tip heavy, but with a light reel it can cast off the tip of the rod well. It's definitely got the hinge on the butt section of the rod, but with a good strong tip that lends well to fighting fish. It bends deep and true. You really have to slow down with this taper, but once you do it's actually enjoyable. I usually take this rod on outings where I have no expectations. Meaning if I catch fish, cool. If not, cool. I say this because there's been times where I take this rod and I try to push it and I'm immediately frustrated as it's not casting as fast as I'm fishing. If you push it, the loops fall apart. The magic is when you're cool, calm, and collected. It's like a catapult! It slings lines and flies a fair ways when you let it. If you take care of it, it'll take care of you! This rod excels with small flies and does well with a WF/DT4 and WF/DT5. I've also used it with an Scientific Anglers Spey Lite in 180 grains. This is an integrated Scandi fly line that I use to spey cast and swing soft hackles with. It matches the 82 (other glass rods too) very well and is one of my favorite ways to fish for spring, summer and fall trout on. If you haven't tried fiberglass fly rods with a micro Skagit or Scandi line, you're missing out! Feel free to message me on line recommendations on your favorite glass rod!
84 - THE REDEYE SPECIAL - This fly rod is a blend of both E-Glass and S-Glass and is a 8' 4-weight in 4-pieces. It's a strong, but true to weight 4-weight, that can handle small to medium poppers, streamers, Gamechangers, and whatever you'd normally throw at smallmouth and largemouth. It's very unique in the way that it feels and casts. It's slightly heavier than the Synthesis series and carries a bit of a heftier swing weight, but still retains that smooth progressive feel. It's probably the ultimate warmwater stream rod. Chris originally designed it to fish for the Redeye Bass in Alabama. I've used mine to pull in four pound bass with ease and it also feels awesome for bull bluegills breeding in the spring! It also does well with a WF/DT4 and WF/DT5!
79 - THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER - This 7'9" 4/5-weight 3-piece fly rod is spectacular! If you're undecided on which of Chris' rods you want, but know you need an all around rod or just need a general rod that can do just about anything, this is THE rod! It's progressive with an authoritative tip. It does well with streamers up to size 8. It's an easy rod to get along with as you're instantly familiarized with it the moment you cast it. The progressive taper lends well to someone that is new to glass rods and let's seasoned glass fanatics enjoy that smooth feeling that E-Glass is popular for. It's like an old friend. You haven't spoken to each other in a long time, but when you do, it's like ya'll were never apart. I've used mine for bluegills, smallmouth, spotted bass, largemouth, trout, and even summer steelhead! I'd love to hook a carp on this fly rod one day as I know it'll handle it with no problem! One member on the Fiberglass Flyrodders forum describes the 79 as "The Jack Russel Terrier of Glass Rods" stating that it fishes bigger than it is. I agree! Of all of Chris' Synthesis series, the 68L, 703, 72 and 79 are the most similar to one another. I often describe them as "It's exactly the same, just shorter/longer and made for this weight." Chris knows what I mean, we've also agreed on this. LOL. This rod leans more on the 4-weight, but does well with a WF/DT4 and WF/DT5. Use a 4-weight fly line if you want a faster stroke during casting, and a 5-weight fly line if you like slowing down.
79-5 - THE TRAVELING GENERAL PRACTITIONER - This is the BEST traveling fly rod ever made. You can take that with a grain of salt or not, but it is truly a magical rod. Also, smooth and progressive throughout. Chris describes it with a less authoritative tip compared to the 85 Bighorn Special (which has a firmer tip that's better suited for streamers and casting from a small watercraft), but by no means does it have a soft tip. This rod is more "trout" oriented, but that doesn't stop me from chasing warm-water species with it! Visually, the blank is beefier than the 79GP due to the rod being a 5-piece, but Chris accounted for that in the design. This makes for a firmer and stiffer rod compared to the 3-piece 79GP. It travels well and does everything well. It's a solid 5-weight and true to weight. It does well with a WF/DT5. I've also tried a WF/DT6 and it doesn't complain, though the loops are not as laser tight.
76 - THE 'LIL STIFFY - This 7' 6-weight 3-piece is one of my favorites! It is a progressive medium-fast action in S-Glass and is very quick. It handles BIG fish and punches way above it's weight class. I've cast poppers, rat patterns, and used sinking lines to bluegills, crappie, bass and trout with it and it keeps catching! It excels in shooting line and has fairly good line control even at 7'. It also casts well through wind and doesn't complain. I've used mine wading for bass and on my Wenonah Fisherman/Kingfisher canoes. It's true to weight and casts like a 5-weight, but fights like a 6-weight!
796 CUSTOM - This 7'9" 6-weight is a 3-piece custom build. This rod is also progressive. It's lighter, quicker, and crisper than the 86, but not medium-fast like the 76. A tad bit slower being that it's E-Glass. It is much more similar to the 79-5, but perhaps just a tad smoother since it's a 3-piece. I've read before that there were a few gentlemen who wanted Chris to make a 796 when he first debuted his Traveling General Practitioner...and I actually have one! Well, it's the only one, a 1 of 1. One that I wished more C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. enthusiasts could get to enjoy and experience as I get a lot of questions about it. This fly rod is true to weight and does well with a WF/DT5 and WF/DT6. It shoots a WF5 sinking line better than a WF6. The 86 does better with the WF6 sinking line.
86 - THE BIG STIFFY - This 8'6" 6-weight in 3-pieces fly rod is progressive with a hint of parabolic in it. I classify it as a "Trout 6-Weight" versus a "Bass 6-Weight." This rod does extremely well with terrestrials and foam flies, but also performs well with smaller flies if you happen to catch yourself in such a situation. I've used it casting size 4 streamers to bass and sinking lines to stripers. It is a true to weight 6-weight and does well with a WF/DT6, though I've used it with a WF7 sinking line in a pinch. My current favorite lines on it currently are a Cortland 444 Peach in WF5/6, Scientific Anglers Infinity 5/6 and a general Sink3 WF6. If you're talking single hand spey casting, I enjoy it with a 240 grain Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Integrated and a 270 grain Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Integrated with a S7 Versileader. It's a killer swinging for summer and winter steelhead!
777 - THE JACKPOT - This fly rod is a 7'7" 7-weight in 3-pieces. What's not to like about a 777? This fly rod is a BEAST! It is my favorite 7-weight glass rod. The action is a strong, smooth progressive and has a strong authoritative tip with incredible line speed. The blank bends progressively throughout during casting and while fighting fish. At 7'7", it lends well in tight spaces and shines on small watercraft. Smooth, short, and accurate quick shots are what it excels in. It does well with big bass poppers as well as deer hair bugs and tandem flies for browns, smallies, largemouth, and stripers. I've used mine for big largemouth bass and I have no trouble getting them out of thick seaweed on the California Delta. My favorite line is currently the Scientific Anglers Titan Long WF7.
C. BARCLAY X MCFARLAND GTX 88 - This 8' 8-weight an E-Glass and S-Glass combination. This fly rod is a rocket! It's a fantastically smooth and strong progressive rod. The tip is extra firm on this fly rod. It's got the ability to shoot line and Chris built it with a mini extended fighting butt, which means I can figure eight to my heart's content! Bucktails, poppers, Gamechangers tossed to smallies, largemouth, pike, redfish, stripers, and more. You name it, it can do it all!
A final note, per Chris Barclay, the 60, 66, 79-5, 76, 777 and 63SP (733SP and 744SP semi-parabolic series) have been posted on the Retired Rods page of his website. If you're looking for one of these fly rods, I highly suggest you look on the used market as they pop up occasionally! In the meantime, check out the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. website to see what he's up to and what's available in his shop. Fly rods occasionally show up for sale on the C. Barclay Fly Rod Co. Enthusiasts group on Facebook.
Thank you, Kyle for putting all these notes together for this post. Follow him on Instagram for more.
