05/11/2013 - Thomas & Thomas Announce ATS Series of Extended Technical Trout Rods
Greenfield, MA – November 1st, 2013. USA fly rod maker, Thomas & Thomas is pleased to announce the launch of the ATS series of extended technical trout rods, for the 2014 season.
Key Features:
- Medium fast action, high modulus, clear graphite blank optimized for European nymph applications
- Black anodized, milled aluminum, up locking reel seat with Thomas & Thomas roll stamp
- Smoke single foot RECoil guides
- Beautiful burled walnut wood spacer walnut
- Black silk wraps with black trim wraps
- Premium elongated ‘Nymph’ grip with black winding check
- Black aluminum rod tube with tan rod bag and stiffener
- Made one at a time in USA by craftsmen
ATS denotes Advanced Trout Situations. The series is comprised of six, four piece models, 1003-4, 1004-4, 1005-4, 1103-4, 1104-4, 1105-4 with prices starting at $800 and will be available at fly shops and online at www.thomasandthomas.com from November 1, 2013.
We set out to create one rod series optimized for European style nymphing but also possessing a smooth casting action for delivery and control of dry flies. The ATS is designed with a slightly softer tip, a smooth progressive, medium fast action and brings benefits way beyond its excellent nymphing capabilities. A combination of high modulus graphite and a new, elongated grip design make these rods light in the hand. Controlled loops and precise presentations are no problem once a little more fly line is out of the tip top. The extra length facilitates longer drag-free drifts making this rod series a great choice for any technical trout fishery.
Aesthetically, the ATS series is designed with stealth in mind and features a natural graphite blank, and the highest possible quality, black components. In a first for Thomas & Thomas we selected single foot RECoil guides. With the extra length and the likelihood that this rod will be used for extended periods of high stick nymphing we viewed it as imperative that we took every possible measure to reduce weight in the upper sections of the rod. Single foot guides are lighter and require less thread and epoxy, while offering no compromise in performance. The milled black aluminum reel seat is Made in USA and complemented by a beautiful, dark burled walnut spacer.
Commenting on the new ATS series Mark Richens said, “We’re completely behind the catch and release ethic that is thankfully so prevalent in fly fishing today. But there is no question that it gives rise to highly educated trout. In fact the first requests for rods such as these came from our customers and guide friends on the technical limestone creeks of Pennsylvania and the highly pressured Delaware system. There are situations where line control is more important than line speed and when a totally drag free drift is the only game in town. The ATS is a rod designed specifically for these conditions and constructed with the usual T&T attention to detail.”
About Thomas & Thomas:
Born in 1969, of an obsession to create the world’s finest fly rods, Thomas & Thomas strives to set the standard for craftsmanship, performance and aesthetics in rodmaking. From a small shop in rural New England, Thomas & Thomas builds timeless classics from bamboo and fiberglass and modern masterpieces incorporating the latest graphite technologies.
For more information please visit www.thomasandthomas.com or contact Trevor Bross on +1 413 475 3840 or [email protected].
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