Value and performance find a perfect harmony in our new Hydros graphite fly fishing rods.

The graphite technology breakthrough that brought the Helios rod series to market was the most significant advance in graphite rod technology in the fly-fishing industry in years. Helios won every possible award and now we’ve taken that technology and created a rod series that offers that performance at a significantly reduced price.

Introducing the new 2010 Hydros Series of 21 high-performance fly rods, the second-lightest fly rod in the world, after our Helios™ rods. From a small stream 3–weight to a tarpon taming 12-weight, the Hydros series is the most comprehensive series we’ve ever offered in a first year introduction offering both mid- and tip-flex versions in many models.

We use our patented Helios fly rod blank to give you a premium fly rod that’s up to 22% lighter than the top fly rod made by other brands, at a far lighter price of $495 for trout models and $525 for saltwater models. Cast a Hydros and you’ll smile twice, once at the extraordinary lightness, response and accuracy of the rod and then again at the remarkable price. And that light weight counts all the more when casting a rod all day into a stiff wind. You will find no better fly rod in the world at this price.

The Hydros features:

• Exclusive thermoplastic, thermoset resins from tip to butt
• Precision Power Taper™
• Brushed and anodized two-tone skeletal reel seat
• Lightweight chrome snake guides
• Handsome dark-blue finish
• Super-grade cork handle
• Cordura rod tube with protective internal dividers
• Covered by the Orvis 25-Year Rod Guarantee
• Made in Manchester, Vermont

Dear Mr. Perkins and Mr. Rosenbauer;

I have to congratulate you on your magnificent new Orvis Hydros rod and Mirage V reel. This past Saturday it saved my annual anniversary steelhead fishing trip on the Muskegon River. For a number of years my husband and I have celebrated our anniversary, and a birthday or two, by staying at the Gray Drake Lodge in Newaygo, MI and fishing with the steelhead master, Orvis Endorsed Guide, Matt Supinski. I have learned how to successfully catch, land and release beautiful steelhead on the Muskegon river under his tutelage.

About a month ago I discovered that my left hand was numb and I was having trouble holding onto anything with that hand as well. I was subsequently diagnosed with ulnar neuropathy, and medial demyelination in addition to damaged C4 and 5 vertebrae. I was, therefore, worried about being able to fish on our annual anniversary steelhead trip this past weekend. Matt knew about my disability and pain though and when we settled into our first fishing spot, Matt said “(H)ere, try this 10 ft/7 weight Orvis Hydros and Mirage V Combo.” When I picked it up I was amazed by it light weight and perfect balance. Matt pointed to the perfect spot on the river “cast there and let it drift”. The rod was perfectly sensitive and I could feel the fly bounce along the bottom. On my third cast of the day, towards the end of the drift, I felt the distinctive difference between a bounce and a steelhead strike. I set the hook and was given a great experience, including a nice jump, by the beauty you see below. Maybe I’ll see her next year and she will be bigger yet.

So, Matt was right, the 10 ft/7 weight Orvis Hydros-Mirage V was perfect combination for me and I was able to comfortably fish for the next six hours. One of the reasons Matt is the best teacher and guide around is that he always has the latest Orvis gear to try out, and I was especially grateful this trip. Thanks Orvis, I’ll have to put this on my wish list!

Yours truly,

Karen Potter-Witter
Professor of Forestry
610 Barry Road
Haslett, MI

PS – Thanks to growing up in rural Pennsylvania and having an avid fly fishing father, I caught my first trout on a fly before I was 5. That’s five decades of fly fishing and I’m glad I will still be able to fly fish for steelhead too!