Gear Roll-up: Scott’s GT Fly Rods, Yeti GoBox 15, Packs & Slings
In eager and diligent hands, Scott’s GT can absolutely be a game changer.
Scott’s Latest Slam-Dunk: The GT Series Fly Rods
Everyone knows I lean favorably toward Scott fly rods. I called the Radian the greatest fly rod ever made in a Field & Stream review many years ago. I felt that Centric was worthy of a comparison to AC/DC’s Back in Black album. I fish Sector in the salt, and consider Session the best dollar-for-dollar value on the fly rod market today.
So, what the heck do you expect me to say about the new GT Series?
Yes, I love it. And yes, I highly recommend it. But maybe not for just anyone.
For the record, G Series goes way back to the roots of the Scott Fly Rod Company. Back in the 1970s, founder Harry Wilson (he named the company after his son) produced a medium-action graphite rod with hollow internal ferrules that stood apart from the field. He called it the “G” (for graphite, as the “F” series were made of fiberglass). I like to think that, while the rod naming wasn’t exactly innovative, the design was. Indeed, it set a standard for feel and responsiveness and gathered a cult following amongst certain casters.
It took bold moves to improve upon G. But after 30 years, “G2” was launched in 2006. To be honest, I wasn’t enamored with G2. The company itself sought better with the launch of a new “G” in 2017, and that series has lived up to its billing, especially for certain applications like dry fly fishing in technically demanding water. Some models like the 8-foot-8-inch 4-weight stand apart, and if you have one, it’s a keeper.
I was actually a bit skeptical when GT arrived a couple months ago. But I’ve been fishing it in different environments–from a dory, walk wading small streams, lake fishing with float tubes… fishing in Michigan, Idaho and Colorado for fish of various sizes. This is what won me over.
It feels lighter, though the reel you choose makes or breaks that factor. Out of the tube, you’ll sense a difference. That’s because the manufacturing process for the new GT allows for thinner-walled blanks (the thinnest Scott has ever made). The ferrule connections shed bulk to the point that a four-piece rod feels like a one-piece rod.
I’m not sure if the “T” in GT stands for thin, or technical, or what. I know it isn’t Giant Trevally, because this is a thoroughbred trout rod. Maybe a play on “Ford GT,” since it is sporty?
The rod tracks and recovers well. It’s accurate. I’d rate it right up there with Orvis Helios (generation 4, the new ones) that I think are among the most consistently accurate rods out there.
Most important of all, the “feel transfer”…you can sense the energy during the cast, not just in the tip section, but also right through the lower section and into the grip. If you can sense the energy, you can control it. That means you make more consistent casts. But it also allows you to improvise. Little flicks and mends, the unheralded things that often spell the difference when it comes to presentation, are augmented through this rod.
I make better roll casts with this rod than I do with any other rod.
I can change my loops from compact to open (at will) more easily with this rod.
I am more consistently on target with single casts (no multiple false casts) with this rod.
I feel like I fight fish more effectively with this rod. Again, that feel factor matters, and allows for reacting and adjusting.
It’s an intuitive, instinctive rod. You might not realize the adjustments you’re making as you make them.
Things other, faster-action rods do better than GT: shooting line, distance casts of 50 feet or more (who needs them anyway?), Euro nymphing, slinging lead.
But overall, for the type of fishing I like best (and by all means, you be you), I fish better with this rod. Not just cast better…fish better.
It isn’t a slow, slushy rod. It isn’t zippy fast. It’s just right, at least for fishing dry flies, especially single flies. For the record, I did fish some small streamers with the 4-weight I have, and that was fine. Sight nymphing was fine also, but the rod shines brightest with dry flies between #10 and #20 in size (basically 99% of the dry-fly patterns I fish).
Available from 7-foot 4-inch to 9-foot 8-inch, in four and five-piece configurations for 3-weight to 6-weight lines. I also think the 8-foot 10-inch 4-weight is the “butter” stick in the lineup.
The price is north of a grand now (MSRP $1095), so it doesn’t qualify as a beginner’s rod.
And to be honest, the dyed-in-the-wool self-proclaimed expert who has had an ongoing love affair with a favored rod should probably stick to what they like best.
The angler who will benefit most is one who wants to go from good to great; the B caster/angler who wants to go up to A level. Of course, nothing will help that performance curve better than actual time on the water and practice. No piece of gear is a cure-all. But yes, I’ll vouch that this rod will make an angler who wants to get better–particularly better at the technical game–much better, if they put in the work. And I think that applies to a wide range of styles and interests.
In eager and diligent hands, Scott’s GT can absolutely be a game changer. – Kirk Deeter
Find a new Scott GT @ the Madison River Fishing Company.
Behind the scenes at the Scott Fly Rod Company in Montrose, CO. Jim Bartschi, the managing director and chief rod designer, provides some history of the brand and a fascinating look at their rod production facility.
Yeti GoBox 15: The Canyon Junk Drawer That Earns Its Keep
By day three of any cold-weather river trip, most dry bags have magically transformed into frozen, mud-caked abysses where good gear goes to die. The Yeti GoBox 15 is the rare exception. Think of it as the grown-up version of a tackle box and the expedition-grade equivalent of a bedside table: everything that matters stays dry, organized and exactly where you left it.
Yeti’s LoadOut GoBoxes have long brought order to the chaos for anglers and boaters, from drift boats to truck beds. I’ve run a GoBox 30 for years and love it, but I also have a tendency to treat that version like an invitation to overpack. On a recent late-season, four-day float through the Gates of Lodore, I brought the smaller GoBox 15, lived out of a couple different rafts and quickly realized this is the size that fits the way I actually move through a river trip.
I treat the GoBox as “home base for the important stuff.” Camera, headlamp, sunscreen, meds, lighter, spare batteries, gloves, beanie–basically the items you’d be miserable without. It moves with me from boat to tent pad to whatever craft I hitch a ride on next. Small enough to stash almost anywhere, big enough to hold the essentials, and built with tie-down slots that actually work with cam straps (you can even open the lid while it’s strapped down). The flip handle stows flat, which sounds minor until you’re trying to pack efficiently.
It’s not technically a tackle box, but it checks all those boxes and then some. In the boat, the GoBox functions as a mini dry box (it floats, which is a nice bonus), and the removable caddy keeps small essentials, or a few carefully chosen fishing widgets easy to grab.
The only downside I noticed after four days in sand, grit and shifting between rafts was some quick marring of the exterior finish where it rubbed on frames and gear. It’s purely cosmetic, but worth noting if you’re the type who likes your boxes looking pristine.
Bottom line: If you want a nearly indestructible, no-nonsense carryall that protects the gear you absolutely cannot afford to lose, the Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15 is a worthy upgrade. It’s tough, tidy, river-proof, and wildly versatile.
Bonus: It doubles as a semi-dignified camp stool for when your waders are still wet. – Tim Romano
Find a YETI LoadOut GoBox 15: Amazon, YETI; LoadOut GoBox 30: Amazon, Madison River Fishing Company.
Packs & Slings
Patagonia Stealth Switch Fishing Pack 3L ($59). Made from 300-denier 100% post-consumer recycled polyester ripstop (with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate), the 3L Stealth Switch Pack is ideal for the minimalist angler or boating angler looking to trek up the bank with only the bare essentials. From the manufacturer: “Low bulk, lightweight and versatile, the Stealth Switch Pack 3L was engineered for the minimalist, on-the-go angler and can attach to wader suspenders, wader belts, other packs or even raft straps.” Some of the smartest design considerations: the ability to throw it on your wader suspenders or a wading belt, the durable and well-placed gear docs, the small embedded magnet to plop a fly for re-rigging. The pack can’t do a ton, but what little it does, it does well. Product video. – Andrew Steketee
Patagonia Stealth Switch Fishing Pack 5L ($99). Made from 300-denier 100% post-consumer recycled polyester ripstop (with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate), the 5L Stealth Switch Pack is a step up in capacity and functionality from the 3L pack–the same basic design, but with a few more pockets and the ability to probably carry an extra fly box. From the manufacturer: “Designed to carry just what’s needed, engineered to adapt and loaded with intuitive features, the Stealth Switch Pack 5L can be worn as a chest, hip or sling pack, or it can be clipped to another pack.” Carried over (and smart) design considerations: the pack can transition with different pack placements, tons of tool lash points, the front front pocket folds out into a small workstation. It’s small, minimalistic, but works. Product video. – Andrew Steketee
Patagonia Stealth Switch Fishing Pack 9L ($149). Made from 300-denier 100% post-consumer recycled polyester ripstop (with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate), the 9L Stealth Switch Pack has enough features and day-trip carrying capacity to get excited about. From the manufacturer: “A do-everything wonder, the Stealth Switch Pack 9L is built for left- or right-shoulder wear and easily converts to a hip pack. Features include a net sleeve with multiple carry options, integrated magnets, a water bottle sleeve, corrosion-resistant zips, multiple pockets, gear attachments and lash points.” Smart design considerations: 1. The water bottle sleeve (or fly rod carrier) can be cinched from either entry point, providing versatility for the user. 2. The strap pocket is a great addition for carrying a phone, monocular, or snack. 3. Extra padding on the pack and strap is a great ergonomic touch. 4. Tons of gear and tool lash points. 5. Extra long magnetic tab for staging flies. This is a sturdy, thoughtfully designed and highly versatile day pack for your next trek to the river–a strong choice for one of our “top ten” picks for 2025. Product video. – Andrew Steketee
Patagonia Guidewater Sling Pack 15L ($259). The Guidewater Sling Pack 15L is, obviously, half the size of the Guidewater Backpack 29L, which we reviewed last year and recommended: “If you’re thinking about lugging important equipment in wet, rainy environments, it’s important to have some water-impervious peace of mind when you’re out and about. Patagonia is also a highly accountable brand, putting their money where their mouth is in terms of sustainability and awareness for the environment.” With a pretty minimalist design approach, this sling doesn’t do a lot other than provide a bunch of (sturdy) external gear lash points, a well-designed net scabbard and, most importantly, a bomb-proof, double-ended zipper to house a “fully waterproof submersible IPX-7 rated bag for keeping contents safe.” As with the larger pack, we miss the extra (external) zipper pocket from the old designs. Is it possible the pack is too minimal? I guess that’s up to the consumer, but it also does its job really well. I personally like carrying the double shoulder strapped backpack, but if you’re a sling person, this would be a good choice. These aren’t cheap bags, but either is losing camera gear to water. Product video. – Andrew Steketee
Pescador on the Fly Versa Minimalist Fly Fishing Pack ($50). This is a small, ultra minimalist day or outing pack–basically, it houses two compartments: one for fishing “stuff;” the other for your flies, with two (removable) foam fly trays. But at the end of the day, you’re not lugging much gear in this pack–just the bare essentials for a quick evening outing, if that’s what you’re after. Some tool docks are practical and helpful (though expected); the best features are its ability to transition from chest pack to sling to a ride-along on a larger, heavier strap–so, you have options. The construction is durable, though the materials are water resistant, not waterproof (submersible). Nothing earth shattering in terms of design, but a practical and reasonably priced gear offering. – Andrew Steketee
If you’re looking for a smart, minimalist pack, I’d check out the Patagonia ReCrafted Wader Work Station 5L ($69), made out of old waders (if you can still find one in stock). Yellow Dog Flyfishing has a few.
Cool Used Gear
From the Castback marketplace–no fees and 5% goes to Project Healing Waters.
Fly Rods
Winston IM6 Fly Rod: 8-foot 5-inch, 5-weight / serial: 18900 ($1000).
Winston IM6 Fly Rod: 7-foot 5-inch, 4-weight / serial: 11189 ($600).
Winston IM6 Fly Rod: 9-foot, 7-weight ($600).
Fly Reels
Marryat MR7 Fly Reel: reel in great shape, hardly any wear or scratches ($200).