Echo Trip Fly Rod Review: 8 Piece Innovation

As I perused our stock of fly rods, I picked up the Echo Trip and thought to myself, " I still have yet to cast this innovative rod."

I tend to not take 5+ piece rods seriously because it usually means the rod is cheap, and casts like a wet noddle soaked in butter.

I was a little skeptical, but knew Echo wouldn't sell something they didn't 110% believe in. So I took it to the streets..... well, technically I took it to the parking lot grass.

Echo Trip Fly Rod Casting Test

First thing I like to do when I pick up a new rod is see how far it will throw a line. For this demo, I was using the 9' #5. To my surprise, I was able to consistently hit the 80-85 foot mark, even with a slight breeze in my face.

It is definitely a medium fast rod like Echo rates it, so if you are looking for something  extremely quick, this isn't it. However, the accuracy is dead on! At 40 feet, that piece of yarn went wherever I wanted it to. As an 8 piece rod, I was thoroughly impressed. Personally, I have not cast a better 5+ piece rod.

Portability and Ease Of Use

The case is a whopping 18 inches, and stores perfectly along a backpack with a simple carabiner.

Not that the rod case was made for this, but you can store water bottles and soda cans in the empty case while fishing. As far as rod case insulation goes, I'm still not sure. However, I know it will keep your drinks shaded and cooler than they would in the sun.

The Trip is available in a 5, 6, and 8 weight. Rod features include dark green gloss or dark blue gloss blank, stainless with low friction stainless guides, black anodized reel seat, and Echo's lifetime warranty.

I am not kidding when I say dependable lifetime warranty. I have nothing but great things to say about Echo honoring their warranty.

The Trip is absolutely IDEAL for weekend hiking trips into high mountain lakes to fish for native cutthroat or grayling. I am considering buying the Trip to always have a 5 weight in the truck.

I have been stuck too many times on a gorgeous stretch of water with an hour to kill, without a fly rod. There are so many trout that need to be fly educated, and so little time.

This would make a great gift for those college students living a cast away from the river. I don't recommend fishing this rod with a fly bigger than a #6 Balanced Leech.

Sorry Kelly Galloup, your Zoo Cougar is out of the equation with this rod, at least for the 5 weight.

Salmonflies are still fair game if you're making short casts. If you are looking to chuck something with a little meat, I would consider bumping up to the 6 or 8 weight. Need to see for yourself how great this rod truly is?

Well, you're in luck--we've got the Echo Trip for sale (free delivery!) right here.

We have demo reels spooled and ready to be tossed on any rod on the rack. Stop by one of our flyshops and cast a rod!

Have a question you'd like cleared up? Reach out to us using the form below and we will catch up with Dillon and get you an answer within 24 hours.