By Brian M. Kelly
March Browns fly rods are travel-friendly, multiple-piece rods that are designed for world-traveling anglers who demand high-end performance. There are three series of three rods in the March Brown lineup: Baden Powell Special edition, Hidden Water Series and Executive Performance Series. The Baden Powell rods are 8-feet 6-inch long, seven-piece rods rated for 5 and 6 weight lines; 2009 suggested price: $520. The Hidden Water seven-piece rods range in length from 6 to 9 feet, and are rated for 2 to 4 weight fly lines; 2009 suggested price: $4980. Finally, the Executive Performance rods are 9-foot rods in either eight- or 10-piece configurations, and can handle 5 or 7 weight fly lines; 2009 suggested price $820.
Perks
All March Brown rods come with a custom-made, 11- to 18-inch travel case with a velour rod sock to protect the rods in transit, and are built on Elite Performance Carbon fiber rod blanks with fine Portuguese cork handles. Wooden reel seats, nickle-plated hardware and single-foot rod guides give these rods a look of elegance.
Sacrifices
Pricing is the biggest issue with March Brown rods, as they are designed to be high-performance travel fly rods with a high-end price to match. The other issue is the lack of variety among the three series; if you do not fly fish for trout with low line-weight rods, March Brown does not have a rod for you.
Bottom Line
If money is no object and you travel the globe in search of trout, March Brown rods are a good choice. These rods do cast, fish and pack well for trout anglers on the go.
About The Author
Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.
