Steve Kiley, North Star 8' 2/2
#5
Smooth, powerful, predictable, accurate.
Steve Kiley's, North Star Mosaic has the feeling of a balanced and well
developed taper.
When casting an unfamiliar rod, I will normally start with a short line and a short stroke, focusing entirely on the feel of the rod and responding to what
the rod seems to want. Progressively working out more line and adjusting my stroke accordingly. As a caster I think I am fairly adaptable to a wide range of
actions.
The wonderful thing about this rod is that it took no adjustment at
all. It was an immediately familiar extension of my arm.
Steve's Star hollowing technique is unique in my experience and makes
perfect sense from a structural standpoint. It has a light weight, crisp action with a very smooth progression of power through out its length. The result is a
rod with exceptional 'feel' throughout its considerable range.
From 20ft to the outer limits of the caster, this rod holds up its end of the bargain with a combination of
refinement, competence and grace that puts a smile on your face again and again.
A true 5wt that I would characterize as a crisp medium action. Able to lay down a short line as light as you please,
it also easily produces the flat line trajectory necessary at distance or casting under overhanging branches, while flexing well down into its lower half. No
part of this rod is unused or in conflict with its other parts. This is what I mean by a well developed taper.
Cosmetics that glow with a subtle beauty and embody the attention to detail of a
practiced hand. Simply put, this rod is extremely handsome.
The mosaic embellishment is perfectly executed and appears on the butt and again on the ferrule plug as a
pleasant surprise every time you assemble the rod and again when you put it away.
I have never written a review of a rod and it probably shows but I think this rod is really something special.
Pictures of this rod can be found here on this forum.
http://clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com/topic/15457
TC
