Scott GT Series Review - GT Fly Rods for the Most Dedicated Anglers
Model-by-Model Review and Comparison
First of all, why am I reviewing the new Scott GT Series, a freshwater fly rod series? Mainly because they are cool rods and I review whatever I want. These rods are insanely good. Easily a 10 out of 10 rod series. But what am I up to with this one? Well, this rod review ties in with our new and improved department dedicated to freshwater fly fishing, which we will announce very soon. We have enough demand from our saltwater customers and reading enthusiasts that we wanted to offer more variety.
This new rod series is perfect to introduce our freshwater division since Scott saltwater rods are already so popular here. Scott always lists actual features rather than catchy buzzwords and marketing like some other brands. The info for the new GT Series just straight up tells you they made their signature hollow ferrules a little lighter, for example. No need to look up any fancy marketing fluff words. Clear, simple improvements. No made-up words. You can really tell Scott is helmed by the rod designer himself rather than some marketing dork or an MBA type.
Those of you who like cars, as I do, will be able to draw the comparison between a GT-series car vs a race car and these rods vs the typical fast-action rod options. GT cars have nicer trim and fittings, and while they are certainly not slow, they do trade a bit of speed for comfort and a more enjoyable ride. Pretty much what Scott is doing here, since they already have the race cars in the form of the Centric and Sector rods. The Session and Wave are more medium-fast and then this new GT Series slots in as the true medium-action, relaxed, refined option.
As always I like to start by providing a quick overview, this one is directly from Scott covering each new model below, then I will add my own thoughts once I have more time (also testing the brand new fly lines from Scientific Anglers which I first have to test with various other fly rods already on the market, then compare everything to these new rods). *I will add more to this fly rod review as soon as I can including line tests, mainly the "true-to-weight" lines like the new Trout Expert and similar options.
Scott GT Series Model Descriptions (*Provided by Scott Rods with Their Notes)
GT 743/4, 7’ 4” 3 wt 4-piece
With this rod’s deep flexing action, touch sensitive tip, and small size, it’s perfect for short casts with dries and dry-dropper rigs in tight quarters. More accurate with higher line speed than glass, this is a great choice for people who prefer lighter quicker rods or fish in windy conditions on small waters.
Recommended line weight 95-110 grains
So smooth and balanced you won’t believe it’s a 5-piece rod. This little gem is perfect for hike in fishing on small streams and lakes where dries and dry-dropper rigs are the norm and packability is key.
Recommended line weight 95-110 grains
GT 844/5, 8’ 4” 4 wt 5-piece
A versatile smooth 4 weight for days when mixed techniques on small to medium sized streams and lakes call for nymphs, dries, or small streamers. This 5-piece is delicate enough to enjoy the tug of a small fish but has plenty of power to handle heavier flies and the big fishyou didn’t expect to eat your hopper.
Recommended line weight 115-125 grains
GT 8103/4, 8’ 10” 3 wt 4-piece
When midges or tricos are hatching bring your 7X, the 8103, and your A-game. This is hands down the finest technical dry fly fishing 3 weight we’ve ever built. Incredibly smooth with a delicate but precise tip, this rod is laser accurate and alive with feel.
Recommended line weight 95-110 grain
GT 8104/4, 8’ 10” 4 wt 4-piece
A trusted friend who has fished Scott rods for over 40 years proclaimed, ‘this is the greatest 4 weight of my life’. We’d have to agree. There’s magic here. The rod perfectly balances a sensitive tip with smooth even power. Effortless to cast and control, incredibly precise, and a joy to fish.
Recommended line weight 120-130 grains
GT 8105/4, 8’ 10” 5 wt 4-piece
This rod will handle heavier nymph rigs and let you fish the afternoon midge hatch on 7X. Endless possibilities with this ‘one rod to rule them all’. Long roll casts, precise overhead casts with long leaders, reverse curve casts. It’s a do it all rod that does it all well.
Recommended line weight 140-150 grains
GT 8106/4, 8’ 10” 6 wt 4-piece
Drift boat fishing, a big Chubby with two weighted nymphs underneath, salmon flies, streamers. When you need to serve them a big meal, this is the rod. Smooth and powerful, it excels at loop size control, long roll casts, and controlling big fish.
Recommended line weight 160-175 grains
GT 984/4, 9’ 8” 4 wt 4-piece
Perfect for technical nymphing and tricky tailwaters. The extra reach of this rod helps extend long drag free drifts with little flies for finicky fish. It turns over the longest leaders with precision and protects light tippets.
Recommended line weight 120-130 grains
GT 985/4, 9’ 8” 5 wt 4-piece
A great rod for big water nymphing, single hand spey casts, or stillwater fishing. This powerful 5 weight comes with a fighting butt and excels and long smooth casts. It’s sensitive enough for tricky fishing like chironomid hatches and has the power to huck a streamer a country mile.
Recommended line weight 140-155 grains
Check out the wood on these new rods, just beautiful.
Popular question everyone will ask: "How do these new rods compare to ______." We will do a full "shootout" style of review rounding up all the freshwater rods at this level.
We will have a more in-depth review soon as we are still testing these new rods, so stay tuned or feel free to call / email us with any questions in the mean time.
And don't forget to support our reviews by shopping here with our fly shop!
1 comment
Looking for a good rod for wading tailwaters, throwing size 20 or smaller nymphs using fly line, long leader, small micro indicator and size 8 split shot. Long cast in shallow water to finicky large trout