Posted on May 10 2022
On the international scene, Paolo Bernabei of Ber Fly Rods of Viterbo, Italy is one of my most favorite fly rod builders and it isn't because he always seems to figure out a way to sneak in a couple well placed T.F.M. decals into his photo sets either. His work is well thought out and the attention to details within all parts of his build is immaculate.
Need proof? Check out his latest build on the Thomas & Thomas Lotic 7'4" 4-weight blank and see for yourself. I agree with Paolo's thoughts that the Lotic should get more attention, especially in the four and five-weight. These short and progressive tapers are wonderful to spend time on the water with.
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Paolo wrote... "Market launched in 2017, it was love at first sight with the Thomas & Thomas Lotic and today it is finally an honour for me to work on such a prestigious blank.
The spiral finish drove me crazy (my favorite), the lightness compared to the previous glass (Heirloom) is clear and the response times more swift.
Definitely a modern glass that does not tend to imitate bamboo, characterized by a highly progressive flex profile (as the Mother House declares).
The look of the rod is elegant and full of details, entirely agreed and decided with the customer who has excellent tastes.
The grip is ventiliated semi-Ritz that gives a unique comfort to the touch, and lets glimpse the deep blue between one disc and another.
The reelseat is composed of a beautiful and selected fragment of Zebrano from West Africa, from an hardware bi-metal brass and ergal ring and knurling in low relief, entirely made in my lab. The guides are by Snake Brand and the honey banded agate stripping guide is made by Ernest Czeladz of Perfect Agate.
Wraps made of honey/gold coloured Japanese silk and honey tip complete the assembly. It was a long and busy assemby but with great satisfaction.
Dear Matt, I hope that you will be satisfied with my work. Enjoy this jewel as much as you can!"
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Visit the Ber Fly Rods website to see more of Paolo's work and follow along with the latest shop news on Instagram.
