Microlite SS

My new 10ft 4weight Microlite got its first outing this weekend. I actually started chuckling while I was casting (it’s really that good). Loads beautifully - no excessive false casting needed , a smooth through action and an utter joy to fish with. My casting stayed consistent and didn’t fade - as it does when I fish with my usual 10ft 7wt. Light and responsive I played hard fighting rainbows and felt the fish throughout.. Honestly, it’s made fishing for me more enjoyable than I thought was possible; the kind of experience I always had in my mind’s eye. The rod looks the business too.
If you’re reading this and thinking - should I give it a go? - just do it..
(I also never leave online reviews - that’s how good it is...)

The rod has been designed and manufactured with precision and attention to detail. It looks exquisite and is wonderful to use. On my first trip out with it today I was casting further than I've ever managed before with a single-hander, without effort, and I was so pleased with the feel of the rod in my hand. I didn't land or hook a trout but came away very happy with my new purchase and can't wait to get out on the water with it again. The Proline floating line that came with the rod also proved to be an excellent acquisition (especially as it was a freebie with the rod!)

If it looks good it flies good. So said a USAF general after a trip in the Hawker Hunter. Well, the same cannot be said about all fishing rods, some much hyped super duper megananzipperatas are absolute dogs when it comes to fishing them for a whole day. They require intense concentration on every movement and every second of each cast and leave you exhausted after a day of what is supposed to be fun. Plus frustrated by broken tippet because with a stiff nanwotsitwalletshrinker there is no protection from a forgiving acton. But then there is Tom Bell’s sensibly priced easy actioned range of Microlite rods. Light to hand and light in action they are capable of producing prodigious distances when required and are capable of handling big fish. Oh, and by the way it looks good and does fish good.

With Sunray you get excellent gear, brilliant customer service and most important... knowledge! Today I managed to present a home tied size 18 dry fly (pictured) 65ft away on a small still water with a 3 weight rod and line and get a fish to take it that had flies thrown at it all day and then get it to the net. I could not do this last season; which for me says it all!

The 10’6 3 weight rod is fantastic; it seems really light in the hand yet has the control of a much heavier rod; I played a handful of Stillwater rainbows on it today and never once felt like it was underpowered.

Sure, other methods worked better but I bet they weren’t anywhere near as FUN!

I will be sticking with Sunray from now on and am really looking forward to learning to get better at a sport that I love. Thank you Team Sunray.

To my absolute delight the Microlite SS 9’ 4 weight arrived yesterday and lived up to all my expectations. My initial thought when I pick up the box was that Cheryl forgot to put anything in it, the fact it didn’t weigh anything was quite a shock. Straight out the box the quality of the carbon featured rod tube strikes you and you know what’s inside is going to be good. Unscrewing to cap to reveal the Airmesh rod sock that feels so soft and is like royal bubble wrap. The Airmesh sock with rod in it fits snugly in the tube affording maximum protection whilst clearly allowing it to breath when wet.

Once I pulled the rod from the sock it was clear to see and feel the quality, the gun metal finish looks exquisite and once the Atom 3/4 reel was attached, it felt well balanced and extremely light. Uncle Tom chucked in the Shorthead 4# to suit my fishing style and the diameter being much less than my previous line was quite noticeable, especially when compared to the head diameter.

I hit the river today and wow, just wow! The combination of the shorthead line and soft action rod really helped my casting come alive even though the rod action took a little getting used to, having been previously fighting with what I can only describe as a broomstick. The overhang marker on the line is a revelation and makes casting an absolute pleasure when you are not slipping too much line in to the cast. It’s easy to see and makes all the difference to maximise the distance of the cast.

Bagged a couple of fish and whilst I was initially uneasy as to whether the 4 weight would have enough grunt, but my concerns soon wavered due to the fact you can use the whole rod to take the sting out those initial fish lunges and it easily meets the challenge. The Sunray kit has been an absolute pleasure to use today and I can’t wait to get back on the bank with it. Already planning my next purchase!

Had my 9' #4 out yesterday and absolutely loved it. Using a #4 short head and then the #4 proline. Both cast fantastic and really accurate. Fell in love with the proline as I love fishing dries. Managed to land 11 fish the smallest being 3lb. The rod handles the weight perfectly and turn it into a great battle. Didnt want to come home .

Let me set the scene. I have been fly fishing for just 5 years and had one casting lesson early on. I could not double haul, cast straight or handle a head wind or a side wind. At the fly fair in Stafford a couple of years ago I saw Tom casting and bought a line, leader and tippet from Sunray. The lockdown livestream came at an opportune time for me. I was enthralled and bought the 10ft 5wt offer which came with the Atom reel and 2020 line.
So to the ponds! I set up the line with a 9ft tapered leader and 4ft tippet. Now I have never owned a really quality rod before and this was a treat. It simple flew out. But imagine my shock when I realised that, in threading the rod, I had missed a ring 3 from the tip !!! WoW. Corrected that, and next cast with the back end of the overhang marker in my hand (about right for my ability Tom!) and 20ft of line on the ground, I cast it out with a gentle double haul and it bounced back at me as it fired the lot out!
I am amazed by the action of this rod especially if you thread it up correctly! It takes a couple of casts to get used to the “tempo” of the rod but then it is truly amazing.
Also, I had no trouble landing a 2lb hard fighting rainbow, even on a fine leader and tippet.

My only surprise is that there is no keeper ring on it.

I won a prize 10ft 2wt in the Livestream Draw, and I will write a review of this when I take it to the river. I am now saving up for the 9ft 4wt with the shorthead line, which may suit me even better at my small ponds.

If you want to learn this sport, buy Tom’s Sunray Masterclass! I have done.

Nice rod lightest rod i have used . Casts like A Dream wish I had it years ago

Wow , was my first thought on my first cast, casting a dream easily handled a stiff breeze everything you need from a short rod on a small river, and even better I caught on my 1st outing, having several rods from other manufacturers I don't think I will be changing from sunray anytime soon, boot already cleared of my other rod tubes !

Used my microlite 10’ #4 with the Jeramy Lucas #4 dry fly line Today WOW What an effortless joy to use it put an instant smile on my face. Casts beautifully and subdues hard fighting trout quickly . Keep up the good work Tom & Cheryl.