The ION XL Fly rod series are some of our absolute favorites for getting a great rod without breaking the bank! Our guides and clients use these rods in a TON of different situations from nymphing here on the Rogue or in Alaska all the way to the Bahamas to fish for bonefish and permit, as well as lake fishing for trout all over the PNW. All rods are 4 pieces and come with a sturdy case for easy travel. Echo also has the best/easiest/cheapest warranty policy in the fly fishing industry.

ION XL Highlights:

Remarkably low swing-weight and forgiving action

Featuring a remarkably low swing-weight and a more forgiving action, the Ion XL is equally at home stripping flesh flies as it is dropping a merkin to a tailing permit.

Saltwater-grade rods at an affordable price point

Saltwater-grade rods in this price category are usually better utilized as a coat hanger than a fishing tool. The Ion XL series does not fit that mold.

Guide's Choice

With the Ion XL’s extreme versatility between fresh and saltwater environments, its affordable price point, and quality componentry, it has become the go-to rod for guides and fishing professionals.

Rod Model Details:

10’#5 Weight: IONXL-5100 - 4 Pieces - 5.5 ounces

A great all-around rod for nymphing trout on the river, or casting from a float tube on your favorite lake.

9’ #6 Weight: IONXL-690 - 4 Pieces - 4.7 ounces

Great for everything from big dries to moderate streamers. Rivers, lakes, inshore saltwater; it’s ready and able for all of it.

10’ #6 Weight: IONXL-6100 - 4 Pieces - 5.8 ounces

When your trout nymph rigs are a bit heavier or you’re casting from a float tube on your favorite lake full of jumbo rainbows, the 6100 is a great pick. Also a great rod for summer steelhead here on the Rogue

9’ #7 Weight: IONXL-790 - 4 Pieces - 4.9 ounces

A guide favorite for trout streamers, carp, bass, and inshore saltwater.

10’ #7 Weight: IONXL-7100 - 4 Pieces - 5.8 ounces

Our most popular steelhead nymphing rod for guides and anyone else who frequents these fisheries on both the Pacific Coast and Great Lakes Region.

9’ #8 Weight: IONXL-890 - 4 Pieces - 5.1 ounces

Great for salmon, steelhead, bigger trout streamers and your favorite bass bugs.

10’ #8 Weight: IONXL-8100 - 4 Pieces - 6.5 ounces

The choice rod for big water steelhead nymphing.

9’ #9 Weight: IONXL-990 - 4 Pieces - 5.4 ounces

A great “midweight” duty salmon rod and inshore saltwater that involves some bigger targets.

Action vs Power Comparison

The Action vs. Power matrix is used for comparison between ECHO rod models. Utilizing this chart, you’ll be able to choose an ECHO rod that best fits you and your personal casting stroke. The vertical axis indicates the rod’s power, while the horizontal axis indicates the rod’s action. In simple terms, single-hand rod action is derived from the top half of the rod, while power is derived from the bottom half.

Action:
Fast action rods feature softer tips than medium action rods and provide a ‘stiffer’ feel. Fast action rods excel in the hands of anglers with more aggressive casting strokes and greater stroke control. Medium action rods are ideal for anglers with more fluid casting strokes and have a larger ‘sweet spot’ for a wider range of casting strokes. Consistently throwing a tailing loop? Your rod’s action may not be a good fit to you and your casting stroke.

Power:
A rod’s power is its resistance to flexing under load. Powerful rods are ‘beefier’ through the bottom half, generate higher line speeds, and are more adept at keeping big fish pinned. Delicate rods are more presentation-oriented, protect light tippet, and are a better choice for picky fish.

Check out the Action vs. Power grid in the Images to get more info on this and all Echo single handed fly rods.