5wt - 580 FastGlass® Fly Rod Building Kit

Eponymous Fly Rods

I don't know if Carl McNeil was prescient when he chose the name "Epic" for his fly rods, but the name sums it up. This is my sixth Epic (five build kits and one Refence series), and Epic now dominates my fly rods. I have the Fastglass II in 3- through 6-weights, in addition to a 590C and 690G. I received the build kit for the FGII 580 several weeks ago, and as usual the rod was easily built. The kit just works. They've got this build kit thing figured out. I fished the rod over the last several days, and "epic" describes it well. I took several rods with me, but this one dominated time on the water. It is smooth and powerful, with a light touch. It will accommodate a large range of flies and techniques--single dry, dry/dropper, and an indicator rig (did not try streamers)--and though I only fished it with one line (a Scientific Anglers Mastery Expert Distance Taper WF5F), I have no doubt it will work well with many lines. These Epic glass rods are very line tolerant, in my experience. It fishes well from in close out to at least 50', but if you're fishing for trout why would want or need to fish any farther? This is a great rod if you don't know what size and types of flies you may be using, and what size of water and fish you will see in a day. This combination of line weight and length makes for an extremely versatile fly rod, one which makes the small fish fun but will subdue those large surprises easily, and will deal with some wind. The 580 Fastglass II is a one-rod arsenal. If I had one word to describe this one-rod kit, it is fun. Or should that one word be Epic?

Great kit, great rod

Like all the building kits from Epic everything in top quality. I have build up five Epic rods now and I love them all - in different situations. The 580 is fun to cast, offers delicate presentations and more backbone than the 476. Exactly what I was looking for!

Solid therapy

Using the love for fly fishing, I purchased your rod kit for my husband to make while going through cancer treatments. It was an absolute surprise and success. Thank you for putting together such a wonderful project that will be a keepsake and family heirloom one day. Lots of therapy for our family. God bless.