Hardy Markslan 9ft 6in 8wt
The Hardy Marksman Fly Rod 8wt 9ft 6in has quickly become one of those rods that just feels right in my hands. While Hardy markets it as a medium-fast rod, in this heavier line weight it definitely leans more toward the fast side — but in the perfect, fishable way 👍
Paired with my Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Integrated Skagit Line (300 grains) and AirFlo sink tips, the rod really comes alive on my steelhead waters. It handles long casts effortlessly and carries line with confidence, which is exactly what I look for when covering big runs. At the same time, it doesn’t feel overly stiff or unforgiving — there’s still excellent feedback through the blank, making accurate close shots surprisingly easy when fish show up right at your feet 🎣
One of my main plans is to fish this rod throughout the Skeena Watershed to target both steelhead and salmon. I like having a capable single-hand rod in addition to my spey setups, and the Marksman 968 fits this role perfectly. It excels at single-hand spey techniques on larger rivers where you’re very likely to encounter some seriously strong fish. The combination of length, lifting power, and line speed makes it a confident tool when you need to manage heavy sink tips, mend at distance, or quickly reposition for another swing.
Another reason I chose this model is versatility. I also plan to use it on lakes around Kamloops, where trout tend to run larger and conditions often demand longer casts and better line control. The extra reach of the 9’6” blank should help with mending, distance, and overall presentation in open water situations 🌊
Beyond British Columbia, I can easily see this rod being at home in Alaska as well — whether targeting powerful salmon, aggressive steelhead, or even as a strong nymphing rod in big, pushy rivers.
Overall, the Hardy Marksman strikes a really nice balance between power and feel. It has the backbone needed for steelhead, salmon, and bigger stillwater trout, yet it remains enjoyable and precise enough that you don’t feel like you’re casting a broomstick. For anglers looking for a modern fast-leaning 8-weight that still communicates with the caster, the Marksman 968 is proving to be a very rewarding choice 👌
