The Beulah Website lists all the material and corks used in the construction, but probably just like you, I don’t have the expertise to evaluate that information. I can however, give you my opinion of the rod both casting and fishing.
I fished at Tucunare lodge, Colombia, South America in 2022 primarily for Peacock Bass and Payara for 16 days. While I had 8, 10 and 12 wt. rods in my case, I learned quickly that my minor shoulder arthritis was more than minor, and as a result the heavier rods never left their case. I could only cast my Gary Anderson custom built 9 foot 8 wt for 25 minutes, but then had to rest for that much time or more. Pain killers did not help. After some serious medical evaluation, I decided against the new shoulder replacement surgery recommended and thought I would try Two Hand casting instead. After a lengthy internet study and seeking purchasing suggestions from Kulik Lodge Guide and Spey guru, Drew Griffith, I purchased a Beulah G2 Two Hand Opal Surf Rod in 7/8 and after receiving it and noting the quality, I ordered another Beulah in 5/6 wt. Because my goal included fishing the IGFA 2-pound class tippet class, I also purchased a Beulah G2 Single hand 9 ½ foot 6 wt strictly for those small tippets. I have been fly fishing for 67 years and have more than 25 years’ experience managing Fly-Out fishing lodges, and fishing businesses in Alaska, Chile, South America, British Colombia and in Botswana, Africa. I currently hold one IGFA line class world-record and have four pending world-record applications from my recent adventure in South America. I submit the following review for your perusal.
I fished for 22 days straight at Tucunare lodge and used only Beulah rods. On my first day fishing I used the Beulah two Hand 7/8 wt rod with an Abel Super 9 reel and a Rio Tropical Outbound Short 10 wt line and a 12-pound class tippet. I believed it would be easier for me to use the 7/8 to work on my casting stroke and practice line manipulation with a little heavier fly line. I caught a couple fish and felt comfortable enough with my casting after a full day to put that Beulah back in its case and start the next day with the 5/6 instead. Just like the 7/8, I found the Beulah 5/6 a pleasure to cast. The reel I use most days was an Abel Super 8 with a Rio Tropical Outbound Short 8 wt line. In the days with higher water I used a Billy Pate Salmon with a 400 grain shooting head backed by Rio Slick Shooter 35 pound, I also had another Abel Super 8 equipped with a floating line that I never fished. Both Abels and the Pate balanced perfectly on the 5/6. I found the reel seat to be easy to use and its machining and fit to be excellent. The rod was constantly exposed to bright sunlight and intense jungle heat. Temperatures ranged from about 90 to 110 although one day I saw 113 degrees on my camera (cell phone) which I kept in the yeti cooler. I had the Abel Super 8 on the rod for 13 days in one stretch and the reel seat never loosened nor was it hard to loosen when I needed to change. I found the rod easy to handle and cast, although some might be able to cast it single handed, I found it a little heavy, but with two hands the rod was simply great.
Primarily casting from a boat, I found the extra grip length also helped steady the rod on my retrieves. Within just a short time my casting improved to the point I was able to accurately put a fly about 95 feet and a few times I cast well over 100 ft. The 11-foot rod was very manageable, and I found it easy to adjust to the extra length. I also believe the extra length made it easier to get a fish to the landing net.
Simply casting the rod is one thing, but fishing it for 18 full days is quite another aspect of the evaluation. I admit I lost more fish than I hooked, but that was due to the steep learning curve I attribute to fishing with 6, 4, and 2-pound class tippets. The largest fish I landed on the Beulah 5/6 was a Spectacle Peacock that weighed 17 pounds on the certified IGFA boga grip and the rod had more than enough power to sustain several fierce runs. The rod was also soft enough to absorb the fish’s power. Because of the light tippets I had to let the bigger fish tire and the Beulah handled it extremely well. I also hooked numerous Payaras in very fast water. I was casting from a rock and my guide saw a couple fish he said went well over 20 pounds grab my fly and head for the worst current. I had one on for about 5 minutes as it pulled yards of backing from my reel. Again, the rod was more than enough for that size fish, but in the fast current the 4-pound class tippet snapped. I also caught many fish closer to 2 pounds and never felt over-rodded.
I live in Ketchikan, Alaska and later this fall I plan to use my 5/6 for both Pink Salmon and Silver Salmon. If I get a chance, I hope to get to Kodiak to fish the Karluk River for the big Silver salmon found there, some more than 25 pounds. I’ll use the 5/6 there too. I have that much respect for the Beulah 5/6 wt two hander.
If you are looking for a do-it-all rod that will handle all the line classes, that is easy to cast and easier on your body, I highly recommend this rod. In a few months check the IGFA records and you will see my Beulah Two Hand 5/6 is the rod I used to collect 3 new Peacock bass class records.
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