Maxcatch Competition InTouch Nymph Fly Rod for Euro nymphing Fly Fishing

Although I’ve been fly fishing for 30 years, I am new to Europe/Tightline nymphing. After watching more YouTube videos on the topic than I care to admit, I had my sights set on big name rod and reel. However, after pricing out options from the names you’ve heard of, I felt that it was too much to spend for something that my skills may not yet appreciate.I chose the 10’ 2 weight and paired it with the Maxcatch Nymph reel with a full frame (well worth it). Finally got it on the water yesterday and was impressed with the rod. It proved very capable of throwing both single and double nymph rigs on an ultra thin leader. The rod has a good recovery rate. It is probably not in the ballpark with the $500+ crowd, but it is noticeably better than my 4 weight that was 3x the price. The blank is sensitive enough to pick up the occasional contact with the bottom allowing you to fish the sweet spot just above the bottom.The most surprising aspect for me was the ability to fish an indicator on the mono rig that I was using allowing me to reach those seams that were inaccessible via a true tight line presentation.I’ve never fished a 2 weight before, so I was a bit nervous when I landed my first fish. The rod handled that fish as well as the 9 others I brought to the net without drama. All were typical southeastern stocker size, but several managed to find their way into the current, putting up a good fight.Time will tell on durability, but as of now I would highly recommend this rod for someone looking to try their hand an tight line nymphing, but who is not ready to spend a fortune on a big name. I have several Maxcatch rods and reels and all punch above their weight from a price vs performance perspective.Update (1/3/25):I’ve now had the rod out a half dozen times. Still really enjoying it. The one thing I’ll say is that while the rod has pretty good backbone for a 2 weight it is taxed pretty hard if a larger fish finds the current. With low angle side pressure you can still steer the fish, but you have to pay attention to what you’re doing. It’s tough to get a larger fish’s head above water to plane them quickly to the net, but that is the nature of these lighter rods. The payback is the ability to throw a variety of rigs, especially on a mono-rig.

I wanted to try this style of fishing, but didn’t want to spend a ton of money, this ride is made exceptionally nice for the price and has a great reviews. Won’t be long. I will be using it. Nice job max catch.

10’ 2 weightPurchased as a back-up Euro rod or to use for instruction. I have really put this rod through a lot of time on the water with over 200 trout caught so far. It is attractive, very good action and seems very capable and so far rugged. Fishing weighted flies including jig streamers can be a bit rough on a light rod. Yet, this holds up very well so far. My only negative is is in its cosmetics. The finish is very, very nice…… an unexpected quality for the price. However, it has two areas I didn’t care for. The “plug” at the front of the grip “appears” to be plastic and looks cheap. It’s the one notable negative that I had real disappointment in. Most people probably wouldn’t care but it mattered to me. I also would have preferred a flat black finish over the gloss finish of the reel seat. I feel this would be an exceptional euro-nymphing rod for any level of experience.Update: I’ve fished this rod for several months and have caught well over 200 trout on it. No complaints, very happy though I did break the tip today which was my fault. I ordered another rod as soon as I got home. I also emailed the company hoping that they offer replacement tips to get it back in action. I would not hesitate purchasing this rod.Update 2: Company doesn’t seem interested or willing or able to sell replacement tip. They state that if you purchase direct from their website they offer a two year warranty. I thought since the Amazon purchase came from Magcatch Store it would be an option. Either way, I’m interested in purchasing the replacement. If this isn’t possible then I’m greatly disappointed and would not purchase off Amazon. I’m also not expecting the two year warranty to cover my accidental damage.

The case as well as the rod itself look to be high quality and just what I'm looking for to transition to contact nymphing a fly rod from a few seasons of similar fishing a Tenkara rod. Unfortunately my rod 2 wt 10' arrived today and the tip section is broken at the second eyelet and the section is also crushed towards the butt end. Not sure how that could have happened in the case so I have to think it happened prior to being cased and quality control didn't catch it. It's a bummer that I can't just get a tip section but I will have to send the whole thing back and await a replacement. I'll update when I've had a chance to try it.UPDATE: Received the replacement rod and this one looks pristine. The original was lacking plastic on the cork handle and some of the packaging, so I'm thinking there was definitely something incorrect with the original. This looks and practice casts beautifully. Maxcatch also saw my original review and offered to send a replacement tip as well so that's wonderful! I have every expectation that this one is going to work great.

Broke landing a 11” brown. At first I was engaged and happy with the look of the rod. Taking it out after a year of having it and not being able to fish with my schedule. First fish 2 mins into arriving on the river and fishing with this rod it broke on a 11” brown. Normally this happens with the tip of the rod but no this was the but end of the 2nd piece. Not very happy with the quality or performance of this rod. It would be best to look elsewhere.

I had to part with my beloved Hanák rod collection a couple of years ago, & starting up again on a shoestring budget, found this. Not quite the quality of the Hanák rods, but for the price it's hard to beat. Very lightweight, ++ sensitive tip. Paired with a 5wt large arbor reel for balance.

Took the brand new rod to a lake erie tributary today. Caught 2 steelhead, a small bass, a shad, 1 bluegill and had two freshwater drum on the line that threw the hooks. All in all a great success!