Awesome combo. I too can appreciate the thought process behind making and marketing of these two Musky rods. Keep it simple and streamlined. Since I don’t own a boat outside of a kayak I too would go with the 8’8” 11 wt version.

So stoked to see you try the echo musky rods! It's the front runner for me right now, but I've been trying to find more reviews like this before I pull the trigger. Thank you!

That's REALLY a great casting rod. I agree. I own one (9 ft. 4 in.) too. Ian turned me on to it at The Compleat Angler in Darien CT where he works. Very light feeling (in casting) for an 11 wt., which is the way it should be!

Gunnar I appreciate the discussion of hardware related to use of tungsten sinking lines. I went with the Chippy Stick because of trashing stainless steel guides. But I agree that the 11wt 8.8 size of this rod makes it a winner, but without ceramic guides this rod can only be considered a beginner or backup musky rod IMO.

Definitely seems like an interesting rod design and different from the norm

Thanks G, love my Echo 8!

Companies generally don't use marketing to educate their customers because most customers are dumb, which is why marketing works to begin with. Signed, a guy in marketing

I have an 8'8 and love it I caught my first 40 on it this year throwing a 12-inch fly

thanks gunnar

Nice review and yes, there is mostly not much going on on why they picked a specific design choice without f.e. searching for a video from a sales person of that company on that rod. Gotta say, the only thing I really hate about American Rods (or fishing gear generally) are the prices Europe (or the shipping costs) ;) The Echo Musky is around $470 in Europe and $330 in the States... Short heavy Rods for Pike/Musky are heaven for belly boats (float tubes)!

well,I purchase 9 ft 4 last spring did the research and evaluation of the Chippewa rods. I bought the four piece You demoed too. lets next season Be the year of Musky. Jim.

Gunner... you seemed to really like the Echo 8'8", you also seemed to really like the TFO BC Big Fly 9'er. Does one stand out as better (fit, finish, components) than the other? If you had to pick one over the other, which would you take on your next Musky trip??

Let's gooo

I've learned a lot from watching your videos

The 8'8" sounds very interesting.

What's your thoughts on the Penn battle for a beginner rod and reel combo?

Have both the the 8’8” and the 9’4”. Both are good sticks. The 9’4” can handle 500+ grain with ease

What rise reel do you have 10-11?

My rod

Sounds like rods worth having...

Gunnar, thanks for reviewing! Lovely rod. Did you fish it in spring at better temperatures? I'm very curious, tia!