I took the new Orvis out for a couple of hours this afternoon. To say it was a blast to use would be an understatement. The thing is absolutely mental. Being used to ultra fast actioned rods, casting this beastie took some getting used to, the action is at the opposite end of the spectrum as a full flex (slow). I hooked (and lost) a chub in the 5lb bracket within minutes of wetting the fly. Moments later I landed a lovely little brown trout of about 8oz. Even fish of that size put a good bend in the rod, so you can imagine what the biggie felt like.
The two pictured fish (of five that I caught) were both taken from the tail of a riffle, in a river that was running high. One took a dry and the other a gold head nymph, both of my own design. They instantly ran downstream taking line and making the little Orvis CFO 1 sing. Each took a couple of the most enjoyable minutes to net. I can't wait to get a good chub on this rod, it'll be an amazing fight, when it eventually happens.
