First Impressions
Today, I am the owner of the brand new Temple Fork Signature Series fly rod. The 7 foot 6 inch 3 weight to be exact. Not because I ran out and purchased it, mind you. I received it as a replacement for my old Temple Fork that snapped in two on a recent trip after six or seven years of faithful service.
I purchased the Temple Fork rod at a local fly shop that unfortunately, like many other fly fishing businesses, closed a few years ago. They provided excellent customer service and helped me pair the rod with the right reel – a Temple Fork No. I, more on that in a future review – and line, rigged it up, provided the rod case and a few other accessories. It’s sad to see so many of these local resources fade into the sunset. Luckily, there are other shops that have built robust businesses on the Internet and carry Temple Fork.
Features
At the time I purchased my Temple Fork, the Signature Series was one of only two lines manufactured by the company. At around $100 it struck me as a great bargain. Build quality is good. The finish is an attractive dark green, the cork grip is a AA grade. The black aluminum reel seat provides a solid mount for the No. I with double uplocking rings. The rod is constructed with tip over butt ferrules, my preferred connection.
One of the best features of the rod is Temple Fork’s No Fault Lifetime Warranty and their customer service. The hardest part of taking advantage of the policy, as I did recently, was packing up the broken rod for return. Less than two weeks later, a new rod arrived on my doorstep. Fantastic.
Fit
I don’t think you can go wrong with the Temple Fork Signature Series. It fishes very well on small to medium sized streams. I love playing small trout on this lightweight rod. My only wish is that it was a four-piece not two-piece implement.
Final Verdict
I highly recommend the Signature Series as a primary or backup rod. It’s rugged, attractive and fishes very well. Build quality is good for a rod in this price range and the company’s customer service and warranty policy ranks right up there with the best in the business. I may pick up one of their four-piece Finesse Series this next season. If I do, you’ll find the review here on GearGuide.
Temple Fork rods are available online at Front Range Anglers and Platte River Fly Shop.
First Impressions:
[Rating:4.5/5]
Features:
[Rating:4.5/5]
Fit:
[Rating:4/5]
Final Verdict:
[Rating:4.5/5]
