Marryat is a French company created in 1998 and whose name evokes George Selwyn Marryat, famous 19 century Fly fisherman and the grandfather of modern dry fly fishing. Its range, originally derived from Japanese practices, was quickly adapted to french flyfishing techniques. Some famous competitors (including Pascal Cognard and Jérôme Brossuti) have considerably influenced the creations from the 2000's. The latest Tactical Pro series, dating from 2015, was born from the common experience of Pascal Cognard and Yvan Vergé, Spanish competitor of international standing. It has had a very important success in France and we wanted to present you its main references, starting with the most versatile: the 9'6 line 3/4 Tactical Pro.
Static test:
After the Tactical and Tactical LX series in shades of green, the Tactical Pro regains the classicism of matte black, for the blank and the aluminum 5040 anodized reel seat. The wraps are neat and those of the joints have a fine red trim which brings a slight touch of color. The guides alignment is made easy with two small white spots on the blank. A rare feature: the reel seat is down-locking for models longer than 9'6". REC Recoil TM Titanium/nickel guides are relatively numerous (12guides for this 9'6") and the stripper - a Fuji SIC - is located on the first piece. This rod is delivered in a red fabric sock and a black square cordura tube.
Measurements :
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the frequency of this rod :
Regarding the power, 35 cents were required to load the rod over a third of its total length, which gives after conversion an ERN of 4.16. The value of ERN is close to 4.00, allowing to also use a #3 or #4 line, which may be suitable for some anglers, depending on their casting style and the degree of discretion they need. With an AA of 66.5°, the action is fast but remains very close to the Moderate Fast category (AA between 63 and 66°). The frequency at 80 is high and pledge of accuracy in action. Note that the weight announced by the manufacturer is strictly identical to the weight we have measured : 3.24oz. The impression of lightness is confirmed by the figures: the balanced total weight (BTW) is only 7.9oz. The down-locking reel seat is an important part of this very good balance! With its 1.06in maximum thickness, the handle will even suit those with large hands.
Marryat Tactical Pro 9'6 #3/4
The opinion of Darryl Mooney, sales director and head of the Marryat PRO-Team :
"The perfect all rounder, very accurate with a dry fly but equally at home with a French leader when required. Lightweight, offering fast recovery when casting without feeling stiff."
The opinion of John Tyzack, 6-times England Rivers Champion, England International Team Member, Professional Guide and Instructor :
“Simply the best all-round river rod I have ever had the privilege to use.
Throws lovely tight loops when dry fly fishing but is equally at home fishing a French leader. A friend of mine borrowed mine for a competition and fished streamers on a sinker for decent-sized rainbows! I love this rod.”
Tobias Persson, Guide and Fly Dresser in Sweden :
"The Marryat Tactical PRO 9ft 6in 3/4-weight is by far the best and sensitive rod I've ever used. I mainly use this this rod for dry flies, nymphing and smaller-sized streamers in rivers.The performance is great, a light weight and soft rod with lots of spine to do long casts but mainly it lifts the line like nothing else doing roll casts! While nymphing the sensitivity is outstanding, I can feel the difference between hooking a fish and the bottom/rocks as never before. Catching a big trout on this rod is easy, I push the rod rather hard so drilling a big fish to my landing net fast is not problem."
Joe Fox, Dealer and part of the Dette Legacy in New York :
"The Marryat Tactical PRO 9ft 6in 3/4-weight is a perfectly balanced nymphing and dry fly rod. It's 9 foot 6 inches gives extra reach and maintains accuracy for nymph fishing, while providing effective action and accuracy for dry fly presentation."
The opinion of the editor :
A rod whose length is perfect for switching between dry fly fishing and nymphing in streams and rivers, or for dry fly fishing in all types of water. Its action between fast and moderate-fast will seduce those who are not fan of ultra-fast rods. With its high frequency and relatively large handle diameter, accuracy is very good, both for dry fly fishing or nymphing. The small details that seem insignificant on paper (short distance from the first guide of 14.6in and down-locking reel seat) give this tool a remarkable efficiency and comfort. In the end, this Tactical Pro has an excellent quality-price ratio!
