Echo Shadow II Review

The practice of euro nymphing has been rising in popularity over the past couple decades. Anglers have been adding specialized euro nymphing rods to their collection as it becomes more prominent. So for this Echo Shadow II review we’re going to take a look at one of Echo’s Euro Nymphing offerings.

Echo Shadow II Euro Nymphing Rod Features

4. Extended length

5. Alignment dots

6. Hook keeper

Echo Shadow II Models

Echo Shadow II 

4106-4

4 wt 10’6″

Echo Shadow II Review – Our Take

Euro nymphing rods bring on a unique need for a set of features that vary greatly from your typical trout rod. Because the practice involves tight lining within close quarters, the designs usually revolve around extended lengths and increased sensitivity. 

Fast action is great for casting long distances, but with these rods, a medium action is better for sensitivity.

The reel seat appears to be made of machined, anodized aluminum. One thing to note is that the uplocking reel seat only has a single screw lock mechanism.

Normally I would prefer the double screw locks as the single one seem to come loose more often. While the pictures do show what looks like two screw locks, one of them is not threaded onto the screw so the mechanism is only a single screw lock.

The 10’6” rod features 11 line guides. While most rods nowadays use a combination of stripping guides and snake guides further up the rod, the Shadow II features single foot guides for all line guides.

I’m guessing that the single foot guides save them a bit of weight over the extra wrapping and epoxy needed for snake guides which have two contact points. That’s an understandable design choice. However, I would have liked to see one or two more guides to minimize the line slack.

Performance

The Echo Shadow II may not feature the fanciest features like other rods, but honestly it performed very well in my experience. I had a very productive fishing day when testing the rod, so it’s hard to tell if my good luck is contributing to a bias, or if the rod really made a difference.

The rod was well balanced and was extremely sensitive. I was able to effectively feel the contours of the stream bottom, the swiftness of the current, and the inevitable bites from fish. 

Once hooked, the medium action was very helpful on a very tight stream that didn’t give a lot of room to run. I hooked multiple rainbows over 18” on the 4 weight and didn’t have any problem getting them to the net. Like I said, I had a REALLY good fishing day.

Looks

While the Shadow II proved to be a solid choice on the water, one of the things lacking was in the aesthetic design. I do like the stonefly graphic on the reel seat. Beyond that, the rod is pretty much on a matte black blank with no frills or accents beyond the company logo. 

But honestly, this is a rod that was built for value, so the lack of fancy designs and engraving may not be what you’re looking for. After all, laser engraving doesn’t help you catch fish.

Value

Where this rod really shines is the overall value. In order to provide a great price, they’ve made decisions on what to include, and what not to include in the design. Echo has chosen to build a rod that is strong, sensitive, and well balanced to provide a great euro nymphing experience.

The features that they have decided not to include are things that many fly fishermen may not care about. This rod is made for the everyday angler who wants a rod that performs well for a good price without extra frills that drive the cost up.

Echo Shadow II Review Pros and Cons

Cons

! Low grade cork handle

! Single screw lock

Overall Ranking

7 / 10

Echo Shadow II Deals

Accessories: Reel and Fly Line

RIO Fly Fishing Fly Line FIPS Euro Nymph

Echo Shadow II Fly Rod Starter Pack

If you’ve decided to pick up the Echo Shadow II, or found another fly rod that suits your needs, there are some bare essentials you’re going to need to get read yot hit the water. Check out some of our suggestions below:

• • Reel – You’ll need a reel that complements the rod. For this we suggest the Echo Ion Reel.
  • Fly Line – For fly line we suggest RIO Euro Nymph Fly Line
  • Leader – When it comes to leaders, we really like RIO Euro Nymph Leader.
  • Clothing – For wading we suggest Redington Sonic PRO Waders and Korkers Wading Boots.
  • Flies – Check out this nymph collection.

Echo Shadow II Accessories

Fly Fishing Tools Kit and Accessories Combo Kits, Fishing Quick Nail Knot Tying Tool, Hook Remover Forceps and Pliers, Stainless Steel Salmon and Trout Multiple Fishing Set Gear Tool Assortment