Original: $975.00
-65%$975.00
$341.25The Story
The Thomas & Thomas Contact III Fly Rod enters the market as the definitive answer to the evolving demands of modern technical nymphing. For years, dedicated Euro-nymphing anglers have faced a difficult choice between rods that offer extreme sensitivity and those that possess enough durability and recovery speed to handle diverse water conditions. The Contact III solves this dilemma by introducing a completely re-engineered blank structure that offers a "connectivity" to the fly that feels almost electric, without sacrificing the backbone needed to turn heavy fish in current. By significantly increasing hoop strength and sharpening recovery, this rod eliminates the wobble associated with lesser specialty rods, making it the premier tool for the angler who needs to detect microscopic strikes on the bottom of a tailwater or precisely steer a mono rig through complex pocket water.
Blank
At the core of the Contact III is a proprietary multi-modulus graphite and resin matrix that Thomas & Thomas has developed to specifically address the structural weaknesses often found in long, light-line rods. This advanced construction results in a blank with exceptional hoop strength, reducing the ovalization that leads to breakage under load. The action is tuned for a highly responsive, crisp recovery, which translates to immediate hook sets and laser-accurate casting with virtually no tip bounce. While the butt section provides substantial power for fighting fish, the tip remains supple enough to protect the finest tippets. The blank is finished in a stealthy, low-glare matte color to prevent spooking wary trout, wrapped with T&T's signature olive threads.
Guides
The guide train is meticulously selected to minimize weight and maximize line flow. The stripping guide utilizes a lightweight titanium frame with a premium ceramic insert, designed to reduce friction whether you are shooting thin mono rigs or coated Euro lines. Moving up the rod, T&T employs black RECOIL single-foot snake guides. These nickel-titanium alloy guides are virtually indestructible; they can be bent flat and will instantly snap back to their original shape, a critical feature for rods that are frequently hiked through dense brush and rough terrain.
Reel Seat
Understanding the physics of longer rods, the Contact III features a downlocking reel seat design. This configuration shifts the weight of the reel to the very bottom of the rod, counterbalancing the longer blank and significantly reducing swing weight and arm fatigue during long sessions of high-sticking. The hardware is machined from black anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance and durability. It is paired with a beautiful Burled Black Ash spacer, adding a touch of organic warmth and classic aesthetics to this highly technical instrument.
Rod Tube
To protect your investment during travel and storage, the Contact III includes a premium aluminum rod tube finished with a durable powder coat and the Thomas & Thomas logo. Inside the tube, a custom-sewn rod sock with individual section sleeves prevents pieces from rubbing together, ensuring the finish and ferrules remain pristine.
Warranty
Thomas & Thomas backs the Contact III with a lifetime warranty for the original owner. This warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship. In the event of accidental breakage—such as car doors or ceiling fans—T&T offers a repair service for a reasonable fee, ensuring that your rod can be returned to factory specifications and back on the water quickly.
More Info
- Action: Fast Recovery / Specialized Euro Nymph Taper
- Best For: Euro Nymphing, Tight Line Nymphing, Mono Rigs
- Grip Style: Flor Grade Cork with reinforced fighting butt
- Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Line Weight Range: 2wt - 6wt
Recommended Lines
- Scientific Anglers Mastery Euro Tactical Fly Line
- Rio Technical Euro Nymph Fly Line
- Cortland Competition Nymph Fly Line
Description
The Thomas & Thomas Contact III Fly Rod enters the market as the definitive answer to the evolving demands of modern technical nymphing. For years, dedicated Euro-nymphing anglers have faced a difficult choice between rods that offer extreme sensitivity and those that possess enough durability and recovery speed to handle diverse water conditions. The Contact III solves this dilemma by introducing a completely re-engineered blank structure that offers a "connectivity" to the fly that feels almost electric, without sacrificing the backbone needed to turn heavy fish in current. By significantly increasing hoop strength and sharpening recovery, this rod eliminates the wobble associated with lesser specialty rods, making it the premier tool for the angler who needs to detect microscopic strikes on the bottom of a tailwater or precisely steer a mono rig through complex pocket water.
Blank
At the core of the Contact III is a proprietary multi-modulus graphite and resin matrix that Thomas & Thomas has developed to specifically address the structural weaknesses often found in long, light-line rods. This advanced construction results in a blank with exceptional hoop strength, reducing the ovalization that leads to breakage under load. The action is tuned for a highly responsive, crisp recovery, which translates to immediate hook sets and laser-accurate casting with virtually no tip bounce. While the butt section provides substantial power for fighting fish, the tip remains supple enough to protect the finest tippets. The blank is finished in a stealthy, low-glare matte color to prevent spooking wary trout, wrapped with T&T's signature olive threads.
Guides
The guide train is meticulously selected to minimize weight and maximize line flow. The stripping guide utilizes a lightweight titanium frame with a premium ceramic insert, designed to reduce friction whether you are shooting thin mono rigs or coated Euro lines. Moving up the rod, T&T employs black RECOIL single-foot snake guides. These nickel-titanium alloy guides are virtually indestructible; they can be bent flat and will instantly snap back to their original shape, a critical feature for rods that are frequently hiked through dense brush and rough terrain.
Reel Seat
Understanding the physics of longer rods, the Contact III features a downlocking reel seat design. This configuration shifts the weight of the reel to the very bottom of the rod, counterbalancing the longer blank and significantly reducing swing weight and arm fatigue during long sessions of high-sticking. The hardware is machined from black anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance and durability. It is paired with a beautiful Burled Black Ash spacer, adding a touch of organic warmth and classic aesthetics to this highly technical instrument.
Rod Tube
To protect your investment during travel and storage, the Contact III includes a premium aluminum rod tube finished with a durable powder coat and the Thomas & Thomas logo. Inside the tube, a custom-sewn rod sock with individual section sleeves prevents pieces from rubbing together, ensuring the finish and ferrules remain pristine.
Warranty
Thomas & Thomas backs the Contact III with a lifetime warranty for the original owner. This warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship. In the event of accidental breakage—such as car doors or ceiling fans—T&T offers a repair service for a reasonable fee, ensuring that your rod can be returned to factory specifications and back on the water quickly.
More Info
- Action: Fast Recovery / Specialized Euro Nymph Taper
- Best For: Euro Nymphing, Tight Line Nymphing, Mono Rigs
- Grip Style: Flor Grade Cork with reinforced fighting butt
- Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Line Weight Range: 2wt - 6wt
Recommended Lines
- Scientific Anglers Mastery Euro Tactical Fly Line
- Rio Technical Euro Nymph Fly Line
- Cortland Competition Nymph Fly Line
