Fly fishing is a timeless sport that has captured the hearts of anglers for generations. Having the right gear is essential in order to experience the thrill of fly fishing to the fullest. Kistler Rods, a company known for its commitment to quality and innovation, has introduced the BAKK Fly Rod and Reel, a combination that has quickly gained popularity within the fly fishing community.
The BAKK Fly Rod and Reel began when Trey Kistler asked expert fly angler Jeremiah Bakk one question. “What would the perfect fly rod and reel look like to you?”
In this article, we’ll delve into the journey that Kistler and Bakk took to create this rod and reel combo using exquisite craftsmanship and innovation to achieve superior performance in the world of fly fishing.
The Birth of BAKK
The BAKK Fly Rod and Reel is a result of years of research, development and innovation. Kistler's BAKK series was born out of a desire to create a fly fishing setup that would meet the exacting standards of the most discerning fly anglers. Trey Kistler's personal passion for fly fishing drove him to design a rod and reel that would provide exceptional performance, durability, and precision.
Jeremiah Bakk is a professional fly fishing guide in Colorado and Wyoming. He dedicates himself to creating unforgettable memories for his clients and Bakk has also amassed a wealth of fly fishing knowledge and expertise throughout his life. Kistler initially challenged Bakk to imagine what the perfect fly fishing rod would look like. The reel began as a sketch and Kistler worked to bring the product to life. After thousands of hours of testing, research and development, the BAKK fly fishing reel was complete.
The Kistler Bakk Series reel features a low glare, type II anodized finish for durability and stealthy approach on easily-spooked trout. This reel is specially designed to perfectly balance the Kistler Bakk series fly rods or any other flagship fly rod.
Crafted from a fully machined block of aluminum for ultimate toughness on the river, or anywhere else you’re going to fish. The BAKK Series reel has a very lightweight porting design that does not sacrifice torsional strength. This reel features a sealed drag system that consists of a proprietary disc combination which ensures a low start-up inertia and an ultra smooth drag to hold big fish on the lightest of tippet.
Bakk emphasized a reel that was extremely lightweight, with a large arbor design capable of holding a generous amount of backing. Kistler also included a rounded reel feet post to keep your leader strong and kink-free. The result of this expert engineering and foresight is a reel that can handle monster fish in the brackish saltwater of the Bristol Bay region in Alaska to the sub-freezing environments of winter rivers in the mountains of Colorado.
Since its release, the Bakk Series Reel has been proven time and again by landing the biggest, strongest trout in extreme conditions. Bakk’s vision included a reel that could withstand just about anything an angler might encounter on their fishing trips and the BAKK Series reel is one that’s trustworthy and reliable.
Craftsmanship that Exudes Quality
One of the standout features of the BAKK Fly Rod and Reel is the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into their production. Kistler Rods prides itself on using the finest materials and employing skilled artisans to create their fishing gear.
The BAKK Fly Rod is constructed using high-quality graphite blanks that are lightweight yet strong, providing the perfect combination of sensitivity and power. The design of the BAKK Fly Rod has been carefully honed to ensure that it offers the perfect balance for a variety of fly fishing techniques. Whether you are casting dry flies, nymphs, or streamers, the BAKK Fly Rod can handle it all with ease.
“We wanted to build a trout rod that is going to be able to catch big trout on windy Wyoming rivers, fishing from a drift boat, as well as a rod that’s capable of casting a tiny, little Trico dry fly to a rising fish 30 feet away on a flat, calm river,” said Bakk.
Additionally, the BAKK Fly Rod features top-notch components such as Fuji guides, a custom aluminum reel seat and a premium cork handle. These components not only contribute to the rod's overall aesthetics but also enhance its functionality and longevity. The rod's cork handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing anglers to cast with precision and control.
The rod is made of lightweight carbon fiber material that makes it extremely nimble and easy to handle for anglers of any skill level. Bakk emphasized the fact that the rod needed to focus on stealth as much as casting ability. This is what makes the BAKK Fly Rod one of the best fly fishing rods on the market today.
“Many times, anglers are up-close-and-personal with big trout and you have to be very stealthy and keep low-profile,” said Bakk. “When you’re casting a big, flashy rod with a polished blank that’s giving off a lot of glare, that’s not good. What we wanted was an unsanded blank with a matte finish that has low epoxy and single foot guides which cut down on weight. We also wanted a rod that made it easy to track that line coming out of the rod tip, but one that was also going to be flexible.”
We wanted a really strong, lightweight fly rod blank that was really, really fun to cast,” said Bakk. “That is the key to a good fly rod is how much fun it is to fish with.”
Versatility for Every Fly Fishing Scenario
The BAKK Fly Rod is available in a range of configurations to suit different fly fishing scenarios. These include various lengths, line weights and actions, ensuring that there is a BAKK Fly Rod that fits your specific needs. Whether you are casting for trout in a mountain stream, targeting bass in a stillwater lake, or pursuing saltwater species along the coast, the BAKK Fly Rod can adapt to the situation.
The BAKK Fly Reel is the perfect companion for this outstanding quality fly fishing rod. This reel is designed to provide a seamless and efficient fly fishing experience, enhancing the performance of the rod.
The BAKK Fly Reel features a large arbor design, which allows for quick line retrieval and minimal line memory. It is constructed from high-quality, precision-machined aluminum to ensure durability while keeping the reel lightweight. The disc drag system of the BAKK Fly Reel is exceptionally smooth and can be finely adjusted to match the fish species and fishing conditions you encounter. This level of control is invaluable for fly anglers who demand precision when playing and landing their catch.
The BAKK Fly Reel also sports a stunning design, with a sleek black finish and subtle Kistler branding. Its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip and allows for quick line retrieval, especially when a fish is making a run. With a sealed drag system, this reel can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing without corrosion concerns, making it one of the best fly fishing reels in the industry.
Unmatched Performance
The combination of the BAKK Fly Rod and Reel is a force to be reckoned with in terms of performance. These two components work in harmony to provide an exceptional fly fishing experience that stands out in various aspects.
Casting Performance
The BAKK Fly Rod's action is well-suited to a wide range of casting techniques. Whether you prefer delicate presentations for finicky trout or require the power to cast large streamers, the BAKK Fly Rod handles the task effortlessly. Its accurate and responsive tip ensures precise casts, while the progressive action of the rod allows for excellent line control.
Line Control and Mending
The BAKK Fly Rod's progressive action is particularly advantageous when it comes to line control and mending. It allows anglers to easily manipulate the line and make quick mends, essential for achieving the perfect drift and presentation of the fly.
Fighting Power
When you hook into a feisty fish, the BAKK Fly Rod provides the backbone needed to land your catch successfully. Its strength and sensitivity come into play as you battle with the fish, giving you the upper hand in the fight. This is what sets the rod apart as one of the best fly fishing rods in the industry.
Reel Retrieval
The BAKK Fly Reel's large arbor design and smooth drag system contribute to quick and efficient line retrieval. When a fish runs, you can rely on the BAKK Fly Reel to bring in line without a hitch.
Balance and Comfort
The BAKK Fly Rod and Reel have been meticulously designed for balance and comfort during long days on the water. The cork handle of the rod feels natural in hand, reducing fatigue. The reel's ergonomic handle ensures that retrieving line is effortless.
The Kistler Commitment to Innovation
Kistler Rods has always been at the forefront of innovation in the fishing industry. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of rod and reel design is evident in the BAKK Fly Rod and Reel. Kistler has consistently strived to make fishing gear that incorporates the latest advancements in materials and manufacturing processes.
The BAKK Fly Rod's high-quality graphite blank is a testament to this commitment. It not only offers incredible strength and sensitivity but also boasts a level of lightness that was previously hard to achieve. This lightweight design is crucial for fly anglers who spend hours on the water, casting and retrieving.
The BAKK Fly Reel's large arbor design and sealed drag system represent the cutting edge of reel technology. These features enhance line retrieval and durability, providing fly anglers with a reel that can withstand the challenges of various fishing environments.
Investing in the BAKK Fly Rod and Reel is not only a purchase for the present but a long-term investment in your fly fishing journey. Kistler Rods is known for the durability of its products, and the BAKK Fly Rod and Reel are no exception. These fishing tools are built to last, ensuring that you can rely on them for many seasons to come.
Additionally, Kistler offers an industry-leading 30-year warranty on the BAKK Fly Fishing Rod that further underscores the company's commitment to customer satisfaction. These products represent the perfect blend of craftsmanship, performance, and innovation–setting a new standard for fly fishing equipment.