adh-fishing Test: Winston Pure2 and Iwana Trout

 

The Winston Pure2 fly rod combines innovative technologies with proven craftsmanship, offering passionate fly fishers an unparalleled casting and fishing experience. Its improvements over the previous model make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the highest quality in their equipment. In this video, you can join us on a winter grayling river and watch as we fish with the Winston Pure2. We paired this flagship model from the traditional American company with a timeless fly reel from Iwana: The Iwana Trout Series in rich green perfectly complements Winston’s signature blank and exudes a beautiful retro charm with its classic S-handle.


It’s a cold, snowy winter day, the landscape is bathed in frosty light, and the grayling are holding deep in the clear water. Not a hint of insects on the surface – it’s too cold to reach for the dry fly box. So, we opt for a nymph. And for an absolute dream combo: The Winston Pure2 fly rod and the Iwana Trout Series fly reel.

This high-quality combo represents elegance, precision, and top-tier craftsmanship. A day on the water with this setup is not just about catching fish – it’s about enjoying every single second of fly fishing to the fullest. Even in freezing temperatures below zero.

 

Winston Pure2 Tube

An eye-catcher even before unpacking - the Winston Pure2 in its elegant rod tube


The Winston Pure2 Fly Rod – A Masterpiece for the Finest Fishing

If you’re looking for a rod that showcases top-tier craftsmanship and a timeless, elegant design, the Winston Pure2 is the perfect choice. It is the evolution of the legendary Winston Pure and brings everything you need for delicate trout and grayling fishing. But what makes the Pure2 so special?

 

  • An Action That Inspires: The Winston Pure2 has a medium-fast, progressive action that excels at short to mid-range distances. Every line movement feels smooth, every cast is a pleasure. For our test, we did not opt for a delicate setup with a long tapered leader and a dry fly, but instead put the Winston through its paces with a floating Oros strike indicator and a weighted tungsten nymph. Yet, even with this setup, precise roll casts and smooth overhead casts were no problem!

Winston Pure2 Engraving

Perfect Match - Winston Pure2 & Iwana Trout Series in rich green

 

  • Unmatched Precision: Whether nymph fishing in winter or dry fly fishing for trout from spring to autumn, precise presentation often determines success or failure. And this is where the Winston Pure2 shines with unparalleled casting accuracy, allowing you to place your fly exactly where you want it – under trees, along stream edges, or near feeding fish!

 

  • Lightweight Construction and Stability: Thanks to an optimized material composition and new resins, the Pure2’s blank is even lighter than its predecessor without sacrificing stability. After a full day on the water, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly this high-quality graphite rod fishes. No matter which line weight you choose from its broad range, the Pure2 feels like a magic wand, letting you craft beautiful loops in the air.

 

  • Sensitive Flex for Perfect Control: Compared to the original Winston Pure, the Pure2 features a refined tip action that makes casting even more harmonious. The rod bends more evenly, providing better control during casting and fighting fish. Whether trout or grayling, the fight with the Pure2 is incredibly enjoyable, transmitting every movement of the fish directly to you.

 

  • Exquisite Materials and Craftsmanship: Winston is renowned for its craftsmanship, and the Pure2 is a prime example. The signature green blank, the premium nickel-silver reel seat, and the luxurious Half Wells grip made from the finest cork make this rod one you’ll not only want to fish with but also admire. Its timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship make it a true work of art.

 

Winston Pure2 Rod Blank

 Lighter & more stable than its predecessor - the Pure2 from Winston blends cutting-edge technology with masterful craftsmanship

 

Although the Winston Pure2 was specifically developed for dry fly fishing, it impressed us when nymphing for grayling. Its sensitivity provides an incredible amount of feel, while the blank’s power allows precise casting and presentation of weighted patterns. In higher line weights, the Pure2 is fully capable of streamer fishing, offering ample power to confidently battle large brown or rainbow trout.

Iwana Trout Series in the Snow

 Timeless design & cutting-edge materials - The retro fly reels from Iwana with a classic S-handle

 

The Iwana Trout Series Fly Reel – Tradition Meets Perfection

What would an exquisite rod be without a matching reel? The Iwana Trout Series is a tribute to classic fly reels – but built with modern precision. Why this reel will make your heart beat faster:

  • Timeless Design: The Iwana Trout Series echoes the legendary reels of the 1950s. Its closed back, ebonite handle, S-handle, and silver accents give it a classic elegance that pairs perfectly with the Winston Pure2.

  • Click & Pawl – The Traditional Drag System: This reel uses a click & pawl system, producing a distinctive sound when the line is pulled and offering a wonderfully direct fight experience. Every fish feels like an adventure with this reel!

 

Conclusion: A Combination for Connoisseurs

The Winston Pure2 fly rod and the Iwana Trout Series fly reel are more than just tools – they are an experience. The Winston Pure2 is one of the finest trout rods on the market, with an elegance that feels almost weightless in hand. If you are looking for a rod that is sensitive, precise, and beautiful, and a reel that combines traditional flair with modern perfection, then this combination is just right for you.

Whether dry fly fishing for trout in summer or – as today – nymphing for grayling in the cold winter: With this combo, you are not just fishing – you are enjoying every moment on the water. Discover the wide range of Pure2 fly rods from Winston with us and learn more about the Iwana Trout Series, which is also available in classic black. Although, in our opinion, the green reel is the ultimate complement to a Winston rod.

 

Our Tip: For our test on the winter grayling river, we combined the Winston Pure2 with a Presentation+ from Guideline. A versatile line that feels at home on both smaller streams and larger rivers. The line cast and presented wonderfully at all distances and can be unreservedly recommended for the Winston Pure2.

 

Winter fishing grayling

 

RELATED PRODUCTS
adh likes
NEW
Winston Pure 2 Single Handed Fly Rod Winston Pure 2 Single Handed Fly Rod
€1,129.00 *
Order No.
P-27701.5
Iwana Trout Series Fly Reel black Iwana Trout Series Fly Reel black
From €449.00 *
Order No.
P-23384.3
Iwana Trout Series Fly Reel black & silver Iwana Trout Series Fly Reel black & silver
From €449.00 *
Order No.
P-23382
New
video
Iwana Trout Series Fly Reel moss green
Iwana Trout Series Fly Reel moss green
From €449.00 *
Order No.
P-23386
Guideline Presentation+ Fly Line Floating Guideline Presentation+ Fly Line Floating
Content 27.5 meter (€3.27 / 1 meter)
€89.95 *
Order No.
P-23795.4
10% EXTRA
New
Price
Patagonia Stealth Pack Back Pack BSNG
Patagonia Stealth Pack Back Pack BSNG
was €180.00 * €125.95 *
Order No.
P-25553
adh likes
10% EXTRA
New
video
SBDY (Seabird Grey)
Patagonia M's R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody SBDY
was €220.00 * €154.00 *
Order No.
P-28868