Scott Fly Rod Company - 50 years of craftsmanship

 

2024 is a very special year for Scott, as the American heritage brand celebrates its 50th anniversary! This is the exciting story of a brand that started in a basement in San Francisco and today is known worldwide for quality, innovation, and dedication. Join us on a journey through the past, present, and future of Scott – and discover why their rods are so exceptional. 

 

How it all began – Scott's journey from a basement to a global brand

It was in 1973 when Harry Wilson, a talented engineer and passionate angler, built the first Scott rods in a small basement on Cook Street in San Francisco. His vision? To create the best fly rods in the world. Even back then, Harry focused on quality and innovation. Just a year later, he founded the Scott Fly Rod Company – named after his son Scott. The brand quickly made a name for itself with fiberglass rods that were not only lightweight and high-performing but also ideal for traveling anglers due to their multi-piece design. The introduction of the first five-piece rods was a game-changer. 

The 1970s were a decade of change, and graphite brought entirely new possibilities to fly fishing. Scott recognized the potential of the material early on and introduced a revolutionary innovation in 1975: the first 9-foot rod for a 4-weight line. Anglers around the world were thrilled, as these long, lightweight rods opened up completely new possibilities for fishing.

With the support of his first employee, Larry Kenney, the brand grew rapidly and later moved to Berkeley to meet the increasing demand. Larry continued the tradition of innovation and further advanced rod development. In the 1990s, another significant step followed: under new leadership, Scott moved to Telluride, Colorado, before finally settling in its current home in Montrose, Colorado. 

 

Scott G-Series – Tradition meets innovation

 

Handcraft meets high-tech

Much has changed at Scott since its days in San Francisco – except for one thing: every rod is still handcrafted. Today, cutting-edge technologies like ReAct Technology and X-Core Design take center stage, yet the love for detail and precision of craftsmanship remain unchanged. The combination of tradition and innovation makes Scott rods truly special. You can feel the history and passion in every single rod. 

Once you've held a Scott rod in your hands, you’ll know what we mean. These rods are not just tools – they feel like an extension of your arm.

 

The outstanding features of Scott fly rods include:

• Natural Finish: Scott fly rods stand out with a natural finish that makes the rods lighter, more durable, and higher-performing. Unlike other rods, which are weakened by sanding and coated with glossy lacquer, Scott rods retain their untreated surface, showcasing the natural graphite structure. This results in a long-lasting, resilient rod without unnecessary coatings.
• X-Core Technology: X-Core enhances feel, stability, and performance. By using advanced materials and thin-walled blanks, the design achieves a perfect balance between stiffness and sensitivity, making the rod both stable and responsive.
• ReAct Technology: ReAct combines X-Core design with a special material and taper system to minimize vibrations after casting. This improves rod feedback without adding extra stiffness – for better feel and control during fast actions.
• Multi Modulus: Scott uses different fiber moduli along the rod to optimally control flexibility and recovery. This precise adjustment ensures smooth loading and unloading for seamless casting.
• ARC Technology: ARC reinforces the rods with advanced, lightweight carbon material that reduces torsion and increases rod strength. This provides greater accuracy and control during casting.
• FiberFuse Resin: Scott's innovative FiberFuse resin system creates over 20% stronger bonds between graphite fibers compared to traditional epoxies. This makes the rods even more robust and durable.

 

Scott Sector – The queen of saltwater

 

The key rod series from Scott

Fly rods by Scott are characterised visually by their unpolished blank surfaces, which is not in itself aesthetically unique, but also offers functional advantages. This special finish preserves the natural structure of the carbon fibres, resulting in lower weight and greater durability. As a result, the rods offer an unmatched feeling for casting precision and feedback when fishing.

 

• Scott Centric – Perfection in freshwater: Looking for a rod that combines precision and speed? The Centric series is exactly that. The successor to the legendary Radian is designed for modern freshwater anglers, delivering lightning-fast recovery and exceptional casting control. Built with titanium guides and the latest carbon fiber technology, the Scott Centric is a dream for dry flies, as well as for nymphs and streamers – from small creeks to large rivers. Our Test on adh-world: Fishing the Scott Centric on the Grayling river.

 

• Scott Sector – The queen of saltwater rods: Whether it’s Bonefish, Tarpon, or Permit: the Sector series is made for big adventures in saltwater. With ultra-light materials and robust components, it withstands even the toughest conditions. Special resin technologies ensure maximum durability, making the Sector perfect for long casts and tropical waters. But not only that: we also love using the Sector for our native predatory fish like pike, zander, perch, and more!

 

• Scott G-Series – Tradition meets innovation: The G-Series is Scott's homage to its own history. These rods combine timeless design with modern technology – perfect for demanding waters and delicate presentations. Their moderate action is a dream for dry flies and passionate fly fishers!

 

• Scott F-Series – Nostalgia for enthusiasts: The F-Series is a return to Scott's roots. These fiberglass rods are perfect for small streams and precise casts. Soft action meets unparalleled control!

 

• Scott Wave – Versatile and accessible: With the Wave series, Scott offers a powerful and versatile rod for freshwater and saltwater anglers at an affordable price. Ideal if you’re at home in both worlds.

 

• Scott Session – Your all-round companion: The Session series is for those looking for a rod suited for various types of waters. Flexible, powerful, and robust – the perfect choice for adventurers.

 

• Scott Swing – For single-hand and double-hand: The Scott Swing Series is an excellent choice for fly fishers seeking a versatile and high-performing rod. This series is designed to work effectively with both single-handed and double-handed techniques. Its progressive action covers a wide range, from dry flies to nymph fishing, to targeting salmon or steelhead.

 

Scott Swing - craftsmanship in perfection

 

Why you should try Scott

Scott Fly Rods stands for more than just rod building – it’s a brand that has significantly shaped modern fly fishing. Every innovation, every improvement aims to give you the best fishing experience possible. Celebrate Scott's 50th anniversary with us! Discover the rods in our shop and find the model that suits you. Whether for small creeks or big adventures, with Scott, you’ll find the perfect companion. Here’s to the next decades full of innovation, adventure, and unforgettable catches – with Scott Fly Rods!