The G.Loomis IMX PRO V2S - A Fly Rod for Saltwater Bruisers

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Ken Baldwin | Last updated Feb 6, 2024 10:29 PM ET

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Not all fly rods are made for all situations, even within the same line class. One angler's broomstick can be another angler's perfect arrow for his quiver. The G. Loomis IMX-PRO V2S fly rod in an 8wt has found a place in my quiver. Knowing the situations where this rod excels brings this fly rod to life and gives the advantage to the user. I don't play golf, but I imagine it's no different when choosing clubs for the circumstances you are in.

When Your Fly Fishing Needs a rod for Heavy Lifting

The 8wt IMX-PRO V2S fly rod is not a comprehensive 8wt that excels in all situations. If you are a decent fly caster, it's doable as your everyday rod, but if you want it to perform at its best, it's a rod that will shine when given a heavy workload.

Built for Bruisers, big Flies, and Long Distance

Its strengths are distance, picking up line off the water, fighting and lifting power for large fish, and throwing big flies. I use it when I'm targeting striped bass or bluefish in the surf, for pike and musky when you have to throw those ungodly large flies, big largemouth bass when you are pulling them out of the vegetation, salmon in Alaska, and peacock bass because even the small ones fight big and mean.

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Fly Fishing Isn't Always Pretty and Delicate

The IMX is a stout rod as fly rods go. I'm pretty hard on my gear, and tend to use it in rough places. When I fish in Alaska, it's difficult to baby my rods. Between the tackle-busting salmon and rough terrain, I know my fly rod is going to get beat up.

A Fly Rod That Feels Solid and Looks Good

The build and cosmetics of the IMX-PRO V2S is simple in a good way. Not fancy or flashy, but a good looking finish in a handsome, deep blue color, and equipped with strong components. It's more truck than Ferrari, and for the way I use it and the type of fish it catches, I prefer that. I also feel more confident in its build because it's made in the USA, Woodland, Washington to be exact.

It's not a fly rod I would recommend for throwing tiny flies and delicate presentations. I wouldn't use it for bonefish or permit on the flats. However, I would use it for baby tarpon. It performs well when over-lined by one weight. Sinking lines, sinking heads, and shooting lines all work well with the IMX-PRO V2S because of how easily it lifts line off the water. It's like a sled dog that wants to pull. Give it some heavy work, and it excels.

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Walk Quietly and Carry a big Stick

Put on some weighted line, tie on a big fly, and get into a brawl with a heavy fish. You will then appreciate the mid-priced G.Loomis IMX-PRO V2S. Know your target and then choose your fly rod accordingly.

“The gods do not deduct from man’s allotted span the hours spent in fishing.” - Herbert Hoover

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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