I recently spent 3 days fishing a new/custom Epic 888 build here on the Upper Laguna Madre and I’m here to say it is an absolute beast. Pablo @ Bejuco Flats Fly Co built this polka dotted gem. I’d not handled or cast an 888 before and was immediately impressed. It is BIG, it is Smooth, and it is Powerful. This was off my skiff and 2 of 3 days I was solo. Sight fishing solo from the skiff means highly variable casts that need to happen quickly. I’m accustomed to this, but it was the first time with glass. This rod is very accurate and damn good at laying 20-50 foot shots on a backcast (about 60% of the time I’m casting at fish this way into the wind).

salty is good for you

I love the color of the rod with the Red reel!! Very nice looking combo!

Nice ! Pablo is the man.

Except there's not much abyss to it - where he's at is miles of 2' grass

I have an epic 888 on the way, just need to find a line (cool UK water for pike and carp!) and make some decisions on the build. Any thoughts on wrap colour (colour ) and hardware would be much appreciated

Nice build. I keep looking at the Bandit for a bit heavier salt.

How do these do in 25 plus mph wind? I would love to see the look on my fav guides face if I brought a glass rod on his boat. (He uses all Orvis Helios stuff). We typically end up using 9wts for bones due to the wind alone.