I bought one last year, but was only able to get out with it once this spring. I plan on using for the exact same thing as you, but for lmb and not smb. Unfortunately, no smallmouth where I live now. I grew up fishing for them in streams and rivers and really miss them. But I think the rod will be perfect for the bass here in the lakes with wooly buggers and large dries/poppers.

The 686 is a sweet stick. It's my go-to light streamer rod in Colorado and I even pick up carp on it. Great for throwing big dries too- money for a salmonfly hatch.

Good to know as I will definitely be targeting carp when spring comes around.

I love my 686 Epic. It’s an early Graywolf Fastglass1 version that I got from a board member. It’s in the rotation whenever I’m fishing dries on big water out West, but I really like it during “Silly Season” here in Michigan, when we are fishing the big bugs after dark. It’s a rod I can feel through the whole stroke when casting, and has the power to get nice fish away from logjams in a hurry. The grip Shane built fits my hand perfectly, I like the titanium reel seat, and little fighting butt, and I smile every time when I see the salsa colored blank. It’s also a nice rod for tossing poppers for bass. That’s my 2 cent rod review. Nice to think about when looking out at the frozen tundra.

Mine is a custom by Wasatch Rods
It’s right in its element here on the Deschutes

@Kluff33 I was trying to remember who I stupidly sold that rod to. Glad it’s serving you well and I managed to find another one that Shane built from the same era. I agree with everyone that it’s an incredibly versatile rod. Pictured below with a salty coho salmon from Washington state:

I love my Epic 686. I have both the first 3 piece and the 4 piece. But not the Fastglass II version. I has a hard time finding my 3 piece. You just sone see them in the secondary market anymore. Both excel at nymphing a tossing streamers. Both handle a Teeny 200 with ease.

I'll add to the fan fest for this rod.

A few years back I grabbed an 8'5wt build kit and as the prices were so good...I picked up the 8.5' 6wt. Just cuz. I *wanted* the 5wt and was half hearted on the 6wt. Turns out I *LOVE* the 6wt. 5wt isn't bad but there is something about the way the 6wt works.....I fish it for bedding gills up to lake run steelies and it handles all of it well. Very versatile rod/taper. My favorite modern glass rod(granted I have little other experience with "modern" glass so take it for what it is).

What's the difference between the (first edition) Fastglass Epics and the Fastglass II's?