HELIPLY SERIES
HP 696/3

HP 696/3 is the "1-weight of saltwater." The "Chico Special" is an incredible specialty fly rod for catching large species at short range. This is a saltwater style rod with a fast taper, strong butt section, and salt-proof components, but is short enough to cast side arm in the tightest of mangroves. This is a great rod for popper fishing, and you'll be surprised by how well this six-weight plays fish. The short rod length works as a highly efficient lever, and can stop a snook or large sea trout from diving into cover. The HP 696/3 is also a great little rod for catching silver salmon and sockeye, and many Alaska travelers will add this rod to their travel inventory.

HP 696/3: This is the rod that Lee Wulff inspired me to design with friend Jim Bartschi. Lee and I talked about a short, light rod for saltwater for years. I mostly use this rod in close quarters (short and medium casts) for snook and tarpon or for black bass. Also, I love to use this rod while fishing deep into the Everglades by canoe or small jon boat. Somehow, baby tarpon are my favorite fish on this rod. In Alaska, it was the most fun rod for chums, pinks and silvers. This rod will cast a decent size Sea-Ducer or Woolly-Bugger, and has the power to fight a salmon or even a mid-size tarpon. It takes no room at all to travel, and "somehow" it is always around on backcountry, bass fishing or Alaska fishing trips. Fun, …just fun.

Chico Fernandez Miami, FL