Western North Carolina guide Ben Colonnese of Fixed Line Appalachia is introducing his first fixed-line rod, the Headwaters 325, and a limited Founders Release is now open for reservations.
Ben runs guided tenkara and fixed-line trips from his base near Asheville, where he takes anglers after trout in mountain streams and even native microfishing species. He also makes his own nets, packs, and fishing tools, so sourcing a rod of his own is a natural next step. The Headwaters 325 is the first production run of his new rod line.
Headwaters 325 Specs
- Length: 3.25 meters (approx. 10 ft 8 in)
- Collapsed length: 34 cm (approx. 13.5 in)
- Weight: 60 grams (approx. 2.1 oz)
- Material: High-modulus carbon fiber
- Action: Slow-soft, 6:4
At just over 10 feet 8 inches, this looks like a rod built for the tight, brushy headwater streams that Ben guides on every week.
Founders Release Details
- Limited to the first 30 rods
- Founders price: $130 (planned regular retail price is $170)
- Reservation deposit: $30 today, which counts toward the $130 price
- Balance due: $100, before the rod ships
- Estimated arrival: Early January 2027 (dates are estimates and may change)
- Shipping and applicable taxes are extra and will be calculated when the rods are ready to send
The rods are currently in production. Cancellations and refunds are handled through Fixed Line Appalachia under the reservation refund policy shown at checkout.
With only 30 spots available, interested anglers will want to move quickly. You can reserve a rod on the Fixed Line Appalachia website.
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