Just in time for a recent excursion to central Pennsylvania, the NorthFork Composite (NFC) LMX 11-foot 2-weight rod from Mr. Ant's Rods was ready for action. The rivers, having risen in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, offered fishable conditions that were too tempting to resist. "It didn’t take long to land my first trout, a nice wild brown, or my second or my third on the new rod," shared an enthusiastic angler, echoing the sentiment of excitement shared by many fly fishers in pristine waters.
The NFC LMX, renowned for its exceptional feel, stood out during the trip. A defining characteristic of any excellent fishing rod is its natural handling. "It’s not clunky and doesn’t take 'getting used to.' You pick it up for the first time and it feels like you’ve been using it all your life," noted the angler, demonstrating how comfortably the rod handled.
Behind this high-performance rod is Richard Steinhart, the owner and custom rod builder at Mr. Ant’s Rods. "They’re American made and I believe one of the best blanks you can buy," said Steinhart, praising the NFC LMX design created by the legendary rod maker Gary Loomis.
The sensitivity of the NFC LMX quickly became evident. Through various water conditions like shallow riffles and deep pools, the fisherman discovered a remarkable connection to the fish. "I felt every rock along the stream bottom – and every strike," he noted, underscoring one of the rod's standout qualities that consistently draws seasoned anglers to the brand.
Another remarkable feature of this rod is its superior casting accuracy. When compared to other European-style rods, including the Cortland Nymph, Orvis Recon, and TFO Drift Rod, the NFC LMX proved its mettle. "The casting accuracy is noticeably better... part of that can be attributed to the rod’s recovery rate," said the angler, who appreciated how the rod's construction facilitated unrivaled precision when placing the fly.
The monofilament wraps around the top sections of the rod greatly enhanced the user's performance, preventing the Euro leader from sticking to the blank when wet. "Have you ever experienced your mono leader sticking to your Euro rod? When this happens, it’s not just hard to cast, but hard to cast accurately," the angler pointed out, explaining how Steinhart's innovative design alleviated a common frustration for fly fishers.
The rod's impressive recovery aids in swiftly regaining connection with the fly. As the angler elaborated, "The quicker you can engage your nymphs into the drift, the longer you’ll be able to effectively detect strikes throughout the prime, fish-holding zones."
Weight was another consideration that impressed the user. "One of my chief complaints regarding the Cortland Nymph Rod, for instance, is its heaviness," he admitted, adding that the NFC LMX made prolonged sessions on the water much more enjoyable. "Fishing with this for a full day was pretty much effortless, no arm fatigue whatsoever."
Furthermore, the rod’s aesthetics didn't go unnoticed. With a sleek carbon fiber grip and matching aluminum ferrules, the rod captures the eye as much as it performs. Steinhart’s customization options allow for personalization that resonates with each customer. "The Northfork Composite LMX rod blank is a high-quality blank that matches other rods that cost easily twice as much," the angler concluded, highlighting the rod's value proposition.
Rich Steinhart’s journey into rod building began as a response to unexpected circumstances. "I was a civil engineer by education... when COVID-19 hit, I was looking for something to do to keep myself busy," he explained. His foray into building rods quickly blossomed, as he produces around 150 custom fly rods annually. "After about six months, I thought it was something I could do full time," Steinhart reflected on the growth of his passion project.
The name Mr. Ant's Rods carries a personal history. "About 45 years ago, we used something called a McMurray Ant... my dad invented the foam body ant and started selling them to fly shops in Pennsylvania," Rich disclosed, tracing the brand back to his father's innovations.
Together, the NFC LMX rod and its creator represent a blend of craftsmanship and passion, ensuring that anglers are equipped with reliable tools for memorable fishing adventures.