NEW - Thomas & Thomas Contact 3+ Solidtip ESN Nymphing Fly Rod

Thomas & Thomas is pleased to announce the market launch of the new Contact III+ – the completely redesigned third generation of the award-winning Contact rod series.

Based on the proven success of the Contact II, all models retain the familiar action and bending profiles of their predecessors, thus enabling a seamless transition – now complemented by noticeable performance improvements.

As modern fishing techniques have increasingly evolved towards thinner leaders, smaller flies, dry dropper rigs and jig streamer presentations, the Contact III+ has been designed to optimally cover this wide range of applications.

At the heart of the Contact III+ is a newly developed, proprietary composite material that enables a 100% pure carbon blank . This blank is lighter and slimmer than those of previous generations. The reduced diameter decreases air resistance during casting and minimizes the influence of wind during drifting. Simultaneously, the material ensures a faster recovery speed, allowing the rod to return to its starting position more quickly. The result is longer, more accurate casts with less effort .

Improved vibration damping of the blank virtually eliminates tip oscillation, allowing for immediate contact with the fly upon landing. Together, these improvements offer a significant increase in control, sensitivity, and efficiency on the water.

Individual models in the series were specifically tailored to different requirements:

The 1002 and 1092 models are optimized for smaller flies and lighter rigs. The previous 1123 model has been replaced by the new 1153 – a longer, lighter rod with increased sensitivity, ideal for competition and long-line Euro nymphing. All Contact III+ rods retain the powerful backbone of their predecessors, ensuring secure hooking, control, and landing of large fish.

With the exception of the 6-weight model, all Contact III+ rods come with two interchangeable tips : a classic hollow tip and a new solid carbon tip. This dual-tip configuration not only serves as a replacement but also significantly expands the rod's range of applications.

The solid carbon tip loads more easily, offers exceptional sensitivity while drifting, and significantly improves bite detection via the sighter. It is particularly well-suited for micro-leaders, very light and small flies, and dry-dropping techniques, while also providing excellent tippet protection. Competition anglers especially benefit from a lower hook-up rate at short distances.

The classic hollow tip is better suited for heavier flies, including jig streamers, and optimally supports weight-forward fly lines when casting dry flies or dry dropper rigs. This variant is ideal for anglers who want to actively impart movement to the fly via the rod tip during the drift.

With the Contact III+, Thomas & Thomas continues its commitment to innovation, precision and uncompromising performance for modern fly fishers.

In addition, Thomas & Thomas is introducing a simplified warranty process for Contact III+ tips : The angler sends a photo of the broken tip, including the serial number, via email, whereupon a suitable replacement tip is manufactured and shipped – without having to send in the entire rod. Damage to other rod parts still requires sending in the entire rod.

Contact III+ – Product Specifications

• All models except Contact III+ 1086 (6wt) come with two tips: a hollow tip and a solid carbon tip.

• Premium cork handles in Flor quality with ¼” composite nose for increased sensitivity and better bite transmission.

• Matte black downlocking reel seat with two locknuts, T&T logo and burl wood spacer.

• Single-leg, lightweight gunmetal running rings and a flexible nickel-titanium snake ring under the tip ring eyelet to reduce line tangling.

• The 10'9" and 11'5" models feature reduced ring sizes for better line control and less line sag.

• Black, high-framed double-rib stripping guide for reduced friction under load; positioned lower to minimize line sag.

• Wraps in insect green and golden yellow.

• Black fly holder and end ring.

• Contact III+ 1086 with full-wells handle and all-black metal reel seat, without full carbon tip; primarily designed for migratory fish species.