Testimonials
We love to hear from happy customers. Below are some of the testimonials we've received. Love your Sullivan Fly Rod? Send us your review!
Chris McCarthy
Outside Bozeman Magazine - Product Review
Bozeman, Montana
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Maybe it’s the luck of the Irish that makes Sullivan Fly Rods so damn good. But I’m guessing—more likely than not—it’s the knowledge and dedication that goes into the rod building process. Now I’m not a hardcore angler, but I’ve been fishing long enough to recognize quality craftsmanship, and I've cast enough rods to recognize the difference between one that costs less than my running shoes and one that costs more than my first vehicle—it's big. My 5wt. Syringa fly rod from Sullivan Fly Rods casts like a Cadillac, and with the sticker price of a Kia, it's a steal.
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The Syringa is a custom-built, medium-fast action rod, making it great for casting whatever fly is working that day. I’ve thrown small, size 18 dries, a dry/dropper combo, and heavy streamers all with accuracy and precision. The rod is very responsive; so much so that I’ve learned to be much gentler when mending line. And since each rod is built to order, you can customize the action, thread colors, cork grips, reel seats, and stripping guides, making your rod truly one-of-a-kind. Plus, the rods are built in Livingston, MT. with 100% US made parts.
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You can hope for luck or bank on experience when purchasing your next fly rod, but you already know what I'm going to say. Available at SullivanFlyRods.com; $800.
Tiffany Greene
Casting for Recovery
Bozeman, Montana
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Here at Casting for Recovery, we can’t say enough good things about Sullivan Fly Rods! Their generosity toward our organization has been nothing short of incredible — supporting us both financially and through the donation of their beautiful, custom fly rods.
These rods are truly coveted: handcrafted with precision, made entirely in the USA, and an absolute dream to fish with. It’s no wonder they’re so coveted. Sullivan’s support has helped us further our mission and create meaningful, healing outdoor experiences for the women we serve.
We’re beyond grateful to have them as a partner — a company that not only crafts amazing gear but also gives back to the community in such a powerful way. Thank you, Sullivan Fly Rods!
Connor C.
(5 wt. Syringa)
Livingston, Montana
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After fishing it for over a year all over Montana & beyond, I've fallen in love with my 9' 5 wt rod - it can do it all! I've thrown the full gamut of nymphs, dries, and streamers from it in all four seasons (and the famous Livingston wind), and it's my go to rod for a reason. Delicate when it needs to be, powerful in moments when some backbone is required, I take it everywhere I go!
Tony F.
(5 wt. Tenderfoot)
Hamilton, Montana
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Excellent presentation of small drys. Very accurate at short to medium distances. More unforgiving at long distances, as you would expect for a medium action rod. Reminiscent of the old IM6 Winston graphite rods. Honestly, nothing I would change. Great dry fly rod!!
Andy M.
(9 wt. Merganser S (salt) and 7wt. Merganser)
Bozeman, Montana
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The Merganser S lives up to its name in being a very fast rod for those who value stiffer rods in varying conditions on the ocean. On a recent trip, I had the opportunity to use my 7wt and 9wt variants while chasing bonefish & permit, respectively. Throughout the trip, the weather was extremely variable with evening storms each day and a respectable amount of wind on the bow. The fast action on these rods allowed quick work of casts that needed to cut directly into a head wind, while the tip flex afforded accuracy and soft landings for spooky targets. The grip is also ideal for my larger hands. While the permit didn't cooperate, the 7wt handled a good share a bones each day on the water. The larger cork made it comfortable to fight them when they took longer runs. It also handled the runs of juvenile barracuda with ease. I was able to cast the 9wt with multiple fly types (floating crabs, heavier weighted crabs, squimp, and tarpon bunnies) with ease in the choppier conditions and would go to these 2 rods again in a heartbeat in any saltwater scenario.
I have also had the opportunity to put the 7wt to work on lake trout & smallmouth. The creek we were fishing for smallmouth in Pennsylvania had zero room for error with casting, and it makes quick work of throwing woolly buggers into tight cover. For lake trout, it picks up and delivers large sinking lines as well as any rod I have cast.
David C.
( 7wt. Syringa)
South Carolina
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I purchased a Sullivan Syringa 7 weight fly rod prior to a recent fishing trip to the Kenai River in Alaska, and it exceeded expectations in every way. The rod is constructed with top-quality materials and has a clean, beautiful finish that immediately impressed both me and my guides. On the water, it performed flawlessly—powerful enough for big Alaskan fish, yet responsive and smooth to cast all day. The guides I fished with gave it high marks for both appearance and craftsmanship, which speaks volumes. After this experience, I’m already looking to add another Sullivan rod to my collection.