Hanák Competition Stillwater X is a range of four-piece fly rods designed primarily for stillwater fly fishing. The fast action and choice of #6 and #7 line weights allow you to match the rod to your preferred flies, fly lines and casting requirements. The shorter 696 and 796 models are also suitable for streamer fishing.

Stillwater X is designed for anglers looking for a powerful rod for fishing from the bank or a boat, particularly when longer casts and stillwater setups are required. The extended cork handle and fighting butt provide additional support during repeated casting and when playing fish.

Key Benefits

• Designed for stillwater fishing: the fast action is well suited to longer casts and a variety of stillwater fly-fishing setups.
• Choice of #6 or #7: the #6 model provides a lighter and more versatile stillwater setup, while #7 adds more power for larger flies, heavier lines and demanding conditions.
• 696 and 796 also suitable for streamers: the 9'6" length combines casting performance with good handling for active streamer fishing.
• Fast action: provides efficient control when casting longer lengths of fly line and a direct response when setting the hook at distance.
• High-modulus carbon: the blank construction combines the power required for stillwater fishing with the sensitivity needed for fly control.
• Extended cork handle and fighting butt: provide additional support during repeated casting and when playing stronger fish.
• Four-piece construction: convenient for transport, storage and travelling.
• Protective storage: the rod is supplied with a cloth rod bag and a protective transport tube.

Which Hanák Competition Stillwater X Should You Choose?

The right model depends mainly on whether you want a versatile stillwater rod, a more powerful setup for larger flies and stronger fish, or a longer rod designed primarily for stillwater techniques.

Stillwater X 696: Versatile Stillwater and Streamer Rod

The 9'6" / 290 cm #6 model is the most versatile choice for general stillwater fly fishing and lighter streamer fishing. The #6 line weight provides enough performance for typical stillwater setups without making the rod unnecessarily powerful. It is a good choice for anglers looking for a balance of handling, presentation and casting distance.

Stillwater X 796: Larger Flies and More Powerful Streamer Setups

The 9'6" / 290 cm #7 model has the same length as the 696 but provides additional power. Choose this version when you regularly fish larger streamers, use more powerful fly lines or want additional reserve for casting and playing stronger fish.

Compared with the 696, the 796 is better suited to anglers who prioritise a more powerful stillwater and streamer setup over a lighter presentation.

Stillwater X 7100: Longer Rod for Stillwater Fly Fishing

The 10' / 305 cm #7 model is the longest rod in the range and is primarily designed for stillwater fly fishing. The additional length provides extra reach when working with longer leaders and can improve control of the line and flies when using typical stillwater techniques.

Quick Selection by Fishing Style

• Versatile stillwater fly fishing: Stillwater X 696.
• Lighter streamer fishing: Stillwater X 696.
• Larger streamers and a more powerful setup: Stillwater X 796.
• Stillwater fishing with additional power: Stillwater X 796.
• Long leaders, additional reach and dedicated stillwater fishing: Stillwater X 7100.

Detailed Description

Hanák Competition Stillwater X is a range developed for stillwater fly fishing. The high-modulus carbon blank has a fast action suited to working with longer lengths of fly line and typical stillwater setups.

The faster action is particularly useful for longer casts and fishing in windy conditions, where efficient transfer of energy into the fly line becomes important. It also provides a direct response when setting the hook at longer range.

The 696 and 796 models are both 9'6" / 290 cm long. Their main difference is line weight. The #6 provides a lighter and more versatile setup, while the #7 offers additional power for larger flies and more powerful fly lines. Both models can also be used for streamer fishing.

The 7100 extends the rod length to 10' / 305 cm while retaining a #7 line weight. It is primarily intended for stillwater fly fishing, where the longer blank can be useful when working with longer leaders and controlling stillwater setups.

The rods feature an extended cork handle and a cork fighting butt. This provides a comfortable grip and additional support during repeated casting and when playing fish.

The four-piece construction makes the rods convenient to transport and store. Each rod is supplied with a cloth rod bag and a protective transport tube.

What to Pair the Rod With

Choose your reel and fly line according to the specific Stillwater X model and your preferred stillwater technique. The reel should also provide sufficient capacity for the selected fly line and backing.

• Stillwater X 696: pair with a reel and stillwater fly line suitable for #6. Depending on your fishing technique, you can use floating, intermediate or sinking stillwater lines.
• Stillwater X 796: choose a reel with sufficient capacity for a #7 fly line and backing. This model is suitable for more powerful stillwater and streamer setups.
• Stillwater X 7100: pair with a #7 stillwater fly line and a reel that provides good balance with the longer 10' rod.

FAQ

Which Stillwater X is the most versatile?

For general stillwater fly fishing, the Stillwater X 696 is the most versatile option. It combines a 9'6" length with a #6 line weight and can be used for both conventional stillwater techniques and streamer fishing.

What is the difference between the Stillwater X 696 and 796?

Both rods are 9'6" / 290 cm long. The 696 is a #6 and provides a lighter, more versatile setup. The 796 is a #7 and offers additional power for larger flies, more powerful fly lines and demanding conditions.

When should I choose the Stillwater X 7100?

Choose the 7100 if you want a 10' #7 stillwater rod and can take advantage of the additional length when fishing longer leaders and stillwater setups.

Is the Stillwater X suitable for streamer fishing?

Yes. The 696 and 796 are particularly suitable for streamer fishing. The 696 provides a lighter setup, while the 796 offers additional power for larger streamers and more powerful fly lines.

Which fly line should I use with the Stillwater X?

This depends on the specific model and fishing technique. Choose #6 lines for the 696 and #7 lines for the 796 and 7100. Depending on the required fishing depth and presentation, you can use floating, intermediate or sinking stillwater fly lines.

Is the Stillwater X only suitable for fishing from the bank?

No. The Stillwater X is designed for stillwater fly fishing in general and can be used from the bank or a boat depending on the selected model, line and fishing technique.

What is included with the rod?

The rod is supplied with a cloth rod bag and a protective transport tube.