Overview

The Echo Boost Blue is a fast-action saltwater fly rod for anglers with an aggressive casting stroke who want maximum line speed. Echo co-founder and lead rod designer Tim Rajeff developed its actions by reworking Echo's earlier Boost Salt series: a light tip section paired with a powerful bottom section gives the rod the punch to drive a fly through the wind and the precision to put it where you aim.

Every Boost Blue is a 9' 4-piece travel rod on a gloss blue, high-modulus graphite blank, with titanium stripping guides, a black anodized reel seat and a full wells cork grip. The 6 to 9 wt models have a short cork fighting butt and the 10 to 12 wt models an extended one. Each rod comes in a fabric-covered square rod case with a rod sock. We carry all seven sizes, 6 wt to 12 wt.

Which Boost Blue Should You Choose?

Streamers for sea-run cutthroat and coho, or a light rod for southern marshes: ECHOBSTBLUE690S (9' 6 wt).

Beach coho and the inshore marshes: ECHOBSTBLUE790S (9' 7 wt).

The same water with heavier rigs and bigger fish: ECHOBSTBLUE890S (9' 8 wt).

Mangroves, inshore marshes and light flats work: ECHOBSTBLUE990S (9' 9 wt).

One rod for saltwater big game: ECHOBSTBLUE1090S (9' 10 wt).

Big game on the flats in strong wind: ECHOBSTBLUE1190S (9' 11 wt).

The biggest fish you are planning a trip around: ECHOBSTBLUE1290S (9' 12 wt).

Echo Boost Blue Specs

Echo Boost Blue Models

ECHOBSTBLUE690S - 9' 6 wt

The lightest Boost Blue, for streamers aimed at sea-run cutthroat and resident coho on one coast and the inshore marshes of the Southeast on the other. It has a short cork fighting butt.

Best for: sea-run cutthroat and coho streamers, inshore marshes.

Line pairing: A 6 wt weight-forward floating saltwater line with a short, aggressive head for quick shots. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Bonefish (WF6F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Bonefish (WF6F).

ECHOBSTBLUE790S - 9' 7 wt

A 7 wt for casting from the beach to coho and for the inshore marshes of the Southeast, with the line speed to punch a fly into a breeze.

Best for: beach coho, inshore marshes.

Line pairing: A 7 wt weight-forward floating saltwater line; a warm-water taper suits southern marshes. We recommend the SA Amplitude Textured Bonefish (WF7F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Redfish Warm (WF7F).

ECHOBSTBLUE890S - 9' 8 wt

The 8 wt covers the same beaches and marshes as the 7 wt when you need a bit more backbone for heavier rigs and bigger fish.

Best for: beach coho, inshore marshes, heavier rigs and bigger fish.

Line pairing: An 8 wt weight-forward floating bonefish or all-round tropical line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Textured Bonefish (WF8F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam (WF8F).

ECHOBSTBLUE990S - 9' 9 wt

Echo pitches the 9 wt for inshore marshes, mangroves and light flats work, where you need to turn bigger flies over into the wind.

Best for: inshore marshes, mangroves, light flats work.

Line pairing: A 9 wt weight-forward floating tropical line built to turn over bigger flies. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam (WF9F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Tropical Jungle Titan (WF9F).

ECHOBSTBLUE1090S - 9' 10 wt

Echo calls the 10 wt its all-round saltwater big game size. From the 10 wt up, the Boost Blue gets a larger, extended cork fighting butt for leverage on a long fight.

Best for: all-round saltwater big game, bigger flies in the wind.

Line pairing: A 10 wt weight-forward floating tarpon or all-round tropical line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Tarpon (WF10F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam (WF10F).

ECHOBSTBLUE1190S - 9' 11 wt

A big game flats rod for fighting strong winds and plus-sized fish, with the extended fighting butt of the heavier models.

Best for: big game flats fishing, strong wind, plus-sized fish.

Line pairing: An 11 wt weight-forward floating tarpon line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Tarpon (WF11F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Tarpon (WF11F).

ECHOBSTBLUE1290S - 9' 12 wt

The heaviest Boost Blue, for the jumbo fish you have been planning a trip around.

Best for: the biggest saltwater fish, heavy flies, long fights.

Line pairing: A 12 wt weight-forward floating tarpon line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Tarpon (WF12F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Tarpon (WF12F).

Boost Blue vs EPR, ION XL and Boost Fresh

The Boost Blue is Echo's dedicated saltwater series: fast, built for line speed and finished with titanium stripping guides. If you want more raw power for the biggest flies, the Echo EPR is what Echo calls its fastest, most powerful rod, with an extra-fast action. The Echo ION XL is a fresh and saltwater rod with a more forgiving action that also comes in 10' lengths for nymphing and lakes. For a heavy-line rod in a shorter 8'10" length, see the Echo Prime, and for freshwater, the Echo Boost Fresh.

Echo Boost Blue FAQ

What action is the Boost Blue?

Fast. Echo describes it as a crisp, fast action with a light tip and a powerful bottom section, made for anglers with an aggressive casting stroke.

How is the Boost Blue different from the Boost Salt?

The Boost Blue was born from the Boost Salt series. Echo gave it all-new actions, refined by Tim Rajeff, and upgraded titanium stripping guides.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. Every Boost Blue comes in a fabric-covered square rod case with a rod sock.

What is the warranty?

The rod is covered by Echo's lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original owner, when bought from an authorized dealer. If it breaks in normal fishing use, Echo repairs or replaces it for a service fee that varies by model. Rinse it after every trip: Echo's warranty does not cover saltwater corrosion.

Which weight should I choose?

The 6 or 7 wt for coho, sea-run cutthroat and inshore marshes, the 8 wt when you need more backbone for heavier rigs, the 9 or 10 wt for mangroves, light flats work and all-round big game, and the 11 or 12 wt for plus-sized fish and strong wind.

Can I fish the Boost Blue in freshwater?

Yes. It is built for the salt, but Echo also lists it for bass and musky, and for salmon and steelhead.