Overview

The Echo Prime is Echo's flagship saltwater fly rod, built around the shots that matter most on the flats. Echo points out that most flats fish are taken in the 40 to 60 foot range, where things happen fast, so the Prime has an easy-loading tip and a condensed 8'10" length that lets you get through the cast quicker and with less effort. The power is tuned for feel during the cast, yet it does not give out when you need a long shot.

Every Prime we carry is a 4-piece 8'10" rod with a non-reflective grey blank, a multi-zone cork handle, a fighting butt shaped with no pinch point, solid titanium stripping guides with SiC rings, TiCN-coated snake guides and an aluminum double up-locking reel seat with Echo's Kraken artwork. We carry all five 4-piece models, from the 8 wt for inshore fishing to the 12 wt for the biggest tarpon.

Which Prime Should You Choose?

Bonefish, redfish and general inshore fishing: ECHOPR48810 (8'10" 8 wt).

One rod for inshore and flats fishing, with more wind and fly capacity: ECHOPR49810 (8'10" 9 wt).

Light tarpon, permit and big redfish: ECHOPR410810 (8'10" 10 wt).

Tarpon, permit and offshore fish: ECHOPR411810 (8'10" 11 wt).

Big tarpon and the largest warm saltwater fish: ECHOPR412810 (8'10" 12 wt).

Echo Prime Specs

Echo Prime Models

ECHOPR48810 - 8'10" 8 wt

The 8 wt is Echo's go-to Prime for a wide range of inshore saltwater fishing. Echo lists it at 4.25 oz.

Best for: inshore saltwater, bonefish and redfish on the flats.

Line pairing: An 8 wt weight-forward floating saltwater line with a short, aggressive head for quick shots on the flats. We recommend the SA Amplitude Textured Bonefish (WF8F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam (WF8F).

ECHOPR49810 - 8'10" 9 wt

Echo calls the 9 wt a great all-rounder for inshore and flats fishing, with a little more power than the 8 wt for wind and bigger flies. Echo lists it at 4.32 oz.

Best for: inshore and flats fishing, windy days, bigger flies.

Line pairing: A 9 wt weight-forward floating saltwater line that turns over bigger flies into the wind. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam (WF9F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Tropical Jungle Titan (WF9F).

ECHOPR410810 - 8'10" 10 wt

Light tarpon, permit, big redfish and offshore fish are all in the 10 wt Prime's wheelhouse, per Echo. Echo lists it at 4.59 oz.

Best for: light tarpon, permit, big redfish, offshore fishing.

Line pairing: A 10 wt weight-forward floating tarpon or tropical line with the mass to carry big flies. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Tarpon (WF10F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam (WF10F).

ECHOPR411810 - 8'10" 11 wt

The 11 wt steps up to tarpon, permit, big redfish and offshore work, with more lifting power in the butt for long fights. Echo lists it at 4.9 oz.

Best for: tarpon, permit, big redfish, offshore fishing.

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

ECHOPR412810 - 8'10" 12 wt

Echo calls the 12 wt the big gun, for the jumbos of any warm saltwater fish. Echo lists it at 5.05 oz.

Best for: big tarpon and the largest warm saltwater fish.

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

Prime vs Boost Blue, EPR and ION XL

The Prime is Echo's flagship saltwater rod and the one tuned for feel and quick shots, with an 8'10" length and an easy-loading tip. The Echo Boost Blue is a 9' saltwater rod that sits higher on power on Echo's action and power chart, and runs from 6 to 12 wt if you want a lighter salt rod. The Echo EPR is the fastest, most powerful rod Echo has made, for big flies, big fish and big wind. For one rod that crosses between fresh and saltwater, see the Echo ION XL.

Echo Prime FAQ

Why is the Prime 8'10" instead of 9'?

Echo shortened it so the rod cycles through the cast quicker with less effort. Most flats shots come at 40 to 60 feet, and the shorter length and easy-loading tip help you get the fly there fast.

What action is the Prime?

Fast on Echo's action and power chart, with high power. Echo describes the tip as easy-loading and the power as modest enough to keep feel in the cast, while still handling long shots.

Which weight should I choose?

The 8 wt for bonefish, redfish and general inshore fishing, the 9 wt as an all-rounder for inshore and flats, the 10 wt for light tarpon and permit, the 11 wt for tarpon and offshore fish, and the 12 wt for the biggest fish.

Is this the 2-piece Prime?

No. We carry the 4-piece Prime in 8 to 12 wt. Echo says its 2-piece models have the same action as the 4-piece rods.

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 the rod after each trip; Echo's warranty does not cover saltwater corrosion.

How is the Prime different from the Boost Blue?

The Prime is Echo's flagship salt rod, 8'10" long and built for feel and quick shots, from 8 to 12 wt. The Boost Blue is a 9' rod with more power on Echo's chart and also comes in 6 and 7 wt.