Pyramid Lake Needles, seabamirum, Creative Commons license.

Since in a couple of weeks we’re fishing for Lahontan Cutthroats at Pyramid Lake with Casey Gipson, I’ve been debating whether to buy ladders for the trip. I know that we could use Casey’s, but like a lot of fly fishers I’m a gear head, and I think I could find all sorts of applications for a ladder even if we never fished Pyramid again. It just seems like a good use of our money.

Of course all the major manufacturers make ladders, and Kris and I have spent a lot of time at our local fly shops trying to decide which ladders are right for us. We are really good at agreeing on the big stuff, but the devil is in the details. For instance, Kris likes Orvis rods and so do I, but I generally like Winston for freshwater or G. Loomis for salt a little better. Kris likes lightweight reels, but I prefer Tibor because they’re bombproof or Hardy English-made reels because they’re classy. She likes Simms waders, I like Patagonia. Anyway, if you’ve used any of the ladders in the market, I’d appreciate your thoughts. Following are the ones we’ve looked at.

While I’m at it, does anyone have any advice on carrying a ladder on a plane? Do they fit in the overhead? I’m disappointed that only the Loomis Asquith comes with a ladder case. Maybe I’ll wait until we get to Reno and buy from Reno Flyshop. They have a lot of good information online.

Fishpond

The guy in the picture above is the kind of angler who gives fly fishing its reputation for effete commercial excess, decked out as he is from head to toe in the newest Simms River Camo–who knew that camo would be a thing for fly fishing? In my opinion he’s all style, no substance, but I can’t argue with his choice of ladder. Fishpond makes a range of high-tech carbon fiber ladders that are not only functional, but you can’t argue with their good looks. There’s also a ton of available attachable accessories, including rod holders, bottle holders, floatant clips, net clips, shoulder straps, beer can holders, tippet holders, fly patches, bottle openers, ladder tethers, solar panels, and lip balm. $625 as shown (without accessories).

Thomas & Thomas

I’ve got a couple of Thomas & Thomas graphite rods, a 10′ 4 wt Avantt and an old saltwater 8 wt, and my friend Mark Marmon is on their pro staff. They’re better known on the East Coast than in the West, but they’ve really made a name for themselves with their traditional bamboo ladders. I’ve never climbed bamboo, but the aesthetics and craftsmanship are the highest I’ve seen. I’d love to own one of these. $3,750.

Winston

Nothing gives rise to thoughts of Western trout fishing like Winston rods, and I’ve used them happily for years. They’re beautiful, and the Winston feel is special. I like casting Winston, and I’m guessing that I’d happily climb their ladders. I particularly like the engraved nickel silver ladder feet with the burl wood spacers. Beautiful. $875.

Temple Fork Outfitters

By manufacturing its ladders in South Korea, the TFO ladders are exceptionally well made and functional at an excellent price point. They’re good-climbing ladders too, and if you’re not hung up on American manufacture, price gives them a rung up on the competition. $399.99.

Abel

There’s always something kind of sexy about Abel aesthetics, and you can’t argue with Abel function. If you want to climb up and down a ladder, Abel lets you do it with style and confidence. Abel is expensive though, and if you get a custom anodized ladder like the one in the picture, prices start to get into bamboo territory. The ladder shown is milled from aircraft grade aluminum with a wood-pattern custom anodized finish, with matching pliers, nippers, and zinger available. $2555. Also available in Montana Brown, Native Tarpon, and Rasta Fade custom finishes, or standard solid or custom satin colors.

Orvis

I was in the Orvis Houston store when a customer said that he had purchased one of every size of Helios 3D rod made, from size four to 12, plus the Helios Tenkara rod. I think Kris would be happy with that, and I love to cast her rods. I’m sure the Helios 3C ladders are excellent, both for climbing and descending, and I’m sure that no ladder is more accurate. I kinda like the modern look of the Helios 3 ladder too, though I know it’s been controversial. $950.

G. Loomis Asquith

I don’t like the feel of the lighter weight Loomis Asquiths, but I really like the heavier rods, 7 weight and above. Because they are shipped to Japan for attachment of Shimano’s proprietary Spiral X rails, the price of Asquith ladders is a good bit higher than other comparable ladders. Still, they work so well it may be worth it. I don’t think the aesthetics are particularly good, and the little flecks of color remind me of bowling balls and bass boats, but they sure perform. I’m certain this is the last ladder I would ever buy, and that it’s a way better ladder than I am a climber. $1100.

As a side note, Asquith rods are named after the top step on stepladders, which is properly referred to as the ladder’s asquith.