Nam Delgado 15'7 10 fly rod – review
A review of the Nam Delgado 15'7 10 salmon fly rod based on its performance, durability and value in Norwegian salmon fishing.
Nam Delgado 15'7 10 fly rod – review
The Nam Delgado 15'7 6-piece fly rod is marketed as a solid choice for both beginners and experienced anglers. I decided to put it to the test and see how it performed. My results were mixed.
The rod casts well and feels okay in hand, but it lacks the necessary qualities to handle larger fish. That doesn't mean it can't be done, but personally, I would have chosen a rod of much higher quality.
If you're looking for an affordable, long fly rod, the Nam Delgado 15'7 is a decent option. It's a 6-piece rod with good casting ability and reasonable durability. However, it's not the best choice for experienced or technical salmon anglers. In my opinion, the Delgado lacks the action and balance required to land large salmon effectively.
Rod characteristics
Overall, the Nam Delgado 15'7 is a decent fly rod for salmon anglers fishing in large rivers and streams. It's made from acceptable quality materials, has a nice finish, and is easy to assemble and take apart. One downside is that it's not as lightweight as other fly rods on the market, but it remains a decent option for anglers wanting a rod of okay quality.
If you're just getting into salmon fishing with a fly rod, this is a decent choice. Just keep in mind that you may need to upgrade later if you stick with fly fishing. If you are preparing for Norwegian salmon rivers, my Aaroy River guide gives more context on the type of water and fish a rod like this may be asked to handle. All in all, the Nam Delgado 15'7 10 is a beginner level fly rod worth checking out.
Performance observations
There are a few things I think could be improved. First of all, the price is high. Second, the rod isn't very well balanced, which makes it tiring to cast for long periods. Finally, the cork handle isn't the most comfortable and can get slippery when wet.
I can confirm that the rod handles long casts in a Norwegian salmon river just fine. So it's a decent choice for anglers wanting distance. That said, I personally don't cast very far because of the downsides it brings.
Verdict on the Nam Delgado 15'7
The Nam Delgado 15'7 10 broke. I was guiding a guest in Norway in August 2022. He was fishing with a standard floating line, a sink tip, and a typical tube fly. After about 60 metres of fishing in the home pool, the rod snapped during a forward cast. His face said it all. I didn't even need to ask what had happened.
He told me he was always careful not to hit the rod with heavy flies or hooks. He was confident that wasn't the cause. He had bought the rod just before the Norwegian salmon season started and had only used it for six days.
The photo clearly shows the rod is frayed at the break point. Based on my experience, it doesn't look like it was hit by a fly or salmon hook.
Performance evaluation
To properly evaluate this rod in terms of performance, durability, and value, I want to go deeper into my review.
Let's start with the action. The Nam Delgado 15'7 is on the stiff side. In my view, it's not suitable for technical salmon anglers who prefer a progressive rod. The balance isn't great either, and the stiffness makes it tiring to fish with over long periods.
That said, the materials are okay and of decent quality. The finish is quite nice, though not on par with the high-end rods available today.
All in all, the Nam Delgado 15'7 10 is a decent rod—but by no means the best on the market. It's a good choice if you're looking for a stiffer or "fast" action rod for salmon fishing.
Pros
- Made with quality materials
- Good choice for salmon anglers seeking a stiffer or "fast" action
- Nice finish
Cons
- Not suitable for technical anglers who require a progressive rod
- Poor balance can make it tiring for longer sessions
- Not the best fly rod on the market
Vendor’s own words
When I looked up more about this rod, I naturally came across the vendor's website. Read the official Nam Delgado 15'7 10/11 product page if you're curious.
Nam Delgado 15'7 10
For tough fishing, extremely long casts, long lines, heavy lines, and BIG fish. Perfect action for this type of fishing. A light but powerful fly rod with crazy resilience. The action is medium/fast.
All in all, I'm not sure whether to recommend buying it, but you can judge for yourself whether it suits your fishing style. Perhaps price alone is a factor for you, in which case, the Nam Delgado 15'7 10/11 is a decent fly rod for the money.
Would I buy another Nam Delgado 15'7 rod?
No. There are other rods on the market made to the same or even better standards—and they cost less. But again, it's up to you to decide whether this is the right rod for your fishing.
I hope this review has been useful and helps you make a more informed decision before possibly buying the Nam Delgado 15'7 10 fly rod.