Thomas & Thomas - Contact III+

The Thomas & Thomas Contact III+ represents the third fully redesigned generation of the renowned Contact fly rod series. Developed to meet the evolving demands of modern fly fishing techniques, it retains the familiar action and flex profiles of the previous Contact II while introducing significant improvements in weight, sensitivity, accuracy and overall performance.

At its core is a 100% pure carbon blank manufactured using a proprietary composite material developed by Thomas & Thomas. The thinner and lighter blank reduces aerodynamic resistance during casting and minimizes wind influence while drifting. Its faster recovery speed allows the rod to return to its static position more quickly, delivering longer and more accurate casts with less effort.

The improved damping system virtually eliminates tip bounce, providing an immediate connection to the flies as they touch down. This results in enhanced sensitivity, better drift control and improved detection of even the most subtle takes.

One of the key features of the Contact III+ is its interchangeable tip system, offering two different configurations: a traditional tubular carbon tip and a solid carbon tip. This dual-tip setup is supplied with all models except the 1086, which comes exclusively with the traditional tubular tip.

The solid carbon tip loads more easily during casting and provides exceptional sensitivity throughout the drift. It enhances bite detection through the sighter and is particularly effective when fishing with micro leaders, very light and small flies, and dry-dropper setups. It also offers outstanding tippet protection, helping reduce lost fish, especially when fishing at close range.

The traditional tubular tip is better suited to heavier flies, including jig streamers, and provides improved support when casting weight-forward fly lines. It is an excellent choice for dry fly and dry-dropper presentations, as well as for anglers who prefer to impart movement to their flies using the rod tip throughout the drift.

Individual models have been carefully optimized for specific fishing applications. The 1002 and 1092 are designed for smaller flies and lighter rigs, while the new 1153 replaces the previous 1123, offering increased length and sensitivity. The 1153 is particularly suited to competition fishing and long-line Euro nymphing applications. All models retain the powerful backbone of their predecessors, providing the strength needed to confidently hook, control and land large fish.

The componentry has also been upgraded with lightweight Gunmetal single-foot running guides, a bendable nickel-titanium snake guide positioned beneath the tip top to reduce line wrap, and a high-frame double-foot stripping guide designed to reduce friction when the rod is under load. The 10'9" and 11'5" models feature smaller guide sizing and an increased number of guides to improve line control and minimize line sag.

Additional premium details include a matte black downlocking reel seat with two locking nuts, a burled wood spacer, premium Flor-grade cork grips and distinctive insect green and goldenrod thread wraps.

Features:

- Third fully redesigned generation of the Contact series
- 100% pure carbon blank featuring proprietary composite material
- Lighter and thinner blank compared to previous generations
- Faster recovery speed and improved damping performance
- Reduced tip bounce for immediate fly connection
- Two interchangeable tips: traditional tubular and solid carbon, except for model 1086
- Solid carbon tip ideal for micro leaders, small and lightweight flies, Euro nymphing and dry-dropper techniques
- Tubular tip designed for heavier flies, jig streamers and weight-forward fly lines
- Premium Flor-grade cork grips with 1/4" composite nose
- Matte black downlocking reel seat with two locking nuts
- Burled wood spacer with Thomas & Thomas roll-stamped logo
- Lightweight Gunmetal single-foot running guides
- Bendable nickel-titanium snake guide beneath the tip top to reduce line wrap
- High-frame double-foot stripping guide designed to reduce friction
- Optimized guide layout to improve line control and reduce line sag
- Insect green and goldenrod thread wraps
- Black hook keeper and winding check
- Model 1086 features a Full Wells grip and full-metal black reel seat, supplied without the solid carbon tip

Specifications:

- Series: Contact III+
- Generation: Third
- Blank material: 100% pure carbon
- Rod type: Fly fishing rod
- Applications: Euro nymphing, tight-line nymphing, dry-dropper and modern fly fishing techniques
- Tips: Tubular and solid carbon, depending on model
- Exception: Model 1086 supplied with tubular tip only
- Grip: Premium Flor-grade cork, Full Wells on model 1086
- Reel seat: Matte black downlocking with double locking nuts; full-metal construction on model 1086