The Clearwater 966-4 is a superior boat or beach rod for both fresh and saltwater. In the front of a drift boat, the extra length allows for extended reach and superior mending capability to cover more water and keep dry-fly and dropper rig drifts going for extended periods of time. On the beach for schoolie stripers or sitting in a kayak for smallies, the extra length helps in keeping backcasts off the beach or out of the water. With a medium-fast action and an exceptional price, the Clearwater 966-4 is a versatile addition to any quiver. The new Clearwater Rod Series is not just a cosmetic face-lift, but a complete overhaul from the ground up by our Vermont rod designers. Everything has changed except the value. It\\\'s still the best fly rod you can buy for the money, but with a significant upgrade in performance and looks in a comprehensive series that covers every angler from small stream addicts to Skagit slinging two-handers. Each rod was designed with a purpose-built profile and action to handle the kind of fishing the rod model would be traditionally used for, from medium-action small stream rods to medium-fast freshwater rods and fast-action big game rods.