Pescavida Base Camp 9' 5wt : Our First Production Rod

I’ve been building custom fly rods for years, refining each step from turning cork handles to wrapping guides and applying epoxy. I made my first rod wrapping station out of an old pallet, pulled a microwave motor for a rod dryer, and built a cheap lathe out of an old drill to turn my first handles. Over time, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and what anglers actually want in a rod. Even though my tools are now upgraded and my processes are more refined, the point of a fly rod is to function like a fly rod. After all that experience, I’m excited to finally offer a solid, non-custom option: the Pescavida Base Camp 9' 5wt Fly Rod.

The Base Camp 9' 5wt fly rod in matte purple.

This rod is built to meet the demands of anglers who want reliable performance across a range of conditions—whether you’re fishing small mountain streams, bigger rivers, or even stillwater lakes. The Base Camp 9' 5wt is the first in a new line of rods we’re launching at Pescavida, and it’s rooted in our home waters of Colorado.

Built for Versatility and Reliability

The Pescavida Base Camp 9' 5wt rod is designed to be your go-to trout rod. A 5-weight hits that sweet spot for most of the fishing we do—nimble enough for delicate dry fly work but with enough backbone to throw nymph rigs and streamers when needed.

The blank is made from intermediate modulus Japanese Toray fiber, with an mSi rating of 47. This balance of strength and flexibility gives you a rod that loads smoothly, tracks well, and offers the responsiveness you need for accurate casting. The mSi rating of 47 means the rod has a robust flex while still retaining an intermediate action, making it ideal for longer-distance casting without sacrificing precision.

We paired the blank with AAA-grade cork handles for a comfortable grip that holds up over time. The rod’s matte purple finish is clean and understated, with just a touch of character. It’s not about flash—it’s about delivering consistent performance on the water.

At $299, the Base Camp 9' 5wt offers incredible value. It comes with a lifetime limited warranty and ships with a custom rod sock and rod tube, ensuring your gear is protected and ready for the next trip.

Inspired by Colorado Waters

The name “Base Camp” reflects our approach to fishing here in Colorado. Whether you’re heading to the Arkansas River, exploring the South Platte, or trekking to high-alpine lakes, everything starts with preparation and the right gear. The Base Camp 9' 5wt is built to handle the diverse waters of the Rockies, adapting to changing conditions and the variety of fishing opportunities we pursue.

This rod is versatile enough for rivers, creeks, and lakes, making it a dependable companion for anglers who want to cover a range of water types without needing a different rod for every scenario.

AAA-grade cork handle, IM12 Carbon Toray rod, double-locking reel seats and reinforced ferrules make our Base Camp rods top contenders in multiple fishing situations.

The Start of Something Bigger

The Base Camp 9' 5wt is just the beginning of the Pescavida Base Camp line. We’re planning to expand the series with rods for different fisheries and species, always with a focus on versatility, durability, and performance.

If you’re looking for a rod that reflects the way we fish—focused, reliable, and built for adventure—the Pescavida Base Camp 9' 5wt is ready to join you on the water. It’s practical, built to last, and delivers everything you need without overcomplicating things.

Ready to Fish?

The Pescavida Base Camp 9' 5wt Fly Rod is available now. At $299, it’s a solid investment for any angler, backed by our lifetime limited warranty. Check it out, take it to your favorite water, and see how it performs.