Moonshine Rod Co released the original Drifter a couple years ago now. It quickly gained attention and a reputation of being one of the best affordable rods on the market. So what did Moonshine do about that? They made it even better. Introducing the new Moonshine Rods Drifter II.

The Drifter II Tested

For my review of the Drifter II, I chose the 7wt 10 footer. For me personally it is my favorite size rod for the “bigger” all around. All the typical fish we associate with 5wt rods are still plenty of fun. The benefit of the 7wt rod is when you find the 30 inch brown trout, or 5lb large mouth, you have much more control.

I also have many opportunities near me for Wiper, and Muskie. While some of them will give you that well known “pucker”, I have handled plenty on a 7wt.

All that being said, Moonshine Rods come in every weight and length. So it is up to you what size you feel like will benefit you the most. All that really matters is, you buy this rod!

First Impressions of the Moonshine Rod Co Drifter II

The First thing I noticed when I received my Drifter II was the craftsmanship. From the burl reel seat to the cork handle, to the detail around the guides. This is not a $200 rod… but it is.

Lets be honest, the majority of the rods in the $200 range feel and look like it. Minor imperfections, cheap feel in the handle, concern about how the guides will hold up, etc.. There is none of that with the new Moonshine Rod Co Drifter II. Every inch of this rod blank is immaculate. Every guide is beautifully detailed and secure. When it comes to the handle and reel seat.

All I can say is perfection and beauty coexist in this rod the way we are accustom to seeing in the rods twice it’s price.

There Is Only 1 Word To Describe The Drifter II – Elegant

The Moonshine Rod Co Drifter II features:

From the Moonshine Rod Co. Site:

• Anti-Glare, 1979 Vintage color blank with Metallic Copper Accents & Alignment Dots
• Performance Carbon Fiber
• SiC Stripping Guides
• Light Wire Single Foot Guides
• AAA Grade Cork 
• Beautiful Burl Reel Seat
• Uplocking Rings with Delrin Bushings
• 5 Compartment Embroidered Cordura Tube
• EXTRA Tip! 
• No Fault, Lifetime Warranty to the original owner with Proof of Purchase

If you don’t understand how big of a difference these specs are compared to almost every other rod in it’s price range. Check out this article of the best rods for $200. Those are some of the best options, and if you decide to go with one of them, you won’t be disappointed. That is until you get a chance to fish this rod. The Moonshine Rod Co Drifter II is just better.

How Does Moonshine Rod Co Drifter II Fish

While the rod looks great, there is much more to a good rod. No surprise here, but Moonshine knows that. The overall balance of the rod is superb. With or without a reel, the weight and feel is extraordinary. Partly due to the change in weight. The original Drifter series in the 5wt came in at 3.4oz while this new Drifter II comes in at the dare I say unbeatable 2.8oz.

Throwing big streamers, top water poppers, and sinking line all day on a 7wt 10′ fly rod is exhausting. With most rods, that is. Either I have developed a terminator shoulder, or the Drifter II is the most well balanced affordable rod I have ever used. I don’t think I have a terminator arm.

Does It Catch Fish?

You bet it does. The Drifter II has an incredible backbone for handling fat trout in a good current. The moderate fast action gives the best of both worlds. When it comes to being able to shoot line, it is unmatched. Having a sensitive tip is imperative to take up the head shakes and really work the fish through current, or staying hooked up tight when a fish dances through the air.

Regardless of the species you’re going after, this rod has you covered. On top of that, it feels great and looks good doin it.

Not Sure Yet?

Fly rods are (or can be) expensive. A major component of why that is, is because of the R&D that goes into making something so light, strong, and flexible. When a fly rod breaks, you’re done. Best case is the company has a warranty and if you wait long enough they’ll hopefully send a new section.

The guys at Moonshine Rod Co have obviously been on that waiting list. So when it came to founding their own company they said “the hell with that.” So as the icing on the cake, Moonshine Rods include an extra tip section with every purchase. I’ve broken tips, and so have they. They know the frustration and agony of being in the middle of the river, on vacation, or maybe just the quick after work secret hole, and breaking a rod. It happens. With Moonshine rods, it’s not even a concern. This rod is strong. Car doors are stronger though, so if you do have the misfortune of a car biting your tip off, or snapping it off in the backwoods timber, including an extra tip is a bro move from a solid company.

My Drifter II Setup

When it came to the reel, there are many options. For me, I went with the Sage Spectrum C and spooled it up with Orvis Hydros line. The balance, size, and looks really all worked together. It is also a sub $200 reel. So keeping the budget in mind, it was a great choice. I have a full review on the Spectrum C as well, check it out!

That being said. You can also get some incredible reels from Moonshines site like the Ross and Creede. I have not got my hands on one yet, but when it comes to my next Moonshine Rod, I’ll be trying out one of their reels too.

The Bottom Line

Do I even need to explain my conclusion? Incase you skipped this entire page, in short, I love this rod and so will you. Moonshine Rod Co is, in my opinion, an incredible company. They make an incredible product and blow the competition out of the water. When it comes to a company it is all about employees, and the quality of product. They know that, and they prove that. In my discussions with them on receiving this rod, Tate was professional, and honest. He gave me fair timelines on when the rod was due to be released, and he got me exactly what I asked for, quickly.

These are great people, running a great company, delivering a great product. I hope you will give them a shot. Whether it is the Drifter II or stepping up into the Vesper or Midnight Special series, you will not go wrong.

This was my first Moonshine Rod, but it will not be my last. Once you try it, I know you will feel the same.