Thomas & Thomas has announced a new line of fast action rods based on their very successful NS series of fly rods. Considering their roots, the new series is aptly named the NS II.

The NS II rods are equipped with titanium silicon carbide and universal snake brand guides, and feature a newly tweaked fast action, high modulus, clear graphite blank and reduced ferrule profiles. Unlike its predecessor, the NS II has been crafted with all types of fly fishing in mind -- from big rivers to vast still waters.

"The NS was originally conceived as a distance trout rod with big western rivers in mind," explained Mark Richens. "But as reports came back from the field we knew it was being used for much more than that. We envisage the NS II finding favor across the globe for trout, salmon and steelhead but also saltwater species. If you are looking for one rod that will span the spectrum, most of these rods are equipped with salt proof components and make a great choice for freshwater anglers that make occasional forays in to the salt."

The series II rods have also received a reduction in weight, and are equipped with a milled aluminum up-locking reel seat with a roll stamp and burled walnut spacer, black silk wraps with silver trim wraps, and a premium full wells cork grip with aluminum winding check.

The NS II rods are all crafted one at a time in the states, and the new series is comprised of seven, four piece models ranging from 5 weight to 8 weight which start at $800. To learn more, visit T&T's web site.

You can read more about the NS II's predecessor, the NS series in, our Thomas & Thomas NS 5 review.