Loomis and Franklin are not widely recognized as major manufacturers of fly rods, especially in the longer lengths (9ft to 12ft) typically used for nymph or Euro-style fly fishing. However, there are a few possibilities to consider:
1. Possible Misidentification or Lesser-Known Brand
– Loomis might be confused with G. Loomis, a well-known high-end rod manufacturer, but they don’t typically specialize in European-style nymph rods (which often run 10ft–12ft).
– Franklin could be a misheard or obscure brand—there isn’t a prominent fly rod maker by that name.
2. Potential Alternatives
If you’re looking for long nymph/Euro rods (9ft–12ft), consider these reputable brands:
– Sage (ESN series, Dart)
– Orvis (Recon Euro Nymph, T3)
– Thomas & Thomas (Contact II)
– Echo (Shadow X, Shadow II)
– Daiwa (LT range)
– Hardy (Zephrus Ultralite)
3. Custom or Vintage Rods
– If “Loomis and Franklin” refers to a custom builder or vintage rod, more details (era, materials, etc.) would help identify it.
4. Typo or Miscommunication
– Could you mean Loomis (G. Loomis) and Fenwick? Fenwick made long fly rods historically.
If you’re looking for recommendations for nymph/Euro rods, let me know your budget and preferred length/action—I’d be happy to help! Otherwise, clarifying the brand details could solve the mystery.