I recently picked up the Horizon Nitro 8wt Fly Rod as my go-to setup for the upcoming Largemouth Yellowfish winter season. Since we plan to offer this rod on the site, I wanted firsthand experience to properly evaluate its performance and value. While the Vaal River was blown out at the time, delaying any true yellowfish test, the situation allowed for a more diverse initial impression and a deeper review down the line.

The Nitro 8wt presents itself as an affordable yet versatile rod option, capable of handling everything from light saltwater conditions to a wide range of freshwater species like bass, carp, and yellowfish.

My first real chance to fish it came on the windy estuaries of the Eastern Cape, primarily targeting Leervis (Garrick). A few unexpected guests also showed up on the end of the line, including Wit Steenbras and small Shad (Elf).

Soon after that saltwater outing, I had a brief opportunity in the Free State to test the rod against some strong-fighting Sharptooth Catfish, just before the first major cold front arrived, further adding to my early impressions of the rod’s backbone and versatility.

Quick Specifications

• Brand: Horizon
• Model: Nitro 8wt
• Length: 9’
• Line Weight: 8 (I paired it with the Scientific Angler Amplitude Smooth Infinity 8wt Weight Forward Floating Line)
• Action: Fast
• Pieces: 4 (with an extra tip and second section)

First Impressions

Removing the rod from its Cordura tube, the first thing that caught my attention was the six-partitioned rod bag. The Horizon Nitro comes standard with an extra tip and second section. Honestly, isn’t this something we needed years ago? South African anglers, and our rugged environment, are notoriously tough on tackle, so this inclusion feels like a thoughtful and practical bonus.

Next, the unique-looking reel seat stood out, along with the lustrous metallic olive blank finish, which gives the rod a sleek, premium appearance.

What really impressed me, though, was the quality and size of the titanium stripper and snake guides. They feel robust and well-made. I did, however, notice that the guides on the tip section seemed a little on the small side. While this could enhance sensitivity, I wondered whether it might negatively affect casting performance. This is something I plan to assess over time.

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Field Test: On the Water

Eastern Cape Estuaries – Leervis and Wit Steenbras

I spent a few days fishing with the rod in the Eastern Cape estuaries, primarily targeting Leervis (Garrick) using a variety of flies, ranging from heavily weighted Clousers and spawning shrimp patterns to profile baitfish and more air-resistant flies like Nyaps and pencil poppers. Most days were accompanied by consistent wind from a single direction, forcing me to either back cast, cast directly into the wind, or with it.

Early in the trip, I mostly encountered smaller fish, and I was impressed by the rod’s sensitivity and the feedback it delivered on those subtle takes, especially on a Wit Steenbras, which are notoriously tricky to hook. From the very first casts, the rod’s feel stood out—something rarely found in 8wt rods, particularly in this price range. When you can pick up a rod and intuitively cast with accuracy at varying distances, it’s a sign of a well-designed taper and blank. Along with that feel came more than enough power to punch through the wind.

Later in the trip, I finally connected with a few larger Leervis, giving me a better sense of the rod’s backbone. At one point, a knot formed in my fly line as a fish tore off at speed—somehow, the rod guides handled the chaos without issue. One fish nearly ran me into the backing, but I managed to turn it just in time, thanks to the reserve power the rod offered.

Sharptooth Catfish on Fly

More recently, I had a quick afternoon session at a flooded Free State dam targeting Sharptooth Catfish. Once again, the wind was up, but the rod handled it effortlessly. Early on, I hooked into a solid fish that put me through my paces. With thick flooded vegetation all around, I couldn’t allow the fish to run far, which meant stopping it through several short, powerful surges, really putting the rod to the test.

Who is the Horizon Nitro 8wt fly rod for?

This rod is ideal for intermediate to advanced anglers planning a trip for Largemouth Yellowfish in destinations like the Lower Orange River, Vaal River, or Vanderkloof Dam. It offers a level of feel and sensitivity typically found in a 6 or 7wt, yet retains plenty of backbone when needed. Anglers with an intermediate casting ability will find it intuitive and easy to get the most out of without a steep learning curve. It would also be well-suited for targeting tigerfish in local hotspots such as Jozini Dam. In saltwater scenarios, this rod shines in more finesse-style fishing for species like Grunter, while still having the muscle to handle bulkier flies for Kob in estuaries.

Final thoughts

So far, I’m thoroughly impressed with what this rod offers at its price point. It delivers a rare combination of feel, power, and versatility that’s hard to find in this weight class. I’ll continue putting it through its paces over the coming months, particularly for its intended purpose, targeting Largemouth Yellowfish during the winter season, and will share further impressions as the testing continues.

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