New Release: Thomas & Thomas Contact III+

Thomas & Thomas is back with a major evolution of their award-winning Contact series. The Contact III+ is a fully redesigned third generation rod that keeps the familiar action and flex profiles anglers loved in the Contact II—while adding meaningful performance upgrades built for how we fish right now.

Modern techniques have expanded to include thinner leader systems, smaller flies, dry-dropper rigs, and jig streamer presentations. The Contact III+ was engineered to excel across this full spectrum—whether you’re tight-lining pocket water, long-lining across big seams, or casting a dry-dropper with a weight-forward line.

What’s New in the Contact III+

A lighter, slimmer, pure carbon blank

At the core of the Contact III+ is a new proprietary composite that produces a 100% pure carbon blank. The result is a rod that’s lighter and smaller in diameter than previous generations.

• Reduced cross section decreases air resistance during casting
• Less wind influence while drifting and tracking
• Faster recovery speed for longer, more accurate casts with less effort

Enhanced damping for better control

The Contact III+ features improved blank damping to virtually eliminate tip bounce. That means a quicker return to “neutral,” and a more immediate connection to your flies as they touch down—leading to better drift control, more sensitivity, and more efficient fishing overall.

Two Tips. Two Personalities. One Rod.

With the exception of the 6-weight, all Contact III+ models include two interchangeable tips:

Solid carbon tip

The new solid carbon tip loads more easily on the cast and delivers outstanding sensitivity on the drift—especially when you’re fishing micro leaders, very light rigs, or subtle takes that only show through the sighter.

• Excellent for small flies and very light nymph rigs
• Ideal for dry-dropper techniques
• Outstanding tippet protection, especially at close range
• Competition anglers will appreciate fewer lost fish in tight quarters

Traditional tubular tip

The tubular tip is tuned for more support when you step up in fly size, add weight, or want to fish with weight-forward lines. It’s also the better choice if you like to impart action to the fly during the drift with the rod tip.

• Better for heavier flies and jig streamers
• Improved support for weight-forward fly lines
• Great for anglers who prefer to work the fly through the drift

Model Updates & Purpose-Built Tuning

Within the series, specific models have been tuned to meet distinct demands:

• 1002 and 1092 models are optimized for smaller flies and lighter rigs
• The former 1123 has been replaced by the new 1153—a longer, lightweight rod that increases sensitivity and excels for competition and long-line Euro nymphing

Across the lineup, the Contact III+ maintains the strong backbone anglers expect—giving you the authority to hook, control, and land large fish with confidence.

Contact III+ Product Specs (Highlights)

• MSRP: $995
• All models except the Contact III+ 1086 (6wt) include two tips (tubular + solid)
• Premium Flor grade cork grips with a 1/4" composite nose for increased feel and bite transmission
• Matte black downlocking hardware with two locking nuts, roll-stamped T&T logo, and a burled wood spacer
• Gunmetal light wire single-foot running guides plus one nickel titanium bendable snake guide under the tip top to reduce line wrap
• On 10'9" and 11'5" models: reduced guide sizing + more guides for better line control and less sag
• Black double-foot high-frame stripping guide for reduced drag under load; positioned lower to reduce line sag
• Insect green and goldenrod thread wraps
• Contact III+ 1086 (6wt): full wells grip, full metal black reel seat, no solid tip; designed primarily for migratory fish
• Uplocking reel seat option available on other models for an additional $25

New Streamlined Tip Warranty

We’re also excited to share a major customer-friendly update: Contact III+ tip warranty is now streamlined. If you break a tip, you can email a photo of the break and the serial number, and T&T will create and ship a matching replacement—no need to send the entire rod in.

(Damage to parts other than the tip still requires the full rod to be sent in for fitting.)

Why We’re Excited at Precision Fly & Tackle

The Contact III+ checks the boxes modern anglers care about most: sensitivity, line control, efficient recovery, and versatility. Whether you’re euro nymphing technical runs, fishing dry-droppers all spring, or swinging into jig streamers when flows bump up, this rod is built to stay connected and in control.

Want help picking the right model? Stop in or reach out—our staff can match you to the best Contact III+ for your water, rig, and style.

Ready to upgrade? The new Thomas & Thomas Contact III+ is available now at Precision Fly & Tackle.

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