What weight fly rod should I get. I would like to be able to target anything from little brookies to steelhead using one rod. I will be fishing with it in the many small streams in southwest MI.
Which Fly rod?
- Thread starter MultispeciesTamer
- Start date
thats going to be pretty difficult with one rod... actually closer to impossible i think.MultispeciesTamer;3769328; said:
you'll have to restring for both species and casting light line and fly with a heavy rod sucks... and vice versa.
the only way you could get away with 1 rod is go middle of the road with a 7 or 8 - you won't be able to land any big steelies and you will miss alot of chances with smaller brookes
and then there is speed of the rod, thats a whole new perspective.
if there are any fly shops around or a cabela's or something, you could go and just spend an hour talking to them and finding out what is best for you.
I get kinda what you mean but I can land a 15 pound steelie on 4 pound line I think I can handle a steelie on a light fly rod. I mean its all about how you play the fish right. So should I get a 6 weight?
in my opinion,
it isnt about being able to land a big fish on lighter line. that is certainly possible and most people fish with a lighter line than the biggest fish they ultimately catch.
where im from its not uncommon to bring in 60-70lb catfish on 20lb line with a 5mph current in the river.
it has more to do with being able to present a small bait with small line and a big rod effectively
or
presenting a big bait and big line with a small rod effectively.
you will be mad as heck trying to fight just the line if your using the wrong equipment.
can it be done? sure
will it be fun or pleasant? no
will you catch as many fish as you would if you were using the correct equipment? no
if i were you i would start off with a 4 or 5 and use it and enjoy it and later down the road if you want to go bigger and try to target the bigger fish more often then go with another rod- an 8 or 9
it isnt about being able to land a big fish on lighter line. that is certainly possible and most people fish with a lighter line than the biggest fish they ultimately catch.
where im from its not uncommon to bring in 60-70lb catfish on 20lb line with a 5mph current in the river.
it has more to do with being able to present a small bait with small line and a big rod effectively
or
presenting a big bait and big line with a small rod effectively.
you will be mad as heck trying to fight just the line if your using the wrong equipment.
can it be done? sure
will it be fun or pleasant? no
will you catch as many fish as you would if you were using the correct equipment? no
if i were you i would start off with a 4 or 5 and use it and enjoy it and later down the road if you want to go bigger and try to target the bigger fish more often then go with another rod- an 8 or 9
I have a 5 weight Orvis Clearwater outfit that I use for everything from smaller streams to bass in lakes. I agree that if you're going to go after steelhead you might want to think about getting a seperate (heavier) rod for that purpose. I took my little 5 weight out on the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY and felt very out of place as well as underprepared if I had hooked into anything. Luckily I went in March and they weren't biting
I find the lighter rods to be very versatile. Just my $0.02
I find the lighter rods to be very versatile. Just my $0.02wheresalbany;3771986; said:I have a 5 weight Orvis Clearwater outfit that I use for everything from smaller streams to bass in lakes. I agree that if you're going to go after steelhead you might want to think about getting a seperate (heavier) rod for that purpose. I took my little 5 weight out on the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY and felt very out of place as well as underprepared if I had hooked into anything. Luckily I went in March and they weren't biting
During the summer I see the same group of guys catching PB with fly rods/reels.
These PB must be around 6-8lbs .
What do they use special line, can you use a regular non fly type lure with those reels ?
The rods are small but unlike me lol these guys look like pros.
MultispeciesTamer;3770666; said:
The tippet doesnt matter that much, if your going to fish steel head your going to need a heavier rods like 8-10 to get the large air resistant fly out in a presentable fashion. Personally i think two seperate rods would be the best choice.
assuming your talking about peacock bass...Louie;3772185; said:
there is also a difference between a pb that will bite just about anything and a trout or steelhead that will forget about your bait if it's the wrong color or size or presented wrong. being able to present it correctly has to do with the rod and line
I'd get two rods, probably even as different as a 4 and a 8 wt. The four will give you great play and excellent presentation for small dries or nymphs. The 8 will toss the clousers and buggers with plenty of back bone. 6 is a good all purpose rod and will work for 90% of the stuff you do, but as you fly fish more you will want the other weights to better fit the bill. It will soon seem overkill for the small trout, and throw the heavy flies very awkwardly.
On another note: Just cause you can pull in a steelhead with 4 lb test, doens't mean you should make a habit of it. Thats a good way to leave hooks and trailing line in a good number of fish.
On another note: Just cause you can pull in a steelhead with 4 lb test, doens't mean you should make a habit of it. Thats a good way to leave hooks and trailing line in a good number of fish.