-
Longer Trout weight rods
I have been noticing a trend lately with folks who fish rivers and tailwaters for trout using 10' rods in trout weights (mainly 4,5,6wt's). Most folks fishing graphite fly rods still seem to stick to the "standard" 9' 5wt for river trout fishing. Myself, having started with an 8'6" 5wt while fishing larger freestone streams and smaller rivers, I still find myself gravitating to this length rod. I have a 586-4 Sage Z-axis that I just can't seem to put down lately. That coming from a guy who typically likes medium action graphite, and faster fiberglass rods.
I have owned and fished quite a few 9' 5wt rods and never felt like I really gained much except the slight advantage of mending. Everytime I have handled and cast anthing longer than 9', I can't seem to get over the "tippyness" feeling. Just can't imagine casting one all day: even with the advances in rod design which have allowed for lighter postal scale weights. I am curious to see what advantages folks who fish the longer trout rods feel they have. I am not seeking a longer rod to fish. Perhaps I am just curious to find out if I am in the minority perfering to fish an eight and a half footer?
aa
-
I have owned a couple 9'6" rods in my day, and feel that, for me, the extra length's advantage in mending and such does not make up for the extra mass I have to move around. I prefer rods in the 8-9 foot range.
-
The longer rods are advantageous for mending and getting the line higher if fishing from float tubes, etc. That being said, I fish from neither and prefer the 8.5' and 9' also.
-
I have several 9 foot fly rods, and a few 8 1/2 foot fly rods. I've built most of my rods, and 8 1/2 footers were either factory rods I ended up with or blanks that I got really good deals on.Frankly, I can't tell any difference in the way either casts, given the same line weight and action.. The extra six inches doesn't present any difference in casting feel for me, so I tend to use the rod based on what line or technique it's rigged for.When I buy blanks now I buy 9 footers. May as well get the benefit of the little bit of extra reach.Good Luck!Buddy
-
I have an 8' 6" 4wt, a 9' 6wt, and a 10' 9wt. On the other hand I have 12' and 13' 6" Tenkara rods I use in the same streams I use the 8' 6" or the 10'. I've been considering a small 2wt in the 6' or 7' range for really brushy streams. The rod I choose (length) depends on the size of the stream, species, and condition of the banks. I'm not sure I choose one over the other solely on length.
-
I think the longer rods in trout weight lines are primarily for European type nymphing techniques. Longer rod, less line, but more leader on the water.
-
I started using a 10', 5wt., Scott G series back in 1985, when Scott would make up custom rods...I have a number of 4-6wt. rods in longer lengths and really find them advantageous for windy conditions, high water and larger rivers here in the West...
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...ut/moo-dad.jpg
My son, Michael, is using a Loomis 10', 5wt. Streamdance and the "OLD" guy (in the B.G), has the 10', 5wt. Scott...on the East Walker River, Bridgeport, CA...
PT/TB :p
-
"I have a number of 4-6wt. rods in longer lengths and really find them advantageous for windy conditions, high water and larger rivers here in the West..."
Planet,
Curious how a longer rod would be better in windy conditions. Seems to me that a longer rod would be hard to swing in a stiff wind than a shorter one. Is it easier to create more line speed with less effort kinda thing?
aa
-
My ideal rod is a 10.5 footer. I do mostly fish saltwater but I have a couple 10.5 foot six weights that I will use for the freshwater trout. I would love to be able to get a hold of a 10.5 three or four weight though. Length over 10.5 feet does get a little bit cumbersome for one hand, I had an 11 foot six weight and although I liked it, I didn't replace it when I broke it.
I like the way a longer rod feels and although it is a bit heavier than a shorter rod I find it more effortless to cast, you get a little bit more tip speed. A heavier reel takes away some of the tip heaviness feeling. I like the reach that a longer rod gives once the line is on the water. The longer reach means I can pick up more line and move it farther for a mend. The reach also keeps my casts up a little higher and to pick up a longer line off the water for the next cast. It also gives me a bit more flexibility for better roll and change of direction casts.
-
When fishing nymphs on our larger western rivers I use 11 foot 6 weight rods (Sage XP and Z-Axis). The main reason for this is that casting with a nymphing outfit is not pretty nor easy (two flies, split shot, strike indicator). So, the 11 foot rods allow for one easy cast to get my line back up river to where I want it and the reach cast and mend you can get is fantastic. The 11 foot rod also acts as a great shock absorber so when you get a large trout on the line it is easier and quicker to get them in because the rod is absorbing their fight so you don't have to let out hardly any line fearing you will break off the fish when it tries to make a run.
For dry fly fishing on those rivers I use 9 foot rods, both a 5 weight Sage VPS Light and a 6 weight Sage ZXL, both are a medium action rod and allow for great accuracy when casting a dry fly even in a strong wind.
When it comes to fishing pocket water in small streams I break, whoops, wrong word :), bring out my Steve Pennington 4 weight 7 foot bamboo rod, a fantastic rod for small streams and over hanging brush.
Larry ---sagefisher---