I fish BGs with a 2wt. I don't want to fish more than 8-10' deep with that rod - and I generally fish much shallower. 2-4' is more like. That's topwater territory. I can; however, get down to the 8' level with #12 beadhead flies - or 14's for that matter. Just takes longer to get there but - hey - I'm in no hurry. Also if your water is clear panfish will "feed up" 2' or so. Also, think "edges". Edge of the lake, edge of weedbed, edge of lily pads, edge of wood, edge or current, etc. Hang a scud off the back of a small hopper. Lots of ways.

don

Actually missed your main question - floating line, leaders of 7 1/2' to 8 1/2' [8' rod], beadheat flies - usually 1/8", sometimes 3/32".