Have you looked at the CCS numbers on that thing? You should be able to cast a 3wt line a mile with it. There are four 863-4 FTs in the CCS database and their ERNs are 6.89, 7.15, 7.28, and 5.2 (http://www.superbob.org/CC_Data.htm). All of the FT series tests out like that. I'm getting ready to build a 907-4 FT that has an ERN of 10.3. That ain't no small stream or spring creek rod.