Dad is taking up fly fishing. He's 80 and has injuries to both shoulders. He has taken casting lessons and can cast fairly well. BUT - I'm looking for advice from folks with shoulder problems.

He wants a rod for father's day and I'm torn between a 8' 5wt and a 9' 6wt. He lives in South Texas and has plenty of freshwater to chase lmb and panfish. However, he also likes to get on the salt on occasion.

My question to those with shoulder problems, which would you tend to purchase, the 5 or the 6 based on an afternoon of casting and fishing. Personally, I think the 5 is the way to go, but I know he also wants to get in the bay and chase light saltwater fish.

Ideas, suggestions?