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Thread: Medium or Medium Fast Action Rod for Nymph Fishing?

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  1. #1

    Default Medium or Medium Fast Action Rod for Nymph Fishing?

    I'm thinking of buying a 9 foot 4-weight rod for nymphing. I'll use the rod for small flies. I guess I'm leaning towards a medium action rod, but will I have some trouble casting small thingamobbors?

    Any others thoughts on choosing the rod action appreciated.


    Thanks,

    Randy

  2. #2

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    If I were casting bobbers, I would overline the 9' 4wt rod with a 5 wt line to load the rod deeper. This would facilitate an easier action to propel the rig...letting the rod do the work. Rod 'action' isn't all that important as adequately loading the given rod for the task at hand. IMHO, tip-flex, fast actioned (dry fly) rods with a stiff butt are generally a poor choice for such nymphing as you propose.
    US Veteran and concerned citizen

  3. #3

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    I use a glass 3-weight to cast a small Thingamabobber and #10-12 bead head nymphs all the time. That rod is medium action at best and handles it fine.
    The Green Hornet strikes again!!!

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    I've also used them on moderate action rods with no problems...

  5. #5
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    Obviously the fast handles weight better, but also will cast further. My main stay rod is a 5wt and have both a med & fast action 9 footers. Since I'm not a distance caster, usually the med action works best for me for both dries and nymphs.

  6. #6
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    I prefer a fast action rod for nymphing, and on the larger western rivers I use a 6 weight 11 foot rod. The faster action allows for a quicker pickup and cast and you do not want to do much casting with all those pivot points (line to leader then the strike indicator, then the split shot then the first heavy nymph then finally to the dropper, all present pivot points that you have to overcome). Sure you can fish with a medium or a medium-fast but it will take more casting strength to overcome the nymphing system. Since you are going to buy a rod, consider a fast action one. Larry ---sagefisher---
    Organizations and clubs I belong to:

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  7. #7

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    Thanks so much for all your replies,
    Randy

  8. #8
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    They make special rods for that???????

  9. #9
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    Longer rods make some line control easier ,so i would not recommend a rod less than 9 feet if you primarily nymph fish. Other than that choose a rod action that you enjoy. I will say one of the first rods i bought for myself as a kid was a very slow 9 foot Orvis fiberglass nymph rod( it was labeled as a nymph rod) but it was so soft and sloppy i sold it.
    Probably the best recommendation is to use what have until you have enough experience to form your own opinion

  10. #10
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    My favorite nymphing rod is a Scott G series 10', 5wt. that Scott made for me back in 1985...medium action works for me...my kid uses a Loomis Streamdance 10', 5wt. that is over lined 1 size for nymphing:




    PT/TB
    Daughter to Father, "How many arms do you have, how many fly rods do you need?"
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