Ernie, you should do fine with the 5 weight. You may want to try a 6 weight line for the bigger flies but I have fished a five weight for bass for years and have little trouble. I use a furled leader (look it up on FAOL) and that turns the larger sizes over better. Not bragging but I catch 18-22 inch smallies in a fast stream and only once was beaten by a big smallie that the rod had a tough time handling. You will enjoy fighting the fish much better on the smaller rods. It's not like tournament fishing when you just crank them in, you actually play them and enjoy the fight. Be patient and you'll enjoy the journey of fly fishing once you decide it's not the destination that is most important. Have fun!!!