I agree the AFTMA guide is misleading, but I dont blame the AFTMA. They just publish a list of standards. There are at least 3 variables with matching a rod to a line, 1. The rod - each manufacturer has their own definition of what a, for example, 4wt rod action is. Sometimes, the actions even within the same line of rods will be inconsistent. You may buy a rod in a 4wt that "loves a wf4f", and then buy the same rod in a 6wt that throws a wf7f "best". There has been an effort to try and define rod actions (google the Common Cents System and Action Angle or even the "deflection Chart" from the yellowstone angler shootouts) but there is no common standardization of actions used by all manufacturers. 2. The line - compare the AFTMA standards to any manufacturer's line specs (if you can even find them) and you will find a lot of variations. Then throw in all the line tapers and when you talk about "improved performance" that now depends on how much line you have past the rod tip, or your preferred fishing distance. 3. The caster - I can find a line and rod that I think "feels perfect", and the next caster will find the rig overlined or underlined.
So what is the bottom line? (pun intended)
I think there is no way you can compare rods and the line and line taper without personally casting the combination. That may mean buying numerous lines. It would be nice if there was a objective way to compare rod actions, the terms "slow" and "fast" really don't mean anything. At least we could compare apples to apples, or at least granny smiths to golden delicious....
Last edited by pillcaster; 09-09-2016 at 09:39 PM.
"Fishermen are born honest, but they get over it"
Ed Zern