I got my 3wt because it was on sale at Sportsman’s Warehouse in AZ a while back, it is a 6’ two piece rod but I have no problem casting with it. I didn’t need a lot of distance where I use to fish and I’m wondering if I need a longer one now that I fish a larger pond. By the way, have you guys heard of W.W Grigg rods?
Thanks for the help.
Generally a longer rod will provide 3 ‘improvements’.
- there will be some increase in line speed (assuming the same casting stroke), so distance will improve somewhat
- the false casts will be higher above the water and so not tick or foul as easily (especially if you are sitting in a canoe or tube).
- you can mend the line more easily with a longer rod (not important in ponds).
So if you do not have a problem for 1 or 2, you do not NEED a new rod.
And, additional length will make it easier to roll cast…
Martin,
3 wts are great in small streams and in lakes and ponds for smaller fish.
You may want to consider adding a second rod, like a 6 wt, for a few reasons:
[ul]
[li]Wind- In a moderate to heavy wind, a 6 wt rod and line will be able to fight against the wind better than a 3 wt rod and line.[/li][li]Size of Fly- In a pond you may want to start casting large and heavy flies, either big bushy flies or heavy woolly bugger type flies. A 3 wt outfit will not handle them near as well as a 6 wt outfit, Your casts will be longer and better.[/li][li]Size of Fish- Ponds could have some big large mouth bass in them, or some big carp. Those two types of fish will totally control you with a 3 wt. With a 6 wt you can control them.[/li][/ul]
Larry —sagefisher—
I do own heavier rods but I just love catching fish on it. What lenght do you guys recommend? I fish a 10 acre pond, during summer you can see panfish swimming really close to the shore but they stuck it with trout during winter.
Thanks
Hi,
I would think that the first thing to try is fishing what you have to see how you like it. If you think it’s not up to the larger pond, or you just want to buy a new 3 weight rod, then yes look for a longer 3 weight. I have a 7’6" 3 weight that I use for smaller streams and I like it a lot. If you are fishing a big open pond, lots of room for casting, and you want a new rod, go for an 8’6" or 9’ 3 weight. You have a nice short one that you like, so just stepping up to a slightly longer short rod seems unnecessary.
- Jeff
As far as the Griggs rods are concerned, there are several guys I know that have fished them. One guy swears by them, even though several have broken on him (mostly the butt section down by the grip)and he has taken them back to Sportsmans. I cast a 9’ 5wt and it was a smooth progressive action, but it appeared to be cheaply made. The one I cast the cork on the grip was loose. I think for a bit more money you can get a much better rod.
depenrod has a nice Cabelas outfit for sale I’d check it out.
Hi McFly,
I fish regularly fish a huge lake and because of the need for distance use mostly 9’ fly rods. My usual strategy work the area over with large bass flies fished on my two #9 weight rods. I then switch to my nine foot, #4 weight rod with smaller flies from brim and smaller LMB. Finally, I go to my seven foot, #2 weight and small flies for a little more entertainment with brim. There is no question that: 1. heavier weight rods equal more distance. 2. longer rods equal more distance 3. distance is a real advantage on big water 4. breaking fish will always be 25 feet beyond your longest casting distance. Good luck. Big water has big rewards! 8T 
Short rods require your arm to do more of the work. Casting semi-sidearm will allow you to make a longer stroke. Double hauling will help to generate more line speed.
Also, you might consider getting a Teeny BS-100 sinking line. You will be surprised by how far you can shoot this line once you get the hang of it.
Thanks guys, your valuable opinions are greatly appreciated.
Funny you should ask about the Griggs rods. I was in a little general store in Iowa last week and ran into them for the first time. Never got a chance to cast one, so I can’t answer that, but I would tend to agree w/Anglerdave concerning the quality of construction. The ones I saw weren’t very expensive though, which might make a difference.
I have one & love it. It’s the 7’modle. Great for small streams & places you can’t operate a big one. 3/4 wt is capable of bringing 2-3# fish to hand & laying out 50- 60’ of line in the yard.
I’d get another.
I know shortcaster, I own two and love them. I know more expensive rods might do more but so far mine have performed fine. Too bad I haven’t seen them around here.
Thanks
The ones I ran into in Iowa were the only ones I’ve ever seen anywhere. I would have liked to try one out, but there was a sweet little bamboo number back at the cabin that would have been very jealous if it found out 
.
Sportman’s Warehouse has them. I saw an 8wt for around $ 50, they might not be the best around but they get the job done.
Sportsman’s Warehouse sells Griggs rods here too. I have their 8’6" 5/6 Vintage Glass fly rod and enjoy fishing it. I like the look of it too.
Here is their website: http://wwgrigg.com/types.htm
They have a pretty good warranty for such an inexpensive rod.
I’ve had a 4 wt. W. W. Griggs for about 10 years and it was mostly my go to rod. I’ve had zero issues with it and it looks pretty darn good too! Casts like a dream and plenty of power and backbone. When I matured from graphite to bamboo I set it aside. This summer I used it once for bluegill, first time in 5 years.
Vic
I think a longer rod will be easier for you to fish in water like that. I own that 6’ 3wt Grigg, and while it is a kick to fish on small water, it is not a rod I normally select for most fishing, even though I live with a 3wt in hand.
And Grigg is a definite entry-level or behind-the-seat rod, with components you would imagine for a $30-$40 rod. But they fish just fine, IMO.