After reading Tom’s article on stillwater tackle, it got me to thinking about the lack of 8 1/2’ 6wt rods. And yes I know they have been replaced with 9’ rods, but I still think a 6wt is a good all around size. And an 8 1/2’ is a comfortable length.
Just my unfounded opinion.
I am really fond of 8’ 6" rods and that is all I use. I have tried longer 9’ rods and there is nothing wrong with them, but, I just like the feel of an 8’ 6" rod. I agree with you that a 6wt is a good all around weight rod to have. It may be a little “over kill” on some trout and bluegill waters, but, if the “big one” comes along, it is nice to know you have the “stick” to handle it. I, also, prefer a 2 piece rod over the multi-piece rods but I do not do any lengthly traveling by plane and if I did, I might own a mult-piece rod. Up until this past year I had the funds to do the traveling but work would not provide the time and now that I am retired, I have the time but not the funds!
I guess I will continue to use 2 piece rods and any traveling will need to be in my Ford Ranger where a 2 piece rod fits just fine.
I really see little diffference between 8 1/2 foot rods and 9 foot rods.
There are some reasons to use a longer rod, like hook setting with sinking lines and perhaps added distance (although I believe distance is more the function of the caster than the casting tool). The difference is slight, though.
It’s pretty much just a matter of preference. Amazing to me how much that whole preference thing depends on what you have, though ;).
If I was buying a rod, I’d get the one that I liked, be it an 8 1/2 foot rod or a 9 foot rod, and feel like I had a good rod for all around stillwater use. Or more likely the one I could get the best deal on, knowing that it would make little difference on the water.
Buddy
I’m rather fond of a particular 8 1/2 foot, 6 wt. rod. A South Bend 323, 3/2. If I were restricted to one rod this one would do everything I need…and still be a blast on smallish trout and gills.
Vic
My first fly rod was a Corltand CL Series 6-weight, 9-foot fly rod. That had a nasty accident with a ceiling fan. I lost 5- inches of my tip, and I clean the break, removing another ?-inch, and installed a new tip-top guide.
The rods new tip has a slight reducing in flexablity, but it has greater hook setting power for larger fish.
So you just have to buy a 9-foot, 6-weight fly rod, and remove the top 6-inched of the rod tip, and install a new tip top.
I have had my Cortland CL Fly Rod since 1995, and I still fish with it for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, as well as Large Brown and Rainbow Trout.
I am glad I could help.
~Parneli
winston IM6 …the Wulffs used 6 1/2 foot rods fwtw
I have a couple of older 8 1/2 foot 6 wts. and they are still some of my favorite’s to cast for what ever reason. Maybe they cast better or maybe I’m just comfortable with them.
About the only 8’6" 6wt, new rods out there that I have noticed are in the LL Bean line-up.
aa
I cut my eye teeth on 8’ rods ~ and they just have a familar, comfortable feel to them. From there I went to the 8 1/2 and 9 footers and I have to say I like the 8 1/2 length. The nines are for distance and one for sitting in the canoe (I don 't stand up in a canoe!).
This has really piqued my interest…I just checked and most of my rods are 8 1/2. I’ll be darned…But my 6 weight is a 9…Go figure.
I have 8 1/2’s and 9’s both. The 9’s help out a tad in nymph fishing…but as an all around rod…Id prefer a 8 1/2 footer.
If I wanted a 6 wgt REALLY badly…Id just overline the “factory spec” on any of my own rods…Ive cast them before with 6 WF lines…they handle them just fine
My two fav’s are a Sci Angler 8f6 "5-6 wt. The green one from 'Mart. It’s now an 8ft4 since the tip got eaten by the car door. I also replaced the reel seat with a nicer one. and it’s a two piece which is also nice sometimes. The other one is a Dancraft 8’6 6wt which is also actually a little less than exactly 8’6 and weighs about six pounds less than the Sci Angler, and is really really fast.
Come to think of it I’ve has some of my best times fishing with those two rods.
There are a few 8’6" 6 weight rods still manufactured.
One that I have cast and really liked was the MSR864-6 by Great Bay Rod Company. Seemed easier to cast than my normal 9 foot rod with plenty of power and a soft tip.
www.greatbayrods.com
Cabela’s makes an 8’6" 6wt. in the LST line. They say fast in the description but I have several and they are medium-fast action. I like the fit and finish and the fact that they are Gloomis blanks.
Jim