I have obtained a Fenwick Feralite Fiberglass fly rod. The rod is an FF90-3. The rod is a 9’, 3 piece rod, the weight is listed at 4 1/8 oz. Do any of you Fenwick fans have any idea what line wt. Fenwick recommended for this rod? I have cast it with a 6 wt WF and it cast well. Usually Fenwick placed the last number in the model number as the line wt. Because the listed weight is 4 1/8 oz it would seem that a 3 wt line is rather light. I will try different line weights and see which I like at the distances that I will be fishing it.
Just wondering what weight line Fenwick suggested for the rod.
Thanks,
Dick xfishcop
This site might help:
http://www.cortlandline.com/technical/tech-general.html
AFTMA Fly Line Standards
Weight Size (grains) Tolerance [LEFT]AFTMA (the former American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association- now the ASA- American Sportfishing Association) Fly Line Standards were developed to help fly fishing tackle manufacturers create a system that would match fly line weight to fly rod performance. Cortland Line Company’s Leon Chandler was instrumental in initiating and completing the project. In theory this would standardize fly tackle manufacturing across the industry and enable fly fishers to select and balance their equipment for optimum performance.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]The system uses the weight in grains (a very small weight measure) of the first 30 feet of fly line as a standard. The table below shows fly line weight designations and their grain weight. The system also established a tolerance level that is acceptable.[/LEFT]
1 60 54-66 2 80 74-86 3 100 94-106 4 120 114-126 5 140 134-146 6 160 152-168 7 185 177-193 8 210 202-218 9 240 230-250 10 280 270-290 11 330 318-342 12 380 368-392 For each weight heavier than 12, add 50 grains to the previous weight.
If it follows tradition then that rod may be rated for a line weight of 94-106 grains in the first 30 feet of line.
This is the modern ASA method:
[SIZE=3]What is this weight rating about? The weight range in grains of the first 30 feet of line. Here’s how it works according to ASA, the American Sportfishing Association: [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Ought weight = 40 grains
One weight = 60 grains
Two weight = 80 grains
Three weight = 100 grains [/SIZE]
Starts at 40 grains then adds 20 grains per line weight catagory, +/- 6 grains. So a three weight would be 94-106 grains with 100 being optimal. Gives you a place to start.
Not that it answers your question (I didn’t see a FF90-3 listed) but here is a link to a bunch of Fenwick Feralite rod models. It looks like yours might be a 1st generation rod as they seem to be the only ones that have the FFXX-X designation with no line weight number. I have an new 2nd generation FF706, and like you said its a 7’0" 6wt
xfish:
The -3 is for a 3 piece rod. It is DEFINITELY not a 3wt. At 9’ I would say 7 or 8 for a Fenwick that length and vintage.
Ask your question here:
Go to http://www.fenwickfishing.com/dyn_search.php and under about us click on contact us and then e-mail them with all the specs of the rod and they can tell you what it is. That can take a few days so be prepared
Hi xfishcop;
I have a Fenwick Ferelite 2 piece 9ft F.F.98 and the aftma recomended line wt printed on the rod is 10.
I found that fishing a Wt6. Forward Taper Line worked really well especially for Pitching Well Weighted Nymphs at the Bows on the Tongoriro. Great Old Rods.
What ever the result of your search. I hope you will have a lot of fun with the OLD TIMER Rod. Jax
If you’re unsure about the proper weight line for the rod and the other info above doesn’t help I suggest trying the Common Cents solution.
See it this might help you make a decision on line weight for this or any rod.
Thanks to everyone who has responded. I have emailed Fenwick with my questions.
After casting and fishing graphite this rod really flexes. Need to slow down the old casting stroke.
Thanks again you all are great.
Dick xfishcop
as previously stated, definitely not a 3 wt. I would start out trying a 7 or 8 wt. and go from there…it was probably designed to cast an 8 wt. but use whatever line feels the best on it…I have an old glass rod that is supposed to be a 6 wt. and it throws anything from a 4 to 8 well…I like it best with a 5.
Randy
ask this question on the “fiberglass flyrodders forum”…do a google search and you’ll find it. There are a bunch of people there that can more than answer your question for you and then some.