Hello,
I recently got into fly fishing this season. I’m using a 8’6" rod, moderate/fast action, and came pre-spooled with 5w line. Was wondering if I can one put on a 6w line for larger flies or isn’t that recommended? Can one also put a 4w line on this type of rod? Or would better to use a different leader?
Thx’s
Mike
you can definitely overline a rod, or underline it. Many people overline a fast rod to slow it down and be able to cast shorter distances or you can underline if you want to carry more line in the air so you don’t have to shoot line as far. Play around and see what works for you.
I use one reel with 4wt line and switch back and forth with my 4wt and 5wt rods.
thanks for the info gang, I knew I’d get some great tips here 
Mike
I have multipule spools which interchange with my reel. Makes changing the line easy, even while I am out in my pontoon boat.
What would be the reason for lining it from a 5 to 6. Is it a 5w or 6w? What does the rod say the weight is.
Different lines from different companies will do different things. Do you have a problem throwing or loading up the rod with the 5w line? DT lines cast different than WF lines do. There’s a lot of variables there.
My questions to you:
What’s the weight of your rod. What does it say on it.
What line does it have on it now. WF or DT.
Is the rod to fast for you?
What’s your main problem in throwing flies?
I was reading some info, and told that a 6WF line, for a beginner, would help with better casting in tight areas. The rod is a 8’6" 5/6w moderate/fast rod, the line I’m using(came per spooled) with 5WF. As I’m still learning to prefect my basic casting I was thinking of trying a 6WF.
Mike
While changing the wt of the line is not only possible but many people go up one size in line wt especially for casts under 40’ or so. If you want to cast more line and have all that line in the air you probably won’t want to change the wt. Again, while this is possible, it sounds like you are new to fly casting. Instead of spending the money on the line, my best advice would be to find a fly casting instructor and take a lesson. Many of these guys will have a class that lasts around 3 or 4 hours and they charge $50. Many fly shop owners do this. You will probably be in a group of people at this price point, but that’s cool too. It’s good for their business and is one of the very best things a new caster can do. The lesson will cost about what a descent line will cost, but if you do this early in your fly casting life, it will pay big dividends for many years.
Then as you become a better caster you will have more information to make a better decision on what is a more appropriate line for you outfit. If you just buy a new line, you very well might have the same kinds of results that you have now.
Something to think about.
Rick
Hi Rick,
believe me, I luv to find a good fly fishing instructor/Fly Shop, but the closest fly shop to me is about a 5-6hr drive. Fly fishing isn’t a very popular sport in my neck of the woods. I haven’t come across any fly fisherman in this area so I depend on info I can pick up from the internet and great resources here on FAOL 
Mike
That sucks Next best thing is a good DVD. Save your money on the fly line for a while and practice your casting stroke. Go in the yard and practice like and player of any sport does. If the only time that you cast is on the water fishing, it is like a football player only running routes when they are in the actual game. I’m as guilty as anyone of trying to buy something to fix me. Sometimes it is about practicing with what you have. Just wanted to offer this alternative to spending money.
You might find these links helpful instead of even spending money on a DVD:
http://www.virtualflycasting.com/title.htm
http://flyfisherman.com/videos/creepandjab/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2SgcCw6I8M
Spend some time on YouTube, it’s a great free resource.
You still might want to change lines one of these days. SA GPX line comes standard a 1/2 size larger than what they label their line to help casting shorter distances: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Scientific_Anglers/Fly-Fishing/Products/FloatingFly/MasteryFresh/GPX/ In other words upsizing is popular, but again before you do that. There might be a better answer to your question.
I’m out the door to a wedding and a night full of drink and celebration with friends and family. When I am bored today, my mind will be drifting off to time spent on the water. I would rather have a fly rod in my hand.
Rick
Thanks Clay for the excellent info! I’ve been to Youtube and have found some great info there, along with the link you provided.
The reel is spooled with SA backing/line and leader, alway like SA products and came recommended by some other people I’ve talked with online.
Enjoy your party
Mike
While it’s possible to overline or underline you may not like the results. I tried using a 7wt WF line on my Fenwick HMG 6wt, hoping it would work better for tossing weighted streamers. Unfortunatly the overlined set up wouldn’t cast worth a darn. I think the HMG was just too soft.
Since I had already bought the $65 line I ended up buying a 7wt rod to go with it. (love the new rod, so the story has a happy ending!)
If possible I would recommend that you test cast the rod before buying a line. I know you mentioned there are no local shops, but it might be worth the drive. Most shops have loaner reels and lines to ‘test drive’.
Perhaps you can find someone in your area that would be up for some lawn casting.
Mickalo,
you have a ms
Martin
Hey, Mike, what part of NW Iowa…I was born and raised there…just curious…I can certainly relate to the lack of fly fishing there.
Small town called Orange City, between Lemars and Sioux Center. It’s in Sioux Cty.
I fish mostly around the local area lakes around here, good for panfish and smallies. All the good trout streams are on the other side of the state … and with the price of gas these days, just can’t swing too many trips. It’s a good 5-6hr dr.
Mike
Yep, I know those places, I’m from Remsen.