I’m considering picking up another 5wt rod, moderate/fast action, in either a 8’ or 9’ length. I do the majority of my fishing from the banks/shorelines and was wonder would a 9’ rod be the better choice for increasing distance and dealing with strong winds.
Thx’s
Mike
Hi Mickalo,
Given the fact that you are fishing banks and shore lines most of the time I would definitely go with the longer rod. I fish a large lake where distance is a major consideration and definitely find the longer rods helpful. Another plus in favor of the longer rod, is the fact that many nymph fisherman like a longer rod to help keep line off the water and to mend line more efficiently. Just my 2% of a dollar. I’m sure others will disagree. 8T 
That was my thinking also. It seems the longer rod would be more beneficial for the type of fly fishing I do and the areas fished.
thx’s
Mike
5wt is my rod of choice … it’s the one I use most of the time. So much so that I have THREE of them! An eight footer and two niners, one fast action and the other medimum actioned.
I cut my eye teeth fly fishing with an 8’ so it is sort of my favorite length; it can really do a little bit of everything plus for me it’s just a handy length. Usually the eight is my stream fishing rod where I’ll run into a lot of tight quarters. I do have a 4wt 7.5 rod for real tight places, but prefer to use the 8’ if at all practical. The med action 9’ is my “stillwater” rod. Usually for mill ponds and small lakes and open spands of water and it is usually what I use seated in the canoe. The nines will cast further, especially the fast action. And that fast action will do better in the wind and the one I will use when fishing with poppers, it also will handle a little extra weight better.
Dale
I have a 5wt now, 8’6" that does a good job for me and pretty much my go-to rod most of the time. I’m sure my casting abilities also need to be honed better too. My main problem has been dealing with the winds we get here and thought the longer rod my help. I also have a 7’6" 3wt and a 9’ 8wt for bass. The 8wt I can cast a “country mile” but a bit too much for most of the fishing I do.
I think I’m going to try out the 9’ 5wt and see what happens
thanks for all the helpful info gang. always appreciated.
Mike
You mention picking up “another” 5wt and wind. Why not go with a 6 wt.? Try the new Orvis Clearwater II, 6wt, 9 foot, 4 pc (under $200). I have an 8’6" 5 wt and the 6 does a much better job of cutting through the wind, and it doesn’t tire me out like the 8wt.
Actually I’ve been considering trying a 6wt. Was looking at some the other day.
It maybe taboo to mentioned here, as they are not a sponsor, but I really like Cabela’s Three Forks rods and Prestige Plus reels. I’ve been using them all this season, the 3,5 and 8wt outfits, and they are very durable and hold up very well considering all the abuse I’ve put them through And there in my budget range.
I’m planning on taking a trip to their Mitchell,SD store this week and try out the 5 and 6 mod/fast 9-footers rods and get a better feel and see what kind of difference, if any, there is. Their only 2hrs away. The only other full service fly shop in my area is about a 6hr drive.
Mike
You should be pleased with your choices. Lots of them have been sold on here.
Yes I agree. So far I’ve been very satisfied with this gear and it’s quality. As tough as I am on this equipment, I haven’t any failures or problems.
The one thing I have learned, through experience, is don’t skimp on the the fly line and maintain your line in top working order.
Mike
While I suggest a 5 wt as the first rod of choice for my area for someone that wants one rod, I hardly ever fish mine these days. I either fish something lighter or heavier depending on species and conditions. If you already own a 5 wt, I also wouldn’t suggest the 6 wt, it is still too close to the 5 wt. Either a stiff 3 wt or a 7 wt would round out your collection better if you like your 5 wt. Personally I either fish a 4 wt these days or a 7 or 8 wt.
My goto rod is a 8’6" 5wt med-fast action rod for panfish, light LMB, and trout. I overline it by using a 6wt floating line. It helps me punch through the wind (especially with a good haul) and get extra distance. I guess the trade off is I might not get the super-soft presentation I would get with a 5wt line which I try to make up for when I tie-up my dry fly leaders.
I prefer the longer rod even on tighter stream conditions b/c I can roll cast so much better. I can high-stick a lot better with the longer rod. I also need that extra length when fishing out of my canoe. I don’t know how much more of a benefit a 9’ rod would be though. 8’6" seems like the right fit for me.
So in summary, if you’re already using 8’6" 5wt I would try overlining it before I spent the money on a whole new rig. But I know what it’s like to get that itch for a new rod/reel.:mrgreen:
When weeds are tall, like this time of the year even on smaller spring creeks the long rod lets you cast above them. 9’ all the way.
Thanks for all the feedback gang, appreciate it … much food for thought
going to check out a few different rods this week and see how they cast and feel before making the final decision. But still leaning toward the 9’ rod.
Mike
Well I decided to go with the 9’ 5wt moderate action … AND WOW!!! what a difference it made, atleast for me. Picked up a Three Forks from Cabela’s today and tried it out and it most definitely give me a better distance cast, and with a double haul, man I able to get a good 60+ft cast even with a good wind in the face. And using a 5wt wf line. The action is really noticeable and loads like a dream. Needless to say I’m one happy fly fisher now
Again, I really appreciate all the helpful suggestions from everyone that posted to this thread. I’m always learning something new here all the time. 
Mike
I guess you could call me a 9’ fan. All of my rods except one are 9’ (4wt 5wt and 7wt). My only short rod is a 7’6" 3wt that I use on some of the small tight trout streams and once in a while on the ponds when chasing bluegill. Other than that, I find the 9’ to be the most versitle. I can mend well with it, when needed, distance is not a problem, and fishing from shore on the lakes, the extra length helps keep my back cast up high above the grass and weeds.
Jeff
Mickalo
My favorite wt rod is a 5wt. However I fish most of the time with an 11’ 6wt.
It is a terrible rod in windy conditions. It does not have the punch power. Nice tip that has flex and protects tippet. I use it on streams to mend, roll cast…and drift fish. Use it on the lakes with my pontoon float tube. With no wind it is a beautiful thing. But in the wind it is absolutely useless. Glald you found what suits you. I would have gone with an 8’ 6wt…and maybe even overline it. Nice you found what you want. Thanks for the thread.
Gemrod
wow … an 11 footer must be a bear to handle
just a side note to anyone who hasn’t tried this ZipCast, it’s some great stuff. I really noticed it when shooting line. Spent an hour so treating all my fly lines the other day. A must for the tackle box.
Mike
Mr. Mickalo,
Contrary to what one might think…this 11’ 6wt is NOT a bear to handle or I wouldn’t use it. My other favorite is a Fetha Styx 10’ 5wt. Wonderful rod. Caught about 35 rainbow all of nice size using it on the San Juan. Never broke a tippet all day. Didn’t have the 11’ rod yet and used my 10 footer. You ever get a chance to pick up a Fetha Styx at a discount buy it.
Now I have a 10’ Sage 7wt that IS a bear. That thing is a club. I don’t like it because of it’s weight. I was going to get rid of it but a friend told me it is a very strong rod and to not get rid of it. It could be overlined and fished for big fish.
Anywhoooo…this 11’ 6wt is a dream. You do not notice that it is longer. Well, you do…but only in initial adjusting to it. Your over that in about 5 minutes. It is as light and easy to handle as any rod you have. It will really cast a line smoothly way out there.
I bought it off FAOL but don’t remember who from. I wouldn’t part with it. I don’t know for sure but I “think” it is a Cabelas. All it says on the rod is Float Tuber…11’ length…made in Korea. It’s a 3 pc rod with a fighting butt.
In all honesty I cannot vouch for it’s fish catching ability. Haven’t had the chance to fish it much. But lawn casting…well…even on the water I love it. But haven’t caught fish with it yet. So I don’t really know how well it protects the tippet, sets the hook…brings in a fish. But it sure seems like a dream in hand. I will find out in Oct when my favorite stream becomes artificial catch and release barbless only. The beauty of my stream is no structure to interfere with fly line casting or the rod, so the 11’ length not a problem there. No trees. Everything has a trade off though. It is a bit long for the little stream…but you can really reach out there and catch a seam to drift a nymph which 9’ rods just won’t reach. And since no obstructions to fly line casting…I can cast very very far upstream or downstream as well. Apologize for length of msg.
Gemrod
I’ve never handled a rod over 9’ yet, but from your descriptions, sounds like an great rod to use. I may have try one out some time down the road … if I ever come across one that long.
Right now my 9’ 5wt is my main go-to rod, I just luv the way it cast and handles. And it can be used for just about everything I fish for and the areas I fish too. I tie all my own leader/tippets to meet my own personal needs so I can simple make some leader adjustments and go from Gills then go after some sm bass if I’m in the right area.
Mike