I’m probably going to pick up a 9-wt for casting bigger flies to Pike (trip to visit family in Manitoba this summer). I was wondering what peoples opinions were on what type of rod action casts bulkier and heavier flies best, a very fast action rod or something slower? Or does it make no real difference, its what whatever action is best matched to you and your casting style?
I’m likely to be casting flies up to about 6 inches long and weighing almost as much as the small trout I like to chase.
well whatever rod you invest in save enough for a helmet as well 
RRhyne56
[url=http://www.robinscustomleadersandflies.com:4bb8f]Sweetness On The Water[/url:4bb8f]
[url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/bgl/:4bb8f]Good Ol? Lepomis Macrochirus[/url:4bb8f]
It is the line that tosses the bugs.
It is the rod that tosses the line.
I would go for the rod that you like to, or can, operate well.
…lee s.
Alastair…
You got the right weight rod in mind for that kind of fishing.
As for the action, that is pretty much up to your style of casting. All the different actions will get the job done. I would suggest that you try a medium fast action first. It suits a lot of people.
I would also suggest that if you don?t know how yet, learn the Belgium cast. It will help to keep those big flies out of your hide in the wind.
See: [url=http://www.ukswff.co.uk/casting5.htm:4a9b6]http://www.ukswff.co.uk/casting5.htm[/url:4a9b6]
[This message has been edited by DickM (edited 12 April 2006).]
I prefer the faster action rods for both my pike and muskie fishing.
I use an 8wt Loomis GLX for most pike and smaller muskies. It suits a lot of medium sized fish and most folk prefer that size rod for pike.
For smaller pike I’ve sometimes dropped to a fast 6wt IMX, what most would think of as their bass rod.
I like the lighter rods because I find my flies tend to the smaller sizes and do just fine with them. I’m not a fan of huge flies.
For bigger fish, the larger muskies, I use a Loomis 10 wt.
Jeremy.
I use 9ft. 9wt and 9ft 10wt rods and I prefer fast action rods. If you can, you should visit a fly shop and test cast rods. Casting big flies is different and I found that fast action rods work better for me.
If you don’t know how to double haul you should learn. Using the double haul will help you cast large flies.