Could anyone give me the types of fishing situations that would be good for a 9 ft 3 wt rod? I’ve got a Marryat Diamondback blank and am trying to decide whether to build it or sell it, depending on the chances that I’d actually use the rod and on the blank value. All I can imagine is really small trout on big western streams. Any uses in the northeast?
Thanks for any wisdom.
Diane,
Any trout stream near you.
Allan
I use mine for trout on both creeks and lakes. If I want to tackle a large river I usually use my 5 weight. My favorite use of the 3 weight is for panfish. I use the 3 wt over the 5 wt about 90 percent of the time.
This may make some dyed in the wool fly anglers to cringe, but I routinely tie on large flies - like 1/0, and chase LMB to 4 lbs. They are a blast on that light rod.
Tim Anderson
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Diane,
Allan might have something there by using the 9 foot 3 weight on streams.
I’m inclined to believe that it would be better suited to lake fishing. At least that’s where I found mine to be of better use.
I’ve spent alotta time trying a long distance release all to many Tree Trout using the longer rod on streams.
So, that’s my $0.02
Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are “XL”.
I would question the usefulness of one much shorter than that, out west anyway.
Diane:
I use a 9’ 3wt., with a 2wt. line, most of the time from the end of May until late fall for the trout streams I fish here in northcentral/central PA. I’ve landed 8 lb. class trout with ultralight tackle like this. I believe that, when fishing lighter tippets, 5x or lighter, the cushioning effect of these rods actually aids in fighting a large fish and landing it more quickly. The key is to push this tackle to the limit. The tippet will break long before the rod.
Why do you have it…if you don’t want it? Did you buy it and change your mind? Is it a 2 piece? I have no idea what that blank is because I am a rookie at rod building. but I intend to build a 9’ 3wt. Soooooo how many of my dolars do you want for it? (I know…ALL OF THEM) Seriously, I do not know if that is an expensive blank or what the modulus rating is, or if it is tip flex or what. But I AM going to build a 9’ 3wt (2 piece).
Otherwise, as an answer to your question, I don’t know why you wouldn’t use it anywhere you want to…lake or stream. 'Methinks you are a much more experienced and much better fly fisher than myself. But I wouldn’t hesitate to use it on my favorite stream which has some biggies. In fact that stream is what I want to build one for.
Gem
Panfish are a blast on those rods.
there are times on my stream that I wish my 3 wt. was longer to help with mending. Sometimes I have to mend the line over rocks and the extra length would do the trick I think. Diane, fish the rod as you would your other 3 wt. and see how it suits you.
Anything that swims under about ten pounds. Dry flies for stream trout, should be perfect.
Dennis
I agree, a 3wt is really all you need. You go fishing for fun, don’t you? You might catch a couple more trout with a treble hook and a cheese ball on a heavy spinning rod with 10lb test, but a nice trout caught with a 3 wt is always a wonderful thing!!
I’ve fished with 7’, 8’, 8’6", and 9’. The extra length is so much better, even a UL like a 3wt.
Now you’ve got me excited to build a 9’ 3wt for next year. LOL
Always catch & release,
Longrodder
Because of it’s length a 9’ 3 wt will have a stiffer butt than shorter rods of that line wt. yet the tip will be soft. DG and Longrodder have nailed it. Its a great allround trout rod. Di, you won’t find out how good it is unless you build it and fish it.
[This message has been edited by Buzz (edited 14 August 2005).]
ok, ok, ok. i get it! I’ll build it, fish it, grin, catch, release, and rollcast the bejeezus out of it. It’s a beautiful blank. I guess I just figured lightweight rod, small streams, needs to be shorter but i’m getting a grin just imagining some of the scenarios you folks came up with. Thanks!
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming-WOW—What A Ride!
Diane,
Along Cayuta and elsewhere, it’s easier working through the bushes with a shorter rod. But roll-casting is easier(for me) with an extra 1-1/2 feet. Now this isn’t to say that my personal preference is a 9 footer. Just saying that the 9 footer is appropriate.
Allan
Diane,
Canoe looks beautiful!
I use an 8 1/2’ 3 wgt quite a lot and I fish some of the same waters as you do. I like it a lot but there are times when I wish I’d built a 9’ 3 wgt instead. If you got that blank from Ray, I may have passed it up in favor of the one I got! If so you may have the best deal IMHO.
I know an old buzzard who fishes a 9 1/2 ft 4 wgt in the Catskills and he loves it. He has been fly fishing for 70 years or more so, if experience means anything, there’s nothing wrong with a nice long rod. The longer the easier to mend in my opinion.
You will have to meet Dr. R.W. who fly fishes from his kayak on Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga, and probably a lot more. He gets LLS, Browns and rainbows. I’m sure that one of his rods is a long one.
Bill
Are we going to tie at the mall this season?
Diane - I built on a 9’ 3wt. blank for float tubing for grayling and absolutely love it. Nothing like a feisty fish on a long and skinny to get you pumped up about fly fishing. ‘Course you’ll have to round out the collection with an 8’ 2wt. for those small technical waters, but then thats half the fun…having the toys to play with. Tight lines - Jim
Farmington River, Schoolbus Pool, 250 yards of quiet water with (apparently) no current until you put a #18 fly on it. Delicate presentations to fish 50 ft away - and the need to mend the line. I bought a 9’ 4wt just for that pool. Yours should work nicely - and there are 18"ers in that pool.
Just gotta pipe in here…
I had a 9’, 3wt made for me w/ a removeable fighting butt just for freshwater fishing from my kayak. The butt makes it easier to keep it in the Scotty holder.
I LOVE fishing w/ this rod!!!
Everyone should have one and BTW; it’s caught it’s share of trout too!
Larger streams with average trout size of 16" or smaller. The extra length helps with the wind.
Diane,
One of my all time favorite trout rods is a 9ft 3 wt Sage SP. It’s a wonderful rod!
Jeremy.