I have previously fished with 5-7 wt outfits and this winter I have purchased a 3 wt rod and reel. Here in the Mideast I will not go to the stream until late March to use the 3 wt. My question is how do beaded nymphs or other weighted 12-16 flys cast with the light outfit? The majority of my casting is in the 30-50 ft range.
within those perameters you will do fine. Consider using a 7 1/2 foot leader instead of a 9 foot. You might be chucking it some with the #12, but I fish those three sizes and do okay
rosborn, First of all welcome to FAOL! Although a “newbie” (less than four full years) at throwing fly line, I will say that a 3wt doesn’t allow for a whole lot of weight to hinder the action. Depending on the action of the rod of course, but what you are asking about should be a nonproblem. I tried some #10 or 12 clousers with my 3wt TFO…“tried” is how I’ll leave it. I like the lighter end rods for streams/greater sensitivity and response. Don’t crucify me gang, but when fishing with spinning/baitcasting gear for warm water stuff most spool up with heavy line and horse the fish in. Gardenfish’s suggestion on shortening the leader is a good point. Also,open the cast up a little when throwing with weight.
Live each day as if it were your last, some day you’ll be right!
I don’t have any trouble doing it with a 3 wt and I am one of the worlds worst flycasters.
Rick
I agree on there not being too much trouble, just slow down a little. I cast tungsten bead nymphs with my Sage LL 8’ 2wt and I do just fine. My Scott Eclipse 3wt does just fine with as you say clousers and size 12 wooly’s.
If I can do it, you can do it. This afternoon I spent a couple hours standing in waist deep water doing exactly that. Heavily weighted size 10 on a 3wt.
Jim
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO RESPONDED!
I agree with all the responses since I fish with a 3-weight 90% of the time, but will add one more suggestion when casting heavy flies with it in the wind – wear a thick hat.
ha hah.
the only time I’ve ever whipped myself w/ a fly was down in some big wind in mexico w/ 1/0 clousers. a shot to the head was nothing compared to taking one in the shoulder or back. damn it stung. but, yeah without a hat you could prolly raise a decent sized knot w/ a clouser minnow.
mgj
You would be surprised how big aand heavy a fly you can throw by double hauling on a three weight. I throw bead heads a lot in the fall and have no problem throwing out 40-50 feet of line with a good double haul
Who has time for stress when there are fish to catch.
Nick
rorsborn,
Like you’ve been told, you’ll likely do fine.
Just try to remember to keep your back casts up a bit more and open up your loop some by increasing your casting arc a little past the standard “10 & 2” position.
I cast my 2wt SPL as described with a small indicator (#14EHC) and beadheads on as manage alright.
Keeping your casts off to a 45 deg. angle instead of directly overhead help too.
(Does anybody cast DIRECTLY overhead any more??)
Jeremy.
rorsborn;
Welcome aboard!!
I use a 9’ 3wt. from my tube with weighted fly’s. Of course after 30 some years I still consider myself a beginner!!
You may want to check out the Michigan Fish-In Under Fish-Ins. A lot of Ohio members are going to be there.
[This message has been edited by Jack Hise (edited 14 February 2006).]