Small rod...

[hobiecat]

I have a 5wt St Croix Legend that I currently use for trout. I was thinkin of gettin somethin a lil smaller. Maybe like a 3wt. Prolly stick with Croix since I like my current rod, but I'm open to suggestions. I've never fished that light of a rod, so am not sure what to look for (ie, length). Anyone have any suggestions or opinions??

[Warmouth]

Unless you have a reason to go for a short rod, like fishing tight brushy creeks and streams, go with a 8'+rod. I have attached a fly reel to a 5'6" spinning rod and had fun messing around with it, but the distance you can cast is drastically reduced. I like my 8'6" 5 wt. It has enough backbone to cast small jigs up to 1/64 oz, and can still cast the small stuff.



What size flys are you wanting to use?

[hobiecat]

I would like to use a lil of everythin. My5 wt is an 8'6" as well. I was just worried that long of a 3wt would be a lil too limber.



I can't imagine I would be throwin anything much over an 8 or 10, or maybe 1/64 jig.

[Warmouth]

With the line matched to the rod, it shouldn't be much different than what you are casting now, maybe a little lighter.

It doesn't take much back bone to set those tiny hooks. After that just hang on and enjoy.

[CuppedAndCommitted]

Hob's,
I bought a 6' 3wt a couple of years ago. Could be my lack of skills, but I didn't have as good of control or distance with the smaller rig. I sold it last year, otherwise I would have let you try it out.

[hobiecat]

I can definitely see a 6' bein hard to throw, but I was thinkin more along the lines of 7'-7'6". You fellars ever slung anything like that?

[CuppedAndCommitted]

Nope, just a 6' and an 8'6".

[Warmouth]

I've used poles down to 5'6" and 6', which is doable, but if I knew that I had room for a longer pole, I would rather go with a 9' than less than 8', but that is just me. picking up the line cleanly is difficult with the shorter pole. If you stay with small creeks and streams, it won't be an issue, but if you are fishing bigger water, just using a lighter outfit, then go with a full length rod 8'+. The longer rod as more control of the line, and the fish once you have one hooked. If you roll cast at all, this will be very apparent. Short rods and roll casts go together like a ice cream and horse chit.

[Hellbender]

I made a 6' 5wt pretty much to use on Crane around the brush. Any way you cut it, once you use a short rod you'll realize real quick, why you use a long one.

[sharps4590]

I have three rods that measure 7'6", one a W. W. Griggs 4 wt., an Orvis, Madison Far and Fine 5 wt., (which has become my favorite rod), and an old Eagle Claw 6 wt.. I've never felt handicapped when using any of them, even when I lived in Wyoming. I'd recommend a 7' 6" for a light rod unless you're on big water. I really like my shorter rods for the smaller creeks. I have no experience with anything shorter than 7' 6".

Vic

[hunting170]

Well this sure sucks. I read the topic of this thread, and I was sure you guys were going to be picking on someone. This chit ain`t funny at all you "River Runs Through It"- watchin bunch of Nancy boys.

[Warmouth]

Maybe, but it beats living in IL.

[sharps4590]

You looked because you thought it was funny? I've never seen "A River Runs Thru It" that I recall...but I sure like to fish with my fly rods....and it does beat hell out of living in Illinois. You oughta look up what Ernie Pyle said about Illinois......if you know who Ernie Pyle was.....

Vic

[CuppedAndCommitted]

MOCraig, Your right, can't hit the bottom, but I can knock the chit out of the sides.

[hobiecat]

My rod may not be long... but at least it's skinny.