Sunday, December 23, 2012

Interchanging Fly Line Weights With Fly Rod Weight


 
I started experimenting towards the end of the fishing season last year with interchanging different line weights with the fly rod weight. I did this because at times fishing the tailrace I experienced lots of wind in some of the narrow areas. I started using a 5 weight line with my 4 wt fly rod to help cut through the wind a little better. I found the exchange made it much easier to cast and place the fly with more accuracy. I also discovered that with the wind ripples on the surface I didn’t need the longer leader in the 9 -10ft. range; I could actually fish a 7 ½ ft. leader and get even more accuracy. So hopefully I have the wind problem solved when it is whipping down the gorge at break neck sped.
 After trying the “wind scenario” and it proving to be successful; my next experimental pairing will be to use 2 or 3 weight line with my 4 wt 8 ½ ft. fly rod. With this pairing I still have the power in the rod, but I am getting a much softer and lighter presentation of the fly as it touches the surface. Using a 9 to 10 ft leader/tippet size will cause even less disturbance on the surface. The trout here experience a lot of fishing pressure and I feel the lighter the better for me when it comes to producing a take on a tiny dry or nymph. This will be my first set-up I will be experiment with when I get back on the water. I know a lot you guys have interchanged lines with rod weights; what’s your take on line weight verses rod weight?
 
Hope all you guys have a great Christmas!!!

12 comments:

  1. Bill, I don't know how valid this would be for graphite, but I find fiberglass is much friendlier with different line sizes which makes changing for different conditions possible. I find for me it's a lot easier to have several different reels (or spools) with various line weights available to change according to conditions.

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  2. Oh and Have a Merry Christmas my friend.

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  3. very interesting, keep us posted on how the 4 acts with some lighter more finesse lines...

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  4. Most all my rods are overlined.
    They seem to work well.

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  5. Howard
    I forgot to mention in my post about having some extra spools, which makes it much easier to change out line weights. I am in the process of getting another spool for my 5 wt. Thanks for the comment---Merry Christmas

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  6. Alan
    I am finding that out as for the overlined factor--thanks for the comment

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  7. Blake
    I really think that the much lighter line could give me an edge, when it comes to presentation. Thanks for the comment

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  8. I usually don't overline my rods unless I have to. For example, I recently broke my 9 weight. So I just put the reel with the 9 weight line on my 7 weight rod and went with that for a while. Worked fine. Most modern rods can easily handle being uplined by a line weight or two. Some even cast better that way.

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  9. I fish TFO rods for te most part and from the get go I told to overload 1 line weight up. I still do this on fast action rods my pro series TFO 6wt.has 7wt line. but on the lighter rods or more medium action I match the line and rod weight. I do agree with Howard on Fiber glass rods. I have an Eagle Claw 7 1/2 5 wt. that I can hardly cast with 5 wt line. one uping the line line weight helps and I plan to try 7 weight line on it. Just use a bit of caution to not overload the rod.

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  10. Ty
    I have found that I can go up one line weight, but after that especially dealing with graphite you get top heavy. The tremendous wind in the gorge is the reason I started experimenting. Thanks for the comment

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  11. Kevin
    I agree with the line weight getting to heavy for some weight rods. I tried two lines weights up and found with the graphite it was too heavy, and out of balance. I have always been a big fan of light graphite rods, mainly becsuse of the amount of time I am on the water any given day. As you get older you discover lighter can be better and not as stressful on the arms and shoulder. Thanks for the comment --have a great Christmas

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