What Fly Rod & Reel do You Use in Relationship to Fish Size?

You hear the words “matching the hatch” in the fly world all the time. Anyone into trout fishing knows how important that slogan is. When one hits their favorite stream that is the first thing you are going to do, match the hatch. Usually, you never know what the fish are going to be taking at a particular time of day. So this is the reason we have so many flies in our fly boxes. Still, with all the flies in your box, it may not be the one that the fish are hitting that day. So I guess that is why a lot of us hit zero on some trips. The hatch factor holds true for warm water fishing as well. So this is the scenario an individual may encounter with just the fly/lure aspect of fishing.
  What about the equipment aspect such as the rod and reel? This is another decision you make before or after you get out on the water. I personally feel that a good quality fly rod and matching reel is essential for the angler to get the ultimate experience of landing a fish. I use a Temple Fork 3 Wt. with a G-Loomis free spool fast retrieve reel for the Elk and Sipsey tailraces. Both streams are stocked with rainbow, brookies, and browns. The 3 Wt is perfect for catching the 9” to 11” stockers. Occasionally you will land a trout in the 12” to 14” range, which is a plus with this combo. For me, the 3 Wt is the perfect “match the rod” with the size fish. If I am going to the Caney Fork in Tennessee I would differently opt to my 5 Wt. 8 ½ ft. Redington 4 pc. 5 Wt with the Battenkill Orvis reel. With this setup, I have the power to land a fish in the 16” and up range. This combo was actually given to me for my retirement a couple of years ago. It will always be a special rod and reel to me. Do any of you out there have a special rod and reel? For me, the most important aspect of fishing is matching the rod, reel, flies, nymphs, and line to whatever species of fish you are pursuing. I really enjoy rigging my equipment and getting my flies or lures ready for the next days' fishing trips. This is just another fun thing about this great sport we as fishermen love.