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!!!
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.
ReplyDeleteOh and Have a Merry Christmas my friend.
ReplyDeletevery interesting, keep us posted on how the 4 acts with some lighter more finesse lines...
ReplyDeleteMost all my rods are overlined.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to work well.
Howard
ReplyDeleteI 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
Alan
ReplyDeleteI am finding that out as for the overlined factor--thanks for the comment
Blake
ReplyDeleteI really think that the much lighter line could give me an edge, when it comes to presentation. Thanks for the comment
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteAnd Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteTy
ReplyDeleteI 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
Kevin
ReplyDeleteI 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