09-18-2012, 03:43 AM
Improper "high sticking" will break any rod on any fish. They're not made to do that! You don't buy a fly rod based on strength, you buy it based on what fly line you want to use to deliver the fly, and how much "rod" you need to quickly land your quarry based on your fishing skills. With the right technique, you can land pretty large fish on fairly light rods in a short amount of time. I land 30 pound tarpon, which pull more and run more and jump more than any trout or salmon on the planet, in under 10 minutes with a 7 weight. I've landed tarpon over 100 pounds with an 8 weight in under 30 minutes. I've landed pike over 50 inches (30 pounds) with a 7 weight in less than 5 minutes. 20-40 pound king salmon all day with an 8-wt., all in under 10 minutes. Its all about how you pull, when you pull, and at what angle you pull. Most any large streamer can be cast effectively with a 7 or 8 weight. As you fish more and cast more, you'll see.
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