09-19-2012, 11:27 PM
I am going to echo the other forum suggestion on an eight weight.
But I have a hard time imagining one rod working for so many tasks (actually, that comment really works when I see a new rod...LOL)
For big river steel or salmon I think a 10' and up switch or spey, but I see an 8 weight because of current. I landed a nice 20" cutt this weekend in fast current with a 4 weight glass, but what a chore and I am sure the cutt felt that.
The length for the long casts as flies for these species need not be huge.
For bass, Carp, Musky, Pike, I like the idea of a 7'11" to a 9' max. BIG bugs like 4" to 6" flies need that strength and back bone. Again, I think eight weight.
But the rods do not need to be heavy!!!!!! Yes it will cost a little more but you can get an eight weight that weighs very in the 2 lb range. No sore shoulder, no fatigue.
I have caught 36" carp and Trout with my 6 wt. but eight is a nice secure feeling.
I would not feel over gunned fishing an eight weight Helios or BIIx on 12" trout water. The rods are that light and responsive, but they can also cast the 12" fly.[
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But I have a hard time imagining one rod working for so many tasks (actually, that comment really works when I see a new rod...LOL)
For big river steel or salmon I think a 10' and up switch or spey, but I see an 8 weight because of current. I landed a nice 20" cutt this weekend in fast current with a 4 weight glass, but what a chore and I am sure the cutt felt that.
The length for the long casts as flies for these species need not be huge.
For bass, Carp, Musky, Pike, I like the idea of a 7'11" to a 9' max. BIG bugs like 4" to 6" flies need that strength and back bone. Again, I think eight weight.
But the rods do not need to be heavy!!!!!! Yes it will cost a little more but you can get an eight weight that weighs very in the 2 lb range. No sore shoulder, no fatigue.
I have caught 36" carp and Trout with my 6 wt. but eight is a nice secure feeling.
I would not feel over gunned fishing an eight weight Helios or BIIx on 12" trout water. The rods are that light and responsive, but they can also cast the 12" fly.[
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