05-29-2014, 12:56 PM
First off I am not an expert bass fisherman either.
You said, "I have been using my Reddington 5 weight which I feel is a bit on the small side for this type of fishing."
In what way do you feel the 5 weight is too small?
The reason I ask is that to me there are two main reasons for going up in rod weight.
One is if the fish are so large that I need more backbone to land them without either breaking the rod or exhausting the fish. Such as I wouldn't fish for steelhead with a 3 wt. even though I could probably land one and not break the rod.
Two is that heavier rods and lines can throw bigger flies easier especially in the wind.
So with that in mind, for me and most bass etc fishing that I have done, a 5 wt has been an okay choice. It will throw some pretty good sized flies and has the backbone for most fish. I am usually at fault or have too light of tippet on when I lose my fish.
Still a 5 wt is a bit under gunned for carp, steelhead, salmon, and for jerking big bass out of heavy cover. It could really depend on where you fish for bass. Lots of snags? lily pads? Other obstacles to keep the fish away from?
Heavier rods have a different feel both in casting and landing the fish. Riverdog covered some of the differences in length. I suggest that you try casting a bunch of different weights at your local fly shops. Take some big flies with you and try them out. Put a piece of an earplug or other small piece of foam over the hook point. Maybe just a piece of duct tape would work to cover it.
Pay attention also to the shop's reel. Is it much different than yours? Heavier to balance the rod? How about the line? Is the casting difference due to the line? Etc.....
Once you get a heavier rod you will probably need a new reel to balance it and carry the bigger lines. You also will need a new line. Don't skimp on the line.
Good luck
[signature]
You said, "I have been using my Reddington 5 weight which I feel is a bit on the small side for this type of fishing."
In what way do you feel the 5 weight is too small?
The reason I ask is that to me there are two main reasons for going up in rod weight.
One is if the fish are so large that I need more backbone to land them without either breaking the rod or exhausting the fish. Such as I wouldn't fish for steelhead with a 3 wt. even though I could probably land one and not break the rod.
Two is that heavier rods and lines can throw bigger flies easier especially in the wind.
So with that in mind, for me and most bass etc fishing that I have done, a 5 wt has been an okay choice. It will throw some pretty good sized flies and has the backbone for most fish. I am usually at fault or have too light of tippet on when I lose my fish.
Still a 5 wt is a bit under gunned for carp, steelhead, salmon, and for jerking big bass out of heavy cover. It could really depend on where you fish for bass. Lots of snags? lily pads? Other obstacles to keep the fish away from?
Heavier rods have a different feel both in casting and landing the fish. Riverdog covered some of the differences in length. I suggest that you try casting a bunch of different weights at your local fly shops. Take some big flies with you and try them out. Put a piece of an earplug or other small piece of foam over the hook point. Maybe just a piece of duct tape would work to cover it.
Pay attention also to the shop's reel. Is it much different than yours? Heavier to balance the rod? How about the line? Is the casting difference due to the line? Etc.....
Once you get a heavier rod you will probably need a new reel to balance it and carry the bigger lines. You also will need a new line. Don't skimp on the line.
Good luck
[signature]