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03-22-2013, 09:49 AM
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Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 483
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Second Rod
I’m thinking of getting a second fly rod this year, I have done a little research and I’m thinking a 4wt might be what I want, however I thought I would get a few opinions from you guys before I make my purchase.
Currently I have a 7wt and I think it works pretty good for nymphing, and streamers but is a little big for dry flies particularly on smaller creeks.
Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks
Ray.
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03-22-2013, 09:59 AM
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 7,506
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I currently have an 8wt, 6wt, and 4wt. I only use the 8wt nymphing and streamer fishing the Bow River, teh 6wt doesn't get used all that much, and I use the 4wt almost all the time now. It's nice for smallish dry flies and using sinking line while I'm in my belly boat. The only time I'd like something a little heavier is if it's windy out.
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03-22-2013, 10:15 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,921
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A couple of questions...
How experienced/skilled are you and where will you be fishing most of the time (Bow vs. smaller streams vs. lakes)?! A lighter rod on the bow takes a certain level of skill to bring in a bigger fish in faster water as to not harm the fish, etc.
I know many that use a 5 wt for dries on the bow (I use a 5 wt as my main nymphing rig, a 6 for streamers and a 4 wt for dries - in the summer - but depends on if I'm floating or on a w & w - don't want to carry too many rods). Probably my most versitile rod is my 9' 5 wt as I can switch between streamers, nymphs or dries if the opportunity presents itself... I use 3 wts (7'6' & 8') for my small stream stuff and a 9' 4 wt for alpine lakes. Also need to consider what action you prefer/want as well...
Just my opinions...
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03-22-2013, 10:17 AM
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Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 2,960
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4wt is a great choice for a dry fly rod. It's fine for the Bow and all that's necessary for smaller water.
Maybe try out some rods that are not super fast/stiff for lightly landing dry flies.
I often use 6lb Maxima for tippet for dries...lets you fight fish quickly.
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03-22-2013, 10:23 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: CNP
Posts: 3,752
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A popular way to go when acquiring rods is in steps of 2
ie 7-5-3 or like Scott above 8-6-4
That said if I had your Seven going to the 4 for a second rod would be ideal and I would bet if you buy one this spring your seven will sit most of the upcoming season. You will really enjoy the light touch of the 4 wt compared to the seven.
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You are what you do, not what you say.
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03-22-2013, 10:28 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Calgary
Posts: 3,316
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lannie
A popular way to go when acquiring rods is in steps of 2
ie 7-5-3 or like Scott above 8-6-4
That said if I had your Seven going to the 4 for a second rod would be ideal and I would bet if you buy one this spring your seven will sit most of the upcoming season. You will really enjoy the light touch of the 4 wt compared to the seven.
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Agreed
Going in stages is the best method
Going from a 7wt to a 4wt is a fairly drastic step
Light rods are awesome
I would use a 7wt for coho and steelhead river fishing
Mind you...I actually use a 6wt for coho n steelies on da river (I prefer light gear)
Can't wait for a new 2-3wt this yr for AB's mtn waters
Last edited by MtnGiant; 03-22-2013 at 10:35 AM.
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03-22-2013, 10:56 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Airdrie
Posts: 405
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RayL42
I’m thinking of getting a second fly rod this year, I have done a little research and I’m thinking a 4wt might be what I want, however I thought I would get a few opinions from you guys before I make my purchase.
Currently I have a 7wt and I think it works pretty good for nymphing, and streamers but is a little big for dry flies particularly on smaller creeks.
Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks
Ray.
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Hello Ray,
I share the same philosophy as most who have posted. I like to have my rods in 2 wt increments. Currently I fish a 2wt, 4wt, 6wt and 8wt. However I did recently pick up a 5wt as I find that they are very versatile. It is my intent to keep the 5wt in my trailer so I am not hoofing around a bunch of rods whenever I go camping for the weekend.
If you would follow the same philosophy as you slowly progress to becoming a gear pig like the rest of us, you could start with the 5wt, then look at a 3wt for the smaller creeks down the road. Or step to a 9wt if you decide to explore the Saltwater fishing.
My suggestion to you, is to go out and cast both the 4wt's and 5wt's. Don't necessarily pick the calmest day to go cast (go cast the rods when there is a wind) as we do have more windy days than not. Make sure that there is a piece of floss on the leader when you are casting, I find most rods will cast a dry fly just fine, but it is when you want to cast the wind resistant stuff or the nymphing hardware is where you will want to see how the rod will perform.
When you are casting, it is a good idea to try to cast the rod with the line that you are most likely to buy and fish with. I find a fast action rod loads better with the lines designed to be a half weight heavier. I prefer a medium action rod that loads a little deeper for my trout fishing; I like to use a SA Trout line with a lighter tip section for my dry fly presentation, etc..........
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03-22-2013, 11:33 AM
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Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 483
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ÜberFly
A couple of questions...
How experienced/skilled are you and where will you be fishing most of the time (Bow vs. smaller streams vs. lakes)?! A lighter rod on the bow takes a certain level of skill to bring in a bigger fish in faster water as to not harm the fish, etc.
I know many that use a 5 wt for dries on the bow (I use a 5 wt as my main nymphing rig, a 6 for streamers and a 4 wt for dries - in the summer - but depends on if I'm floating or on a w & w - don't want to carry too many rods). Probably my most versitile rod is my 9' 5 wt as I can switch between streamers, nymphs or dries if the opportunity presents itself... I use 3 wts (7'6' & 8') for my small stream stuff and a 9' 4 wt for alpine lakes. Also need to consider what action you prefer/want as well...
Just my opinions...
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I have been fly fishing regularly for 6 years, however I would not consider myself skilled as I thought myself and I have a lot more to learn.
Most of my fly fishing is on the Bow and stocked ponds, but I do a fair bit of spin casting smaller creaks like the Dog Pound and a large part of my decision to get a lighter fly rod it to have one that is better suited for the creeks then the 7wt.
As for action my 7wt is a medium action rod and I like it but I have not fished with anything different.
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03-22-2013, 11:49 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,921
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Best see Chris and Co @ BRTFs or the gang at FTs and try out a bunch then!! I reco the two shops as each carry different manufactures @ different price points, though both have exceptional service!!
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03-22-2013, 12:11 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kananaskis
Posts: 2,612
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ÜberFly
Best see Chris and Co @ BRTFs or the gang at FTs and try out a bunch then!! I reco the two shops as each carry different manufactures @ different price points, though both have exceptional service!!
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X2! never been to BRTF (bow river troutfitters?) but i do love fishtales! tons of knowledge and experience there, always willing to help out novice fisherman!
PS my first rod was a 4wt (Pfleueger), I still use it more than most of my rods, and recently purchased another 4wt travel rod for hiking. I also have a 7wt that doesn't get used too much and a 6wt that I like for stillwater fishing. Also bought a 2wt for little creeks, and am itching to try it out!
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03-22-2013, 12:17 PM
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Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 483
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Thanks for all the advice, I think my next step is to go and cast a few 4 and 5 wt and go with what I like the best.
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03-28-2013, 09:41 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SW Cowgree
Posts: 1,810
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RayL42
Thanks for all the advice, I think my next step is to go and cast a few 4 and 5 wt and go with what I like the best.
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That's your best bet,is to try a few and see how they feel.That said,a 5wt is generally a more versatile/do-it-all rod that's not too heavy/not too light to cover a wide spectrum of styles and conditions.It will toss lightly weighted streamers and/or sink tips a fair distance,lob indy-rigs reasonably well,and is light enough to feel somewhat sporty on pan size trout.If one had to choose a single rod for all of their trout fishing needs,hands down a 5 is imho the best choice.
The 4wt is a wee bit more specialised,leaning towards the light side.It will be more fun on smaller trout,yet still handle any trout that swims in AB.That said if you get into a big fish in heavy current,be prepared to chase it downstream,but that's true no matter what size stick your waving?It will still toss lighter streamers and tips a fair distance,but might struggle to lob indy-rigs very far.It will still do it of course,and should be fine on smaller streams/creeks etc.,it's just not ideal for bigger waters like the Bow where a heavier rod is better suited for nymphing,but you already have a 7wt for that,so no worries?
Last edited by grinr; 03-28-2013 at 09:49 AM.
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03-28-2013, 10:56 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Qualicum beach. Bc
Posts: 794
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i have a 4 weight use floating line for creeks and small river
i have a 6 weight use floating line for lakes
and i have three 8 weights i use for sinking line on lakes
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03-29-2013, 02:19 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 521
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I have a 4wt, 5wt, and 6wt.
My 6wt gets the most river time. It is still quite good for big dries: stoneflies, hoppers and big caddis.
I love fishing with my 4wt, particularly for size 16 and smaller flies. If I were to upgrade any of my rods, I would probably get a better 4wt rod. I love fishing with it, but it is not well suited for most multi-fly nymph rigs.
My 5wt basically collects dust. I do not really like to blame the 5wt, per se. When I first started, I found the mid-flex rod easier to cast, but as my casting improved, I much preferred tip-flex/fast action.
For a second rod, I would be considering 3 variables: weight, length, and action.
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