I'm fairly new to fly fishing. Took my wife fishing and she too was infatuated with fly fishing. Looking into getting her a rod. My question is do you match the rod to the fish you are targeting or the rod to the person who is fishing it? My wife was using my 9ft 5wt rod and said that it felt slightly too big. Not sure if she just needs more practice or would a smaller rod help. Targeting trout in various streams around Northern Cali. Any thought would be appreciated.
Hi 59pines. I know a woman who is 5'1" and weighs about 105 pounds. She casts big sticks on a regular basis. Most of her rods in her quiver are 9 footers. I also know an 11 year old who can cast an off the rack 11 weight easily. What it comes down to is technique.
My question is do you match the rod to the fish you are targeting or the rod to the person who is fishing it?
There are a bunch of factors that are considered for rod choice. Here are two criteria. First is size of fly being thrown. For throwing little dinky flies with super delicate presentation, I will use the lightest line weight rod possible (there are exceptions). I won't use an 8 weight to throw a size 20 Pheasant Tail. Second is the size of the target fish. Most people use a 4 or 5 weight as a general purpose trout rod. In some waters where I know bigger trout lurk, I'll use a 6 weight.
In regards of choosing a rod to the person, what it is going to come down is rod action. For a novice fly angler, a fast action rod (one that flexes more at the tip) isn't the best choice. That angler won't feel the rod fully, so timing of the forward cast might be off. A medium to medium-fast rod will flex further down the rod blank. It will load a tad slower, so the angler feels the rod load up properly.
My advice for your wife is to take a beginning fly fishing class or take a casting lesson. After that, practice everyday for 15 minutes. Like other activities, one needs to develop muscle memory. Casting is not different. I don't know where you live, but in the Sacramento area, there are three reputable fly shops. Look at least one of them up. Also when you visit the shops, have her try casting a few rods, a couple different line weights, and some different actions.
Match it to the size of the water, the size of the fly, and the size of the fish. Take into consideration type of fishing (dries, nymphs, streamers), wind, action of the rod, length of the rod.
i could literally go on all day about this and about matching the proper fly line to the rod and type of fishing. Most people screw it up.
59 pines. A.K.A. "29incher" get her the rod you want cause you know your going to use it more than her....I forgot to ask you today if the tree washed out of the circle of trust....
Thanks all for everyone's replies... looks like a casting class is in the future. MX, the tree is still there. The high flows didn't budge it. I don't think that it could be any more perfectly placed through the circle. If you can wade out in front of the tree you can still fish the hole... or bring a chainsaw!!!
