Need help selecting a wt.

[gwright]

Let me begin by saying I’m a newbie when it comes to fly fishing.
Here’s my situation: For the majority of my trips I’ll be fishing from a kayak on the Ottawa or Rideau Rivers. My targets are Walleye, Bass and Pike. I’ve been considering a TFO series-1 2 piece 9’ rod with an Okuma SLV 78 reel.

I’m unsure about the proper weight. Would a 7 wt or an 8 wt be better to start with?
Do I need both floating and sink tip line?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

[mosquito]

Cosidering the size of pike flies 8 wt. is probably a better choice. For bass and pike floating line should be enough, and in many situations it will do for walleye too. Add sink-tip when you better understand your real situations.

[Fishboy]

I agree with Mosquito. If you want a rod for pike as well as bass & walleye, an 8-wt should do nicely.

The Ottawa Flyfishers Society will hold an Open House on May 15th. Why don't you come out and ask some of our resident experts questions on the style of fishing you want to do?

[Todd B.]

gwright,

In addition to Fishboy's comments, I would go with the 4 piece TFO Series I rod. You never know when you might want to take it with you on a trip. A two piece can be very combersome to travel with.

As for sinking line, what you can do is pick up a sink tip extension that you can put on the front of the floating line when you want to add some depth to your presentations.

[Flyfisher]

In addition to fishboy & Todd recommendations,
My suggestion would be for you to buy a good camera to make sure we have pictures of my catches...(ha,ha)
See ya on the water buddy.

[bobfly]

I might as well add my two cents worth. Since most of the fish you are goint to catch are going to be between 1 and 2 pounds, a 7 wt would be just fine. I have rods from 3wt to 9wt (too many) and my favorite for the river is always my 6wt.

Also since most of the waters that have the most fish in them are fairly shallow I have found using a floating line with a floating fly (for me a floating dragon) and a 3 to 4 foot dropper of something else (for me, my all time favorite - a crayfish) depending on the water depth and weed cover.

Good luck (and don't get your camera wet!)

bobfly

[Flyfisher]

All kidding aside, I agree with bobfly, a 6 wt. is a lot of fun. I use it the most of all my rods. Sometimes I find my 8 wt. an overkill for the size bass we catch on the river.
I just got a 5 wt. that I cant wait to try, I have the feeling she may become my favourite.
A good point was also made by Todd, you may want to consider a 4 pcs. rod, especially with the Kayak.
Anyway, make sure to give me a ring when you go out looking.

[Todd B.]

gwright,

I'd have to agree with Flyfisher, in that an 8wt is overkill for the eyes and bass in the Ottawa. If you're going to be targeting LM in the pads then for sure go with the 8wt

[gwright]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I’ll start with the easy one. My camera is waterproof (Pentax W20). I’ve already tested it underwater shooting pictures of the fish in our aquarium. I should be able to get some unique pictures.

It sounds like an 8wt while a good rod in general for my targets it is a an overkill for my primary fishing grounds and that a 6 or 7 wt may be more appropriate. Good advice on the 4 piece vs. the 2 piece.

I guess now it’s a choice between the 6 and 7 wt.

[Gravelguy4]

I would go with a 6wt Temple fork, they are sturdy rods and the two i have hold up well (i bought a 2pc first, then had to get a 4pc). THe okuma slv reel has a good drag so you can will be able to rely on your reel to help you land a bigger fish. the only reservation i would have would be the size/style of fly you want to use but most streamers and buggers will be fine with a 6wt and if you want to take it trout fishing it will be subtle enough to place a dry fly on the water smoothly.

sounds like a good combo you've got your eye on.
good luck with the fishing.

Keith