Hi all,
I am in the market for a new rod. I currently have an Orvis Clearwater 6 weight that I am very happy with. I am looking to purchase a lighter rod so I can try casting smaller flys, but now I am unsure if it is a good idea. I mostly fish for Bass and when I have the chance, trout. I have been thinking about a 4 weight but was not sure if it is a practical rod for this area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
TIA
SteveH
New fly rod conundrum
Steve,
If you fish any of the Calabogie lakes, a 4wt is a good fit for the size of fish you typically catch there. With respect to bass, I'll be using my 4wt this afternoon on the rideau for SM. Sure if you hook into a +3lb SM, it will take you for a fun ride on a 4wt but if you have the room to play the fish, its no problem.
If you fish any of the Calabogie lakes, a 4wt is a good fit for the size of fish you typically catch there. With respect to bass, I'll be using my 4wt this afternoon on the rideau for SM. Sure if you hook into a +3lb SM, it will take you for a fun ride on a 4wt but if you have the room to play the fish, its no problem.
Line weights of rods are very subjective relative to there actual power or stiffness. I've seen 4 weights that were as powerful as some #6's. I would guess your Clearwater is pretty meek compared to other 6's of higher modulus ratings from Sage or Loomis. Personally I think a 9'#6 is a pretty decent river bass rod or if its not too fast/powerful a perfect pond rod for trout. I can also see why Todd and Fishboy are for a 4 weight too under the same circumstances.
My favourite rod for Adirondack rivers is a fairly crisp action 8'6" #4. However on the Saranac River, Black and West Canada I often use a #6 rod. On smaller streams I have a softer 8' #4 and for little brookie creeks I have a 7"9" 3 weight.
This week I fished a pond near Old Forge NY for brookies. We trolled very very slowly with a sinking line on 6 weights. The rod was perfect for the brookies we caught which ran from fat 12" up to a very fat 15er. I did bring a 4 weight with me for dry fly work but to be honest the #6 with a floating line would have done a better job.
As to your question. If your just fishing small rivers for bass and ponds for trout why buy another rod? The #6 does it all well. If you plan on fishing NY rivers you may want a 4 weight. If you plan on getting out onto some of the local LMB lakes with bass bugs you will want an 8 weight.
My favourite rod for Adirondack rivers is a fairly crisp action 8'6" #4. However on the Saranac River, Black and West Canada I often use a #6 rod. On smaller streams I have a softer 8' #4 and for little brookie creeks I have a 7"9" 3 weight.
This week I fished a pond near Old Forge NY for brookies. We trolled very very slowly with a sinking line on 6 weights. The rod was perfect for the brookies we caught which ran from fat 12" up to a very fat 15er. I did bring a 4 weight with me for dry fly work but to be honest the #6 with a floating line would have done a better job.
As to your question. If your just fishing small rivers for bass and ponds for trout why buy another rod? The #6 does it all well. If you plan on fishing NY rivers you may want a 4 weight. If you plan on getting out onto some of the local LMB lakes with bass bugs you will want an 8 weight.