I currently use a ten foot 8wt rod for my salt and Pike flyfishing (shakespeare Xtra power). I usually overline it with 9wt lines and occasionally a 10wt shooting head. Do I really need to go up to a heavier rod for the Pike, say a 9 or 10 weight?

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I used to like fishing because I thought it had some larger significance. Now I like fishing because it's the one thing I can think of that probably doesn't.

Yes and No ...

No if you can be sure the waters you fish only have small Pike in them and Yes if you fish waters that do hold the bigger fish , reason being it will allow you to land the fish faster and this is better for fish welfare

Also going up in weight will make it easier to cast the larger flies .

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Cheers Danny

Co-Founder of S.S.F.D 2010

Ok thanks for that, there is a Wychwood 9wt I've been looking at

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I used to like fishing because I thought it had some larger significance. Now I like fishing because it's the one thing I can think of that probably doesn't.

Go for a #10 if you can - you'll find it far more versatile long term.

What sort of budget do you have?

Why would a 10wt be more versatile?

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I used to like fishing because I thought it had some larger significance. Now I like fishing because it's the one thing I can think of that probably doesn't.

I agree about going for a #10 as a heavier rod will throw big and smaller flies with ease but a lesser rod will only throw the smaller stuff with ease .

Also you already have a #8 that will do you fine for you smaller fish and flies , a # 9 is close to # 8 so go up to a #10 for the reasons stated above .

I also forgot to mention length , go for 9 foot as it will not be as hard work to cast as a longer rod would be .

Don't know how much you want to spend but for 100 quid you will not do much better then this >>>> Greys Platinum XD Saltwater Models – Glasgow Angling Centre

__________________
Your fish ----> ><((((º> My fish ----> ><(((((((((º>
__________________

Cheers Danny

Co-Founder of S.S.F.D 2010

Ok thanks for the info chaps I'll have a look at the Shakey Atlantis Salt

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I used to like fishing because I thought it had some larger significance. Now I like fishing because it's the one thing I can think of that probably doesn't.

Atlantis is OK, but rather heavy by more modern standards. For £30 more you can get a MUCH better rod.

Unfortunately it's all down to budget

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I used to like fishing because I thought it had some larger significance. Now I like fishing because it's the one thing I can think of that probably doesn't.

Sweenytodd was right about the Higher rated rod will cast larger flies, higher rating rod requires a higher rating line which is heavier, therefore will cast a larger fly.

As for subduing a fish quicker I wonder where his proof is or like most people they hear it from someone and therefore it is gospel. In years gone by (before carbon rods) this may be true but now modern carbon rods can exert alot of force without breaking. We are traditionalist and dont like change, would you go salmon fly fishing with a single handed rod, in the states it is common, over here it has to be double because everone says so.

Get whatever rod you want just consider the size and weight of flies that you intent to cast and gear up accordinly, it will make a days casting less tiring.

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A wise man can learn from a fool but a fool can't learn from a wise man.