I'm really getting into this fly fishing game.
The trouble is it can cost a fortune!
I have spent a lot of money on rubbish which I have moved on on Ebay without being TOO much out of pocket. I know it was rubbish having read many of your comments here on the forum.
I seem however have this UNCONTROLABLE URGE to possess another and then another! Not just the rods but the reels too!
I would rather not get it wrong again so advise please fellows.
I have Sage VT2 8'6" for #4 4piece thought it ideal for those small rivers around Lincolnshire I saw last year and it fits into he caravan hitch perfectly.
I have a Sage Z-Axis 9' for #6 4 piece which seems to suit me fine as an every day rod.
Which next? I thought I should probably go for 9'6" or maybe 10' as a boat rod
but should I increase to a #8 or stay with #6. I know I can handle a #6 would I be pushing it to far to get something heavier?
Help please!!!!!

Tony H - New Kid

Slow down - fish with what you have for a season or two.

In the meantime I would like to pass your particulars on to 3rd parties who may be interested in sending you infomation.
Just PM me your details.................

__________________
That wouldn't happen with a Pridex

Look accept it now, You are going to be skint but you do need as a minimum

6ft 3 wt ,7ft 3wt, 8ft 3wt
7ft 4wt,8ft 4wt,9ft 4wt,10ft 4wt
8ft 5wt, 9ft 5 wt
9ft 6wt, 9ft 7wt, 9ft 8wt

You need a matching reels for each , a range of lines and at least 10 fly boxes of course you could manage with less but it spoils the joy of spending ...

Fly fishing North Yorkshire

Cheers Coasty!
You forgot the Wheelbarrow!!!!!!!!!

Tony H

I wouldn't go as high as an 8 weight for trout fishing. You're getting into the realms of sea trout, salt water, small pike with that kind of weight. But if that's your bag...

Cheers Shpeil
Are guess you saying that I should stay around #6 ?
Would it make sense to have 10' for a boat rod or not ?


Tony H

Seriousley what you already have will cover many scenarios , You should be thinking about what you want to fish for and where you want to fish for it. and then if your current kit doesnt fit in buy something else. For instance If you were going to fish small becks and streams then a 7ft would be usefull, but wait and see what you need,

Personally I found myself spending time and money on getting into various clubs and syndicates first. Then when the requirements of the waters became apparant I bought gear to suit. Getting to fish new and better waters and getting some tuition will increase your catches more than buying gear...

http://brooksandbecks.blogspot.com/

Thanks Coasty
I'm listening .
I will try and resist future temptations For now!

Tony H

Tony - I can't claim any expertise here, I just know that I've got an 8 and have decided it's a bit too much for trout. My initial procurement plan was:

- 9ft 5wt - would do wee browns from lochs banks, dry fly, medium rivers
- 9ft 8wt - would cope better with bigger stocked fish/fling lures etc from loch banks
- 11ft 5wt - would do wee wild browns by traditional wet style on the lochs from a boat, and some specialist river stuff
- 11ft 8wt - would do bigger stocked fish - traditional wet fly style from a boat

My thinking was that I didnt want to shell out a load of extra cash for matching reels and lines. But like I said, I am finding the 8 wt just a tad too powerful for trout and in the 11 foot variety the extra Oz in an 8wt (mine's a fairly cheap one) make it quite hard work to weild all day. Using my 9footer from a boat did cause difficulties with control in an awkward wind and drift. Mainly a problem since I had to be considerate of a boat partner. Most folk think 10 foot adequate for boat and it can double up for other uses too.

So I'm thinking of downsizing to a 6 or 7wt. But I'm not sure... Ah, the joys.

Having said all that, I fished for years with just a 10ft 7/8 weight cheapo Sheakespeare coz it was all I could afford at the time.

Neil

Thank's Neil
You appear to be making some sort of sense from it all.I don't think I'll be getting into the really big stuff!
I also take the point about the #8 being hard work.
However you also confirm my thoughts that a longer rod when using a boat.
I have the chance to pick up a nice mint 10' #5 Z-Axis @ a very good price.
Would it do the job do you think?

Tony H