I was about to buy a 15' rod but it now turns out to be a 14' rod. Does it make a big difference? Should I wait and buy a 15' one? I'll mainly be using it on Irish rivers.

I'd appreciate your comments.

Regards,

Ray.

14ft will do fine just makes line control a bit more difficult but not drastically. Casting whilst wading you might notice a difference. I seldom use anything other than a 15ft. I was on the Suir and Blackwater last year and used 15ft.

I hope this helps

Game Angling Scotland

Ray hello.

I think it will depend, like tout fishing, upon the flies that you use.
Many will say that the larger flies used in the beginning or end of the season will dictate the use of a 15ft rod with say a number 10 line, whilst the smaller 14 footer will be of more use with smaller flies and floating line during the summer months.
Generally this is good advice and i find a use for both rods at different times of the season and differing water conditions.
I doubt therefore that your money will be wasted whichever rod you choose, as you will probably end up with both rods eventually.

14' is the new 15' if that makes sense. There is very little if anything that you cannot do with a 14 which you can with 15. With the wide variety of modern salmon line profiles (spey long/medium/short heads, shooting heads, Skagit, multi-tip etc) 14' will cover all eventualities.

Always best to try before you buy, especially so with double handers where it is crucial to get the right line for the rod.