I've been told that I can stop dropping hints and sighing heavily as I can have a rod for my birthday. I'm basically looking for a rod for small/medium rivers (trout) which can also be used on small stillwaters if required.

I've been looking at an 8ft/4wt, an 8.5ft/5wt, a 9ft/4wt and a 9ft/5wt. In the shop I instinctively prefer the feel of the 4wts in both lengths.

My question is, given that my casting leaves much to be desired and setting aside issues of line control, will a 5wt add much distance over a 4wt, and will a 9ft get much more distance than an 8ft?

Thanks

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

IMHO 9' 6# to cover your small stillwaters. Once you get down there, they're never as small or as still as you think. A 9'6" 6# might help you keep out of the way of the bush trout behind you. 6# will still give plenty of sensitivity for the rivers/streams.

Thanks, Brifly
I actually have a 9' 5/6 for stillwaters. The new rod would be mainly for rivers, but I liked the idea of using something a bit more lightweight occasionally on stillwaters, so I was interested on the distance aspect of the different weights and lengths.

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Ok then, I'll confess. I use a 10' 4# Snowbee Diamond on the Eden also; I've tried it on a "small stillwater" and loved it. Then it got windy, and not so good.

I have an 8 1/2ft #4 St Croix and it casts just as far as my 10 1/2ft #7 Hardy rod.
Obviously it doesn't have the power to control larger fish but that's half the fun

Hi Bill, a 8ft 5 should cast pretty much the same as a 8ft 4. Advantage of the 5 weight would be when it is a little windier, heavier line and more powerful rod. I mange to fish a small stillwater with an 8ft 4 weight when a river I went to fish was in flood, so much so that it covered some football pitches. The line was a 4 double taper so I knew that distance was out so fished close in. 3 hours and 3 fish having spent an hour having a brew in the cabin in the middle.
Pitty you didn't mention this before the Barnsfold meet, I could have let you try several outfits. 9ft 5 (2 different ones) and 8ft 4.

Hi mate,
Hadn't negotiated the new rod at Barnsfold. (It was a lengthy, but subtle campaign. ) Actually the missus is quite relieved that she doesn't have to think what to get me.

Fair point about the wind - (particularly if fishing Barnsfold ) - I know whichever I go for, I'll end up regretting not getting the other. Perhaps a new campaign is called for - 2 rods and you can forget my xmas pressie

have you managed to get out much since Barnsfold?
Bill

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Hi Bill, was out today on club water, same Monday. Last Friday I was on Stocks. Got to make most of my hols, back at work in another week or so.
Done much yourself?
I like the Greys G-Tec (no longer being made) for stillwater and Greys streamflex (they now have XFS Streamflex) for the rivers.
It's surprising how much difference there is between rods of the same make, length but just a line size in difference. Same again with matching rods and line but one rod having 6in or 1ft length difference.
Good hunting Bill.