Hello.
Into my second year of Fly fishing now and i have used 9ft 6inch #7 rods.Only fished stillwaters mostly small,i have noticed that a lot of the more experienced anglers are using lighter rods and casting easier and further.Should i now be considering dropping down to a #5 for dry fly and would it improve my presentation.
Thank you. Colin.

On small stillwaters I would be using a 4, 5 or 6 weight depending on the size of fish and wind conditions. More fun and less tiring than heavier rods...

A 5# line and rod is also fine for still waters but you won't cast out as far. The lighter line will make less noise and fish caught feel bigger on a smaller rod.

Colin


It may be down to casting technique. They may have been fishing (casting) for a lot longer and hence have refined their style.

In general, there may not be much difference in distance achived between a 6, 7 or 8 line in perfect conditions. Wind can play a factor in that but in general, no.

Perhaps a few lessons will help you.

Many pro's still get a lesson every now and again to iron out bad habits.


Benjamin

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I'd echo SKB and suggest a lesson with an instructor. This will help with both distance and presentation.

Cheers

Andy

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If you are not fishing for distance and are concentrating on small waters, drop the rod and line down as far as you feel comfortable. I personally fish small waters with a 7'6'' 1wt on a regular basis when fighting a trout you would see my rod 'hooped' over when into a middle of the range fish (2 to 3 lb).

As for distance in a light wind, 2-3 yards is the difference between casting the 1wt and my 10ft 6/7wt (and that could be down to technique with either rod) but I am happy getting 20 yard casts with my 6/7 wt and 17 yard casts with my 1wt.

I would recommend a 9ft 3wt or 4wt, if you have not tried this light (or lighter) before, don't worry too much about the wind, you can always bring the 7wt out when it is very windy and presentation does not matter as much.

Have a look at some of the 'river' rods in these sort of weights, they also have a slightly slower action which will help with a finer presentation.

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Just My Tuppenceworth!!

Hi Colin

A change in equipment won't necessarily help your presentation, for dry fly or otherwise. Instruction on casting will, and the best place to go for this in my view is a qualified instructor. You could, for example, spend your cash on a different rod and find it makes no difference. Spend that cash with the right instructor and it could make all the difference. If you have a regular water that you fish, they may be able to put you in touch with an instructor. Alternatively I'd be happy to recommend a couple of names if you PM me.

Regards


Tonio

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I use a 5 weight for most of my stillwater fishing and that includes Farmore, I only go up to a 7 when its really windy or I want to use a shooting head and big lures.
I am getting old now and at the end of a long day I am less knackered when using the 5.

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Jeff

Thank you for all the replies and advice,it is looking like instruction is the way forward.I wanted to teach myself as part of the overall experience,but we all need a bit of help sometimes.
Thank you,Colin.

generally distance is given as the reason for a heavier rod, i usually find it easier to cast a 5 further than a 7, easier to control, faster through rotation and crisper stop.