Hi there,

The river which I fish for sea trout is very narrow indeed and overhung on both sides with mature trees, leaving next to no room for casting whatsoever. The average run of fish is 1-2lbs as with most places, but obviously there could be bigger fish about. In such conditions as this would I be ok fishing with my 8ft #4 rod?

Thanks in advance for any views/advice

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I'm sure if you give it a go you'll find out quick enough!
I don't there would be too many problems there, I've had salmon on my 4wt.

An 8ft 4wt might well be up to the job of playing the fish but it is not going to do the business if you want to cast a big fly. A 9 or 10ft 7wt and roll casting in the confined space would be the way I would go.


Andy

I fish a river that also is heavily bushed. The fishing tends to be hit and hold. A rod needs to capable of holding a fish away from snags...

A 4 wt may not be up to it.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll take my 7wt along and start with that to see how I fare casting wise - if it's a real issue I'll switch to the lighter rod (it really is a tiny river)

__________________
"With my silken line and delicate hook, I wander in a myriad of ripples, And find freedom."
My Blog : yorkshireflynovice.blogspot.com

Have some fun, stick your reel in your pocket and use the top section(if a 2 piece rod) or top 2 sections (if a 3/4 pice rod) of your #7. If you use a decent strength mono you won't have to pay out line, as coasty says "hit and hold". You will then have the best of both worlds.

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on the Wear I used to spin with a 7' rod and had no bother landing fish up to 5lb. You should be fine with the lighter rod.