i currently fish with a guideline 8ft 6in 3wt fly rod and would like to start fishing with soft hackle/north country spiders.

i was wondering whether this length of rod would be adequate for the method. i would describe the rod as fact action slightly tippy action wich helps absorb lunges from fish.

all help appreciated.

Kind Regards

What size of rivers do you fish? As this would be fine on a smaller river/ stream. Anything larger and you would find line control difficult and it would mean a lot more manouvering around the river to fish all the runs. Use a 9-10' rod on the larger rivers still sticking with a #3 or #4 line as this is easier to keep off the water. Jon

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Thanks for the information.

The rivers and streams I mainly fish are approximately at their widest 5 - 6 meters.

They are mainly tree lines but there are not that many areas with overhanging foliage.

I could definitely see the advantages of a longer rod for better line control. I assume a longer rod would result in less line on the water which ultimately can affect the natural drift of the flies.

Kind Regards

IMHO the size/width of the river doesn't matter. What does matter is "overhanging foliage". The two rivers i mainly fish are about the same width as yours, but with LOTS of overhanging foliage, often like fishing in a tunnel! The usual rod for me is actually, probably the exact same one that you use, but also i have to resort to a 7' #3 on one particular stretch. Oh, and i have to use fairly short leaders too.

If you have the room, (and i envy you!), use a longer rod 9'6" -10ft for more control, longer leaders and less fly line on the surface.

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Thanks for the response.

Looks like i will be on the market for a 10ft 3wt fly rod!!!

Kind Regards

For the whole of last season I used a Grey's Streamflex XF2 10 foot 4 weight on Aberdeenshire Don and would recommend it for your needs.

I fished N.C spiders, nymphs and even dries with this rod, the latter a compromise but still possible at short ranges ! Next season will invest in a 9 foot 4 weight for dries as I did a lot of this from May/June onwards.

They are 'marmite' rods so try if you can - some folks totally hate them, but most would agree they are useful ! For the money I think they are great value.

Cheers,

Lindsay

Thanks for the advice.

i have heard mixed reviewed about the streamflex range but will have to get hope of one and try for myself.

Kind Regards

I should have said that in part I based my decision on the 10 foot #4 Streamflex after reading that Howard Croston, one of Greys Staff and England National Team Member, said he (then) used (the old) 10 foot 4 weight Streamflex for the vast majority of his river fishing in UK (80 odd perecent ?) including increasingly dries. He reckoned it was a great Rod for Spiders which is what I was most interested in with Czech nymphing as an addition.

I was after "one rod" to do it all (on rivers) for the season and of course this doesn't exist (even with the Hends and Hanak Competition rods IMO) but I must say the Streamflex did really well and even coped with dries at short range and even some muscly Sea Trout that snaffled my CDC and Elk on more than one occasion ! A 8.5 or 9 footer would have no doubt been better for the dries.

Regarding the mixed reviews, fair enough every one to their own, but when several top anglers, including quite a few of the English National side, sing their praises or use them then surely they are worth checking out ?

Cheers,

Lindsay

thanks for the additional information.

Kind Regards

Have a try (before you buy) with the "Streamflex plus" #3 9ft 6"
(With the extension it is 10')

I got one of these this year and, for me, it is the best river rod I've ever used. It even comes in a matt blank - so less spooking fish on bright sunny days in low water. Plus - it handles larger fish well because, whilst the tip is soft, there is lots of backbone as you get into the middle and towards the handle.