My current rod is a Shakespeare Odyssey, Telescopic, Wt. 6-7, tip flex, 9', which has served me really well as a starter / travelling rod. I am now going to upgrade to an Orvis Clearwater II, 9', Tip Flex, Wt. 6.

Will I have any problems using my current Wt. 7 lines?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

What part of the answers that you received in the other sections didn't you understand then? Is that what prompted you to ask the question a third time, within a day?




Upgrading from 7 Weight fly rod to 6 Weight.

John,

I can understand your use of the term 'upgrading' to describe your change to a better rod. However, I'm not sure a change from 7 to 6 wt lines is an 'upgrade' - to me it's horses for courses, and it's a chnage to a lighter line.

There are advantages and disadvantages in using a lighter line, around the eternal balance of presentation vs distance. I would suggest you consider why you want to change from 7 to 6 wt before deciding finally.

In terms of using a 7 wt line with a 6wt rod, whilst I have no experience of either of the rods you've mentioned, you will most likely find that it is possible, the heavier line will make the rod feel 'slower' and cause it to work a bit more during the cast. This is no bad thing - it's been a 'trick' method of helping mediocre rods to cast better by 'overlining' them.

So, to sum up - if you definitely want to go down a line size, then do so. Try the 7 wt lines, and you may find you manage OK with them. If not, be prepared to buy a 6wt line (there are some reductions at this time of year).

If possible, try with your lines before you buy the rod, and also (if possible) try a 7wt as well. You'll be able to find out what suits you best.

Just buy some new lines !!!!!!!!!!!!

__________________
" If you stand by the river long enough the bodies of all your enemies will float by"

If your new rod is rated 6wt, and your 7wt line/lines are WF, then you can use a 7 on your new rod, no bother. If the 7wt lines are DTs, the rod will load up with about 2 yards less of the heavier line, so you will not be able to aerialise
as much. Cheers TC

Pitsford Pirate does some great lines and really cheap. They're soft and supple, with no memory to speak of. If you're going for a new line then get one that works the rod well.
Lines with a lot of memory tend to cause a spiralling cast that can be really annoying, and causes havok with leaders.

Some people who fish short lines a lot will go a weight higher than the rod rating so it loads quickly - helping presentation at close range. Try them out on the new rod and see how you get on is my advice.