Fly Rod Size Poll
Fly Rod Size Poll
What size of fly rod (weight) do you use at the coast the majority of the time?
- Animal Chris
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Coastal Fly Rod
I presently use an 8 wt. but my goal is to become good enough at casting that I can downsize to a 6 wt. by this summer.
My go to rod for the TX coast is a 9', 8wgt Gatti. However, if the wind is up higher than usual or I'm throwing some of the heavier Clousers (in the deeper guts and/or channels) I use a rod built on a 8-1/2', Sage RPL+ blank.
Lately, I've been experimenting with a 9', 9wgt. Baston Rainshadow loaded with an 8wgt. line. It might become my go to rod because of its ability to handle a greater range of line weights (7 to 10).
The upside is, it has the versatility to cover the different line weights well. The downside of this combination might be the extra weight. I’ll keep playing with it and let y’all know how it works out.
Lately, I've been experimenting with a 9', 9wgt. Baston Rainshadow loaded with an 8wgt. line. It might become my go to rod because of its ability to handle a greater range of line weights (7 to 10).
The upside is, it has the versatility to cover the different line weights well. The downside of this combination might be the extra weight. I’ll keep playing with it and let y’all know how it works out.
Using a lightweight rod to catch Trout and Reds in the Salt has nothing to do with ones casting ability. It’s more about ones ability to bring a fish to hand/net as quickly as possible.
If you are planning to release the fish, IMO, in most cases, it's not a good idea, as it takes a little longer to land them (lighter tippet size and lighter rod). This is especially true during the summer when the water temps are high as it puts unnecessary stress on the fish. The Wiz (Bill Harvey) can explain this much better that I can. Your best bet (for the well being of the fish anyway) is to use tackle that allows you to catch and release the fish as quickly as possible.
Small Trout under the lights are one of the exceptions to the above statement. Another exception is, of course, if you plan on keeping them. Although, I’ve found the longer the fish fights, the less quality its flesh has. I think it has to do with a build-up of Lactic Acid due to stress. Bill can explain this also.
A good example of this was a couple of years ago I managed to land a 38” Red with a 6wgt outfit. When I released the fish it swam away and seemed fine. Later on that day we paddled back through the little bay I caught it in and found it on it’s back and barely alive.
Let the flames begin!
If you are planning to release the fish, IMO, in most cases, it's not a good idea, as it takes a little longer to land them (lighter tippet size and lighter rod). This is especially true during the summer when the water temps are high as it puts unnecessary stress on the fish. The Wiz (Bill Harvey) can explain this much better that I can. Your best bet (for the well being of the fish anyway) is to use tackle that allows you to catch and release the fish as quickly as possible.
Small Trout under the lights are one of the exceptions to the above statement. Another exception is, of course, if you plan on keeping them. Although, I’ve found the longer the fish fights, the less quality its flesh has. I think it has to do with a build-up of Lactic Acid due to stress. Bill can explain this also.
A good example of this was a couple of years ago I managed to land a 38” Red with a 6wgt outfit. When I released the fish it swam away and seemed fine. Later on that day we paddled back through the little bay I caught it in and found it on it’s back and barely alive.
Let the flames begin!
- GoinCoastal
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I use a Barry-made Baston Rainshadow 9' (minus 1.5 inches due to a car door) 2pc 8wt. I love it!!!! I have a 5wt Eagle Claw (yes, Lefty, it is a cheap POS but it has a very nice feel to it) that I will use sometimes under the lights. But usually it is just the Baston.
And yes, Chavez, it is because normally under the lights you catch mostly small trout. And boy is it a hoot!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tie up some glo-clousers and work the edge of the everybody's green lights in a canal neighborhood. Just charge up the glo-clouser by holding it in front of your flashlight every few casts. It is sooooooooooo much fun!!!!! And it is the safest paddling you will ever do!!!!! No idiot boaters hauling butt in the canals at night. Just be considerate of landowners who are out there!!!!! I always ask if they mind sharing their lights. I have never had anyone say no. In fact, they are curious about the kayaks and usually visit with you. It makes for a very enjoyable evening when your staying down at the coast.
And yes, Chavez, it is because normally under the lights you catch mostly small trout. And boy is it a hoot!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tie up some glo-clousers and work the edge of the everybody's green lights in a canal neighborhood. Just charge up the glo-clouser by holding it in front of your flashlight every few casts. It is sooooooooooo much fun!!!!! And it is the safest paddling you will ever do!!!!! No idiot boaters hauling butt in the canals at night. Just be considerate of landowners who are out there!!!!! I always ask if they mind sharing their lights. I have never had anyone say no. In fact, they are curious about the kayaks and usually visit with you. It makes for a very enjoyable evening when your staying down at the coast.
glo clouser
Uh oh, just when I thought I knew a bit about fly fishing. What is a glo clouser tied with to make it glo?
- M-D
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Uh oh, just when I thought I knew a bit about fly fishing. What is a glo clouser tied with to make it glo?
Why, glow-in-the-dark Flashabou, what else? Available in a variety of colours. There's even glow-in-the-dark chenille, tying thread, and glow-in-the-dark hooks made by Mustad. The fun just goes on forever.
M-D
- GoinCoastal
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Thats it.... Glo Flashabou. I tie them in one color instead of two. I tie a plain white glo and a green glo. I also have pink and orange glo flashabou but I haven't tied any clousers using them yet. I tie my clousers like a crazy charlie but with clouser length wings. I tie everything on top of the eyes with no tail down the hook shank. I call my version crazy clousers because of that. Barry tells me that Bob Clouser ties his clousers that way now too. I will post some pics later.....
M-D wrote:I like that, Barry! A "Crazy Glo-Joe" fly. :)
Yep, Joe, your name tag was gluttonous, over-indulged in alcohol, hung around a lot with the weedwhackarita machine, and cavorted with strangers. It had a helluva' good time!
M-D
Joe
Yep, that's true. Some of them strangers was even girls. I was shocked and dismayed!!! (LOL)
Fly rod preferred size
I use a 10' 9wt that I made for northern pike fishing from a belly boat. I find that the extra length allows me to keep the line off the water while still seated in my kayak.