The "feel" of a balanced set-up?

[fish0n]

Well I bought my first fly rod today @ sportsmans. Its a 8'6", #6 Pflueger purist. Now Im thinking of buying the okuma sierra 7/8 fly reel tomorrow. Im not able to get the fly line yet. But to my main question(s).... 1What will a balanced fly set-up feel like? 2How can you tell if the reel weighs too much or too little for the rod (so that the set-up is off balanced)? 3And how much weight can a fly line add to the reel? 4Should I be worried that my set-up might be off balanced when I spool it up? 5What type of line "taper" would you recommend? I was wanting to go with #7-Floating, either DT or WF. Any other recommendations?

And one last thing, if I balance the rod/reel on my finger, (spooled and unspooled) where should the rod balance? Is it ok if it balances about an inch before the grip with the reel unspooled? And where should it balance (right in the middle of the grip?) when it is spooled?

Thank you all for your help, David

[AndyK]

This subject was discussed at length last spring on this forum:

Here's the link to the thread:

Balanced Rod (http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=1082236&highlight=Balanced#post1082236)

[fish0n]

Thanks for the heads-up Andy

[TroutGirl]

No one has mentioned this, but another risk of tip heavy rod, is breaking it. I hike alot when fishing and having a balanced rod makes that much easier to make sure its not diving into the ground or brush.

I just got an old 6wt bamboo that is still tip heavy with my Ross Cimarron 6 on it. Because there is only one tip to this rod and no replacement, I'm more worried about damaging it. I notice as I walk along with the rod, I have to work to keep it level. If I'm not exerting, the tip will be in the dirt. So, its already putting some strain on my wrist before I ever get to the water.

Anyway, I need to fish that rod some more and see if I can come up with a solution. Bugs me to get something that I thought I soooo wanted, and not have it be quite right just yet.

Heather

[Subtlety]

I had never checked until just now but my 4wt Sage SP with a 3N Abel on it, fully strung with the fly hooked into the little metal loop, actually balances about 2 inches from the front of the cork. About where my middle finger rests.

My 6 wt Sage TCR with the identical reel on it balances about 3/4 inch from the end of the cork when fully strung. About the front of my hand when I am casting.

My 10wt XP with a Gunnison G4 reel fully strung balances about 1.5 inches in front of the cork.

That is neat I never really worried about how it balanced as much as how it felt casting. Sorta feel silly for never trying that before.

[skaha]

--some don't like them, however a rod case which allows for keeping the reel on might work for you. I only use this type of case when I'm walking some distance. I find the extra time to put the rod in the case is worth saving a rod.
--have to take time when pulling the rod out expecially if you keep the line strung with a fly.
--If you pull on the reel only you can break the tip (personal bad experience).
--I don't like storing the rod in this type of case with the reel on.
--Some of these cases do not have a portion of the pipe into the reel area thus rod is not as protected as it is in a full case.

[skaha]

--depends on how much you use the rod. if only fishing a hour or so at a time these little things not as important as getting practice time.
--generally wt forward is easier to cast.
--if only casting short distance, ie not getting to the full taper of the DT then won't make much difference in which line you get.
--different casting style.
--well worth getting some casting instruction and then practice.
--I try to get instruction every year and always learn something.
--For fun if you have a video or multy picture digital camera, have a friend film your first adventures.
--Makes for great play back when you become an expert.
--Also quick feedback to see what your instructor is getting at.
--Watching some vidios of different pros casting is fun and helps to visualise what you should be doing.
--Oh Ya--try some fishing to..

[Cre8vSpirit]

The older Medalist reels had room in the spool to acommodate lead shot to add weight to balance the outfit.. On one rod I built, I left the end plug unglued so I could add lead to the handle and balance the outfit as desired and wrap and glue it in.

Have FUN ~ Good Fishin'