Newbie Question Line Wt vs. Rod Wt.

[4flyfish]

Question: I have a 6wt rod, but I don't yet have a reel for it. How much would anyone, not only myself, notice any performance drop off by using a reel from my other rod that has 5wt line? Is there really that much difference?

I appreciate your comments. Also, I have 12/19 penciled in to fish the Kalama or either fork of the Lewis if there's any others who like fishing cold. (Bank or wade, not drift.)

[tbird]

To many variables to say,probably not a good idea,it would be better if you were using a seven weight on your six instead. Look at your variables to decide,floating or sinking, type of rod, action of rod,distance you need to cast to be effective and if the rod will even load up with the line, only you have all the answers but my best guess is to go buy a spare spool and six weght line. If you cant afford it right now go fishin anyways. Good Luck :cheers:

[Airborne]

it may also depend on the action of the rod, i would try it in a open area first. if the line is too lite it wont load the rod properly and cause you to loose distance and control. but for short cast or drifts out to 20' or so it should be ok. you will be surprised how well you can cast with the right line. and just because a mfr rates a rod at 6wt does not mean it is the best line wt for that rod. i feel its always better to go 1wt over than under. just .02

[Gizmo Man]

First, try it and see if it works.

I have had rods rated for 2 to 3 line wts. (6/7) or (3,4,5)

Also note that if the 5 wt is a dt (double taper) it will probably cast ok as a dt of one wt as a general rule will cast as good as a wf (weight foward) of the next higher line. That is a dt 5 and a wf6 will generally cast the same.

Other factors to consider is if your casting distance will be short (than choose a one wt heavier line) or long (choose a one wt lighter line) as this will impact your ability to load the rod or keep it from being overloaded...

Giz...

[lilnorthfork]

4flyfish - One other thing to consider... what are you fishing for with a 6wt that you can't fish for with a 5wt? The decision of which rods to own is personal, but many folks tend to fish alternating weights... i.e. 5 for trout, 7 for steelhead. Of course others, like my neighbor, can't pass up the opportunity to own a 0wt... and the exact same rod in a 2wt. :grin:

[4flyfish]

Good question. Through a series of gifts, hand-me-downs and purchases I now have the following rods:

4wt 7 1.2 ft 5pc(small and fits in my backpack) Cabela's
4wt 9ft 4pc Temple Forks Pro Series
5wt 9ft 2pc Loomis GLX
6wt 9ft 4pc Temple Forks Pro Series
8wt 9ft 2pc Loomis GLX

I have a reel I use for the 4wts. I have a reel I use for my 5wt and of course I have a reel I use for my 8wt. The 6wt is new and I think I'll just get a new spool for the 6wt line and use my 5 wt reel.

[tbird]

How do you like lefties temple fork rods? I cast one and thought they were pretty nice, especially for the price.

[PharmDoc]

4flyfish, generally having one line weight less is not as good as having a line weight above what your rod is rated for. There are a lot of variables involved though. Usually, if you are making longer casts, the weight of the line will load the rod more. If you will be fishing close quarters, having a 5wt line on a six weight rod could be a problem. That is, unless you will be fishing with weight on your line and lob casting. If your line is a WF line, there will be more mass toward the tip of the fly line. Resultingly, you will notice less of a difference than if the line were a DT line. Double taper lines are designed for delicate presentations and thus, place less weight toward the tip of the line. This way, the line doesn't "crash down" on the waters surface as much. So for your case, you'd be better off with a WF line. All of this; of course, depends upon the design of your rod and whether it was properly rated for the said line weight. :wink:

[4flyfish]

I like the temple fork rod better than my high end loomis 5wt. It's all about personal preference, but I just like the control I have with the temple fork rod. The price is great, but I wouldn't think of ever upgrading to another rod.