A 3 weight on a carp will just not be as ideal. Winston Nexus- $485. If the rod is able to handle a 3 weight or 4 weight line, you can use either. You have to finesse it a bit. Are you a fan of fishing? My goal is to have 5 fly rods. I personally prefer a 4-weight, but that's just me. The less-powerful, lighter-weight rod and thinner line all combines to make for a totally different feel that only amplifies the thrill of the fight. Anglers should think about the size of trout they plan on catching before selecting the right fly rod weight for trout. It’s the same for 4-weight rods too, but not for 3-weights: manufacturers generally offer them in one or two configurations and sometimes entirely neglect them altogether. More loading for fast action rods – Many rods these days are fast action, with a stiff backbone that doesn’t like to bend much. But for trout fishing, generally a 4-weight, 5-weight or 6-weight rod is best. All sorts of other species in between to. 3 Weight Fly Rods. There's no doubt the 5 is awesomely versatile and shouldn't be ignored, but despite those two rod sizes being so close together, there is a noticeable difference between them. 3 weight fly rods will make fighting these fish feel like you’re fighting a 28-inch rainbow on your 5 weight. The Beulah Platinum 8’8" 4wt fly rod loads crisp and quickly with as little as 5’ of line out of the tip, and covers flies from #22 Midges to #6 Golden Stones with ease. The sage pulse, for example, comes in 7.5 ft, 8.5 ft and 10 ft in the 3 weight size, 8.5 ft, 9 ft and 9.5 ft in the 5 weight and 9 ft, 9.5 ft, 11’4″ and 13.5 foot in the 8 weight category. There's no doubt the 5 is awesomely versatile and shouldn't be ignored, but despite those two rod sizes being so close together, there is a noticeable difference between them. I guess it comes down to the size of the stream you are fishing and what kind of feel you'd like while casting. In the End, Recapping the Best 4 Weight Fly Rod Options. Should I wear a mask while ice fishing with my buddy this winter? I’m a fan of mountain stream fishin… Here is a fly line wt chart that shows you the average grains of weight in the first 30 ft (or head of your line). What's the max Crank bait size for Spotted Bass. is arguably the most versatile and effective trout fly rod weight. In fact, I have even fished a 1-weight in a fair breeze once and it did far better than I ever expected. Where can I find one for baking? Saltwater anglers could even find uses for a 4-weight on species like small bonefish and snook. These fast action rods are great for launching line, but they can be hard to “feel,” especially for beginners. Three weight rods also have a slow action. Pick the rod … Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. What About Wind?- A 4-weight doesn't become useless when the wind starts blowing. there are AA medallions for sports teams, fishing, sailing, etc. Orvis Recon- $425. Fly Line Weight 1-3: Use this weight if you plan on fishing for tiny fish, such as tiny trout or panfish. If it sounds like a 4 might be right for where and how you fish, I urge you to give one a try! why or why not? Here's my take / suggestions: If you are fishing a medium size creek and don't need to feel the line loading the rod in order to cast, the DT line should work. Looking for answers with an experienced opinion. The weight of the fly rod (which means what weight fly line you plan on using) will vary depending on what you fish for. But fishing for a while and borrowing smaller and larger rods from friends, it seemed the 4wt might have been the better choice for me. The Scott G is probably the most technical 4 weight rod on the market. Enter the 10 foot 4 weight fly rod. It not only makes an awesome lighter general-purpose trout rod, but it's also appropriate for applications like light-duty bass and carp fishing. This difference in feel and power means the 4 can definitely offer some real value and enjoyment to those that target not just trout, but also species like panfish and bass, too. For example, a 4-weight rod is designed to cast a 4-weight line, and if you use line that is too light for a given rod, it won’t fully load or cast properly. Locally here in Florida, I've used and still use a 4-weight all the time for largemouth and peacock bass when tossing clousers, buggers, general baitfish imitators, little poppers, and more. 4-6 weight rods are more popular because you can cast farther and are better against the wind. 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I currently own probably 20 fly rods, but if I had only two fly rods (but don't make me do it! If you are anything like me you did little to no research and quickly became overwhelmed by the wall of rods sitting in the corner. From My 2017 Review. I use a 9' 5/6 weight rod and normally fish it with the 5 weight for bluegill and other panfish.....when I fish for the big boys Salmon and Steelhead and Bass and Pike I use the 6 weight line....makes throwing the bugs and streamers a bit easier....3 and 4wt rods are normally used for smaller creeks and streams were finesse fishing is a must so you don't scare the fish.....for example wild trout streams. As you can see here, I'm a huge fan of the 4-weight and surprisingly even owned one long before ever getting my very first 5-weight. With the exception of specific small stream fishing, I found a 4 weight in my hand nearly every day. A real precision tool for the small stream angler. If you don't like 4 piece rods from having the age old belief that multi-piece rods are weak...I can tell you that the new multi-piece rods these days feel like a 2 piece in your hands and are not weak like the old first productions of multi-piece rods. Rod Length The 6 weight gets more use by far as the trout here average about 5lbs, and it's not possible to gain control of fish that size with a light weight rod. Generally, freshwater weight ratings range from 2 to 10, and the classic do-everything fly rod is the 5 weight. The 5 wt. I've always enjoyed using lighter gear when practical and appropriate, and the 4-weight helps me get my light tackle fix. St. Croix’s Legend Elite freshwater fly rods ($410-480) offer lighter, slimmer-profile ferrules. I find an overloaded rod bends the rod deeper, decreasing this distance, and an oversized reel makes the swing weight and balance of the ROD lighter. A 5-weight rod is probably the most versatile, though. For even more delicacy and fun, choose a 4 with a moderate or moderate-fast action. Not only will a 4-weight fly line cast with a little less authority and land slightly softer, but the rod itself will also do a great job at protecting lighter tippets. By buddy uses a 3-weight and swears by it, but they are a little more difficult than a 4-weight to find, especially in a 9-foot/ 2-piece rod. The 10 foot 4 weight is the ultimate Western trout nymphing rod. Thus arose a thought, “Is the 4 weight the new standard for all around trout fishing?” How do you think about the answers? #4weightfortrout #bestflyrodsize #whatflyrodtobuy, DEMYSTIFLY is part of the TackleTour Group, Copyright  © 2020 Demystifly.com All Rights Reserved. Fly Line Weight 4: A good all-around fly line weight for all small fish species such as panfish, as well as small to medium-sized trout. However, when delicacy becomes more important, the 4-weight is the better pick. Orvis Clearwater- $198. The lightest fly rods come in 0- to 1-weight ratings, with 2 and 3 weights only slightly heavier. The rod will be bent over, the headshakes will send shockwaves down your arms, and you won’t be able to just horse the fish all the way in. Fly Line Weight 5: Another good all-around fly 9’ 4-weight (medium fast action) 7’7” 3-weight (medium action for dry flies) 9’0” 6-weight (all-around nymph and streamer rod) 6) Love your fly rod. In these settings, small flies and more delicate actions are the norm. Fly Rod Design Variables . ), living out here and fishing here in the West (like we do), I would own a 4 piece 5 weight (medium fast to fast action) rod and a 4 piece 8 weight (fast action) rod. For my uses I would much rather have a 5 wt. Superb #3 Weight fly rods for fly fishing. 5 Weight Fly Rod of Choice. Fly Rod Weight for Trout. By buddy uses a 3-weight and swears by it, but they are a little more difficult than a 4-weight to find, especially in a 9-foot/ 2-piece rod. Doing this really allows you to maximize the experience and fine-tune your fishing to the conditions at hand. I only really use the 4 weight for dry fly action on medium to small rivers, as long as there's not much wind. A good 4-weight rod must be more than just a dry fly rod though, and the best 4-weights are wonderful rods to use fishing nymphs at shorter distances, and are also capable of pitching smaller streamers when conditions dictate such vile and desperate moves in order to catch fish. There was something about that rod size that just connected with me and I've had one in my arsenal almost continuously ever since. Still Fine for Bigger Stuff- There is a common misconception out there that you absolutely need a heavier rod for casting streamers. The heaviest 6 weight rod only comes in one model and is a 9 foot rod. Many fly anglers might be inclined to pass up on a 4-weight, citing that it would be too similar to a 5-weight which most folks likely own at least one of. So now that you’ve decided you really do need a 4 weight, here are 6 of my personal favorite 4’s, spread across 3 price points. Winston BIII-LS- … The 5 wt. As the days went on a trend began to appear. Every outing is a vacation with a 4 weight this good! In fact, a 3 weight will be more efficient than a 5 or even a 4. You can sign in to vote the answer. Rod Length. 8' 0", 3-Piece MSRP $149.95 AA 67 ERN 2.82. A 5 weight is probably the best for all round performance. I got my first 4-weight back when I was just a kid, maybe a year or so after I began fly fishing. The 5-weight may be the dominant size for much of the freshwater trout scene, but I've always had a real soft spot for a 4. 4-6 Weight Fly Rods. 12-22: 7-8: 4-5: 3x-7x: medium: for fishing under various circumstances Luckily the owner of the shop came to my aid. For less than $100 you can own a fly rod that will out perform rods costing much more. Many fly anglers might be inclined to pass up on a 4-weight, citing that it would be too similar to a 5-weight which most folks likely own at least one of. The 4 has its limits just like every other fly rod out there, but those limits are not nearly as low as some may think. What Species is a 4 Good For?- This rod size is excellent for several common freshwater fish. It protects light tippet, gives you invaluable extra reach that facilitates excellent presentation, and has the leverage to effectively nice trout. Don't get me wrong, this is true when dealing with larger patterns and added complications like sinking lines and a brisk wind. We all remember walking into a fly shop to purchase ourfirst rod. Looking for answers with an experienced opinion. Is a 4 right for me? In order to cast properly, it’s important to know when the rod has loaded, and unless you’re keeping an eye on it the whole time, this is best done by feeling when the rod has fully bent as it throws the line b… Casting 45 to 65 feet is possible. If you are searching for the perfect 4 weight, you’re search ends here. I used to think I needed to make most of my casts far out into the stream. The ability to understand and use a 4wt rod is a recipe for successful fly fishing. And he handed me the classic American fly rod, the 9’ 5wt. 14-24: 6.6-7: 0-4: 4x-8x: slow-med: delicate cast at a distance. It's crazy how doing so can make the fight noticeably more enjoyable. Three weight rods are typically used for casting of fewer than 35 feet. But between the two I would pick a 4 wt. I also usually fish heavy tungsten nymphs which the 6 weight also handles better. My favorite length for a 4-weight rod is 8 ½ feet. Even then if I get a fish over 3-4 pounds I find it takes too long to bring them in which isn't good for the fish. As well as that, it is usually windy so a 6 weight makes casting possible when the wind gets up a lot. But don’t get caught up in the distance you need to cast. Why is this? Your rod should inspire you to want to go fishing. 4 weight fly rods are an enjoyable type of rod for catching many types of fish, including fishing for trout in a cold mountain stream. Unless the fish are small and rivers are small I think fishing with really light tackle is impractical (in my country at least) and more just an ego massage. Page 1 of 1: 18 Items: Quick View. Get your answers by asking now. If it doesn’t, you don’t own the right rod, yet. A 4 wt is a good rod, but if the fish you're after are tiny then a 3 wt would be better. How do I get a fishing hook out of my dogs lip? These are good for medium to large streams. Still have questions? I used that rod for years and it served its purpose. It just has more uses. For many small stream anglers this is the end of the conversation. I saw some 4 piece fly rods that were 3 wt offered in 8 foot long, or 8 foot 6 inches long, 8 foot 9 inches long and a few that were 9 foot long. It has been an important line weight for me over the years and truly think it's one of the best and most useful that you can have. The first fly rod I built is an ugly looking stick but when I am out on the water I totally forget about it. Scott Radian- $795. Why?-Well where I fly fish I can hook into a .5 lb fall fish or 20 lb carp on the same fly. It is a joy to cast and to fight a fish with. TU offers nine-foot, 5-weight rods because they are the rods of choice. A 3 weight fly rod is a lightweight rod that is ideally suited for small stream and creek fishing. However, a 4- weight (especially with a faster action) makes a fine streamer rod for smaller patterns both weighted and unweighted. What applications can a 4-weight be used for? Rods come in many different lengths as well as weights. At 8’4” its the longest rod in this review. The “swing weight” of a rod is determined by the weight of the line off the tip of the rod and the distance from the fulcrum, ie your hand. TFO Professional TFO 02 80 3 P. Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod. I've fished them in brisk winds many, many times without issue. Scott G Series 8’ 4” 4 weight. A 3wt for close small streams, a 4wt, 6wt and 8wt and finally another fly rod for when I have guest and the rest of the time I can spend on fishing. Delicate Applications- A 5-weight is a great rod for trout because it can handle many streamers, general nymphing duties, and of course dries. While 0- to 1-weight combos are intended only for tossing small dry flies and delicate tippets, many anglers mistakenly believe that 2- and 3-weight rigs also fall into this category. There’s only one 3 weight rod with a length of 7’6″ but anglers choose from 4 different lengths in the 4 and 5 weight models. Your would usually use a 3 weight fly fishing rod while stream and brook fly fishing smaller fish particularly Trout & Grayling. Makes Smaller Fish Fun- If you typically fish a 5-weight on bodies of water that contain mostly smaller fish, try dropping down to at least a 4. While a 4 has more delicacy than a 5, part of the reason I like this rod size so much is because it offers finesse while still having just enough power to not be super limited in its usage. If you fish a lot and your finances allow, it's both fun and useful to expand your collection of rods to include additional line weights, even if they will be used for the same species. 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