Fly Fishing

NJtrout · Newbie Joined: Mar 21, 2006 Posts: 6

Hows it going everyone? I am looking into picking up a new 5wt and was wondering what everyone likes. I am most likely getting a Orvis TLS Power matrix but can't decide if I want a 9ft or 8'6" and if I want a 4 piece or 2. Open to any suggestions.
Thanks

ChrisR · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 10:59 am Post subject:

What kind of fish are you targeting and how big or small is the water you'll be fishing?

NJtrout · Newbie Joined: Mar 21, 2006 Posts: 6

Sorry, forgot to put that in there. Guess that would help. Trout and on the Delaware, Beaverkill and many NJ trout streams. (Kenlockwood gorge, Big Flat brook)
Thanks

ChrisR · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 11:20 am Post subject:

Personally if it was me I would go for the 8'6" if your using it for that much of a variety of different waters. The 9' would be a better option for larger water like the Del. But it wouldn't be much fun fishing in the smaller stuff. I have an 8'6" rod that does pretty good for most of the north east stuff. As far as 2 or 4 piece it's really a matter of convience when travelling. The 4 piece is a lot easier to travel with. You may also want to look for a rod that is good for 2 different weight lines. A 5/6 would be good. That way for days on the Del when there is a bit more wind you could throw on a 6 wt line.

NJtrout · Newbie Joined: Mar 21, 2006 Posts: 6

Thanks for the advice Chris. Think I am going to go with a 8’6” 4 piece. What would you do as far as flex?

ChrisR · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 11:36 am Post subject:

Fast. You'll always have a day with wind where you'll need the punch. That's me though. I prefer fast for roll casting and other unconventional casting techniques also.

NJtrout · Newbie Joined: Mar 21, 2006 Posts: 6

Thanks again for you help man.

AvidDavid · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:

Regarding length, I know that this is the totally wrong reason for picking a particular rod, but, I can't fit my 2 piece 9 foot rod in the trunk of my car. I think that I would be more prone to considering a 4 piece if 9 foot is the decision.

patm · Newbie Joined: Apr 19, 2004 Posts: 31

I have that same rod in a 4 piece. I like the convenience of the 4 piece. It can be carried on airplanes, easy to hide out of site in my truck.
Mine is a 9'. I float tube fish small ponds, and Maines rivers. I do not find the extra length a problem and often am glad to have it.

JoeD · Newbie Joined: Jan 18, 2006 Posts: 15

NJtrout,

A four piece is great for travel. Over the past two years I've switched all my rods over to four piece.

The nine foot rod will give you a bit more line control and in reality, anywhere you'd use an 8' 6" rod, the 9' would be fine too.

The flex of the rod depends upon your casting style and likes and dislikes. I may like fast or medium/mid flex actions and you may like something different. Try the rod out before you buy it.

Good luck!

Joe

NJtrout · Newbie Joined: Mar 21, 2006 Posts: 6

Thanks again for your guys help. Ended up picking up a 8'6" 4 piece med action rod. Casted it and loved it. Going out tomorrow with it, let ya know how it is.

JoeD · Newbie Joined: Jan 18, 2006 Posts: 15

NJtrout,

Good Luck! I hope you break it in the first go around.

Joe