AvidDavid
Location: Long Island, NY
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 Posted: Sun 04/18/10 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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There are several issues:
1) Sage ZXL?
2) 8 foot?
3) 4 weight?
4) smallmouths?
4) in Canada?
I will address what I can, in order:
1) I have never used the Sage ZXL so I can't tell you anything regarding its specifics; however Sage is a reputable company that produces quality equipment.
2) 8 foot is a reasonable length, 9 foot is pretty common, but shorter lengths (like 7, 7'6" or 8') are sometimes more appropriate in tight spaces, narrow streams with trees, bushes close by. If you will be in tight quarters, you may benefit from roll casts or from the myriad of Spey casting techniques, downscaled to a smaller rod.
3) 4 weight is on the light side; but, the flies that you will be using may be a bigger determinant of what weight rod to use. If you are casting little streamers into shallow water, 4 weight may be wonderful. If you are using weighted clousers or poppers (more wind resistance), then a heavier weight line may simplify casting... With a heavier line, a heavier rod is appropriate.
4) Smallmouths come in many sizes. Some are large and some are small. My experience suggests that smallmouths are extremely good fighters for their weight. A rod with a little more backbone than a 4 weight may be helpful in avoiding smallmouths heading into weeds or roots. Even a 12-14 inch smallmouth can provide a pretty impressive fight.
5) Canada, itself provides no specifics that help to deceide what type of rod to use. Canada is a pretty big place. I suspect that the West has larger rivers than we see in the US East. Hence if you anticipate fishing in larger water, a longer rod of heavier weight may help to hurl larger flies longer distances and provide more control over larger fish once hooked.
But, as you might surmise, it all depends on the specifics!
AvidDavid |
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