The Line and Rod Scale
Picking the wrong line can ruin an outdoor adventure by just making a relaxing day so much work. For example, you can be fly fishing trying to catch huge trout with a size 2 line and it keeps popping cause the fish is too strong or using a thick size 14 line with size 1 Rod and have the worst casting day you can remember.
Lets start the discussion with size 1 and 2 in both line and rod. Of course 1 and 2 will be the smallest, and is very thin or skinny sizes. It should be noted for rest results try pairing size rod and size line together. Just makes more sense. These sizes are best for throwing very small flies in the calmest, smoothest and very delicate or you are miles away from any rushing waters conditions. Like in conditions so calm the fish don’t even expect you to be there, like the bluegills, which are the easiest fish to catch. These sizes are also specialist sizes because they are so delicate you must know what you are doing to use them.
Next up, we have the everyday lines, the sizes 3,4,5 and even 6 but 6 more goes with 7, so this again depends on you and what you are looking for. Well, naturally 3 come after 1 and 2, so expect it to have similar features. This line is still lightweight and best used with lighter dry flies and similar conditions to that of 1 and 2. As we increase sizes in line and rod we can increase the weight of fly and we can go into stronger conditions. For example size 4. Size 4 you can now throw the line into the wind and against a bit rougher waters. With increase in line you can increase the size of the fish you go after. Size 5 is probably every fisherman’s, fisherwoman, fishergirl and boy favorite size. It’s the standard trout size and who doesn’t like fishing for trout. So this size is probably in everyone’s home and if you don’t have this size get it. Available here.
Size 6 & 7 are like close cousins. 6 is for trout like I said before but you can also use it for bass, which is like cousin of trout right? Can small try it if you want with salmon and or steelhead or any other smaller saltwater fish. Like the size 5, a size 6 rod is also a pretty handy rod to own. So go out and grad yours today, it you can. Just note, it will be heavier, so best suited for the conditions like that of size 1 and 2 BUT not so heavy you can take on heavy conditions like that you will find with the heavier rod and lines. Will probably feel like you are in a wrestling match if you do that and this goes for size 7 as well.
Now we have 8, 9 and 10 or what I called “built for the challenge lines”. These are the salt water lines and rods. Just to note, when buying this rod, read the description of the rod. For one you want to make sure it’s not a rod and if you want reel that isn’t going to rust on the water. Some person even prefer to have a rod and reel that does this and has the anti glare feature so when the sun really starts to beam down in the midday, the glare off the reel isn’t trying to get you to pack up and go home as well. You can check out for reels that have both feature and also our rods. A size 8 is for the calmer days and smaller sea trout (I keep using trout cause WE LOVE TROUT) but other fish like redfish and snook apply. 9 do the same but of course cause it’s heavier, it can do a bit more so this is like the standard salter water choice. The “right balance” if you may, for saltwater selection. 10, we move up to small tuna fish but large bluefish, salmon and bass or anything related.
Now to the big boys (strong and skilled women, men and kids only). Maybe don’t attempt on your first day out ever fishing, unless your are pretty strong and like a good trill and of course challenge cause these fish will not come to you easy and these rods and line will already have your arms a bit tired. You might not notice it, but trust us, it has taken is toll of your energy. These are the size 11 and 12. Have fun with this. I personally will be in the 5 section of the group.
Lastly. Sizes 13 and 14. If you think the 11 and 12 we tough, these sizes make them look like infants. The line that goes with these rods are like rope. Have you ever tired to lift wet rope? Enough said. Designed for short distances, naturally because they are heavy and I cant say this enough, they are heavy for fish like marlin and tuna. Also the short distance is to draw the fish close to you. Give you a better fighting chance if the fish can’t take the line and try to fish down are away from the boat, tripping the hooks out are even breaking the rod or popping the line. The short distance is your friend. Again, these fish will fight you so be ready.
Just to note, you don’t have to really over think the difference between 4 and 5, 1 and 2 or even 8 and 9. Isn’t much difference there, so just pick one. If you have the money, it also okay you want to buy all and test which number better suits you for which condition that is fine too. Another important note is rod weight is also determined but line weight. You rod can be a feature but when you put the line in it, it can turn into rocks. Be sure to check out our selections. There is something in it for every one.
Now, for some bonus information.
Your next natural step now should be deciding the length of your rod. Not many persons know fly rods have what line size should do with it, in the design of the rod. Example, you will see something like 7’ 1/5, which a 3. What this stands for is, the first number is length and 3 will be the line size. That’s about it. That was a random example cause if you read anything you would know, a 7 will best o with a size 6,7 or even 8 line.
A always, always and ill say it again, always big debate is the price you should pay for a rod. This is very important. A good rod will start at $200, I say you can find some for $150 or $170 and minimum. Sounds a bit rough but you want quality and durability. A rod that will perform. Now, people will say you cant find a good rod around $50 but I disagree, here’s why. Lets say you aren’t the most serious about the sport but you still want to enjoy yourself on the water, you can still find a good rod, that probably has some carbon fiber in it and use that. It will last if you take care of it and once you stick try to go catching tuna and stick to small fish you will be fine. I should add these rods where probably made by someone just looking for a profit in the business and not by an Angler or Fly Rod designer in anyway but t can still work. So again for quality, start from $150 and you will get a great casting rod, that look great enough you can probably say cost more. Now if you have requirements like all bamboo, made in USA and other demands like that, you have passed $200. Orvis.com has a bamboo that is 1,000 plus dollars. Many including myself have asked what on earth am I getting for a Grand. Well, you have better materials, it going to be lighter and of course stronger. Top grade materials that is already expensive alone, then you have the worker who has to mix the technology just right to find the right balance in everything. So you are paying for fine craftsmanship and on top of all them, you will be apart of an elite class. Not everyone will think 1,000 plus is worth it for a rod so not many will buy it.
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