Penns Creek Rod - Rod Length?

[tobewan77]

With penns heating up, what size rod is everyone using? I typically think of it as bigger water and use a 9' in graphite. Penns isn't all that big in sections but usually have quite a bit of room to cast and the longer rods help when nymphing as well. That said, when i use bamboo i've been using a 7.5' rod cause my 8.5' gets a bit heavy after long days on penns & i don't have a nice 8' boo yet. Expensive passion we have here.

Anyway, what's your favorite setup for penns?

 

[nativebrownie]

I believe Dan Shields in his book, Penns Creek, finds a 8.5 , 5-6 weight best - he mentions the various wet rigs (weight) and dries needed in a typical day. He should know... nice guy too...

NB

 

[volcanomil]

Most everyone that I know that fishes the main stem of Penns - usually have 8.5' or 9 footer in hand.

9 if all they are gonna do is nymph.
8.5 if they are throwing dries or a combo of both.

Me - 8.5', although I keep the 7.6' in the truck in case I hit one of the side streams...