Small rod for small streams

[jifigz]

I am thinking about getting a short rod in a light weight for doing some very small stream and tight quarter fishing. I am considering the L.L. Bean Streamlight combo and they make the rod in a few versions that I am interested in. They make a 5'9" 3 weight, a 6'6" 3 weight, and a 6'11" 4 weight. Being a novice fly fisherman and only owning 2 fly rods that are both 9 feet in length, is the 5'9" really long enough to properly load the rod and cast? I think that the 5'9" or the 6'6" 3 weights would be great fun for these small streams. What are some opinions on them?

Thanks

 

[MKern]

I use a 6'6" 2wt for streams that I can jump over, or at least rock hop.

For streams that I have to wade, I use a 7'6" 4wt.

 

[PennKev]

jifigz wrote:
.... is the 5'9" really long enough to properly load the rod and cast? I think that the 5'9" or the 6'6" 3 weights would be great fun for these small streams. What are some opinions on them?
Thanks

Rod length has nothing to do with being able to load a rod. If the line is matched to the rod and the distances you will be casting there will be no issues. You may find that your new rod will work better by being over lined at shorter casting distances.

If this is your first small stream rod I would suggest a 7' 4wt. If you absolutely think you need a shorter rod, get the 6'6". If you absolutely think you need a lighter rod get the 3wt.

Shorter rods work just fine on very small water but I'd rather have something a little more versatile, even on rather small creeks.

Kev

 

[troutbert]

I recommend getting a 7 1/2 ft, 4 wt for small stream fishing.

That is a very versatile rod that will cover all your small stream fishing needs.

 

[Swattie87]

I have the Bean SLU in the 6'11 4wt variety. It is my primary Brookie rod and pretty much my favorite rod I own. If you're not sure on length, I more often find myself wanting a longer rod than a shorter one when fishing it FWIW. 7'0 - 7'6 range is the most versatile small stream specialist rod length IMO.

 

[BrookieChaser]

See my post in the"Pennsylvania Mountain Stream Rod" thread in the "General" forum.

 

[lineman]

I bought an L.L. Bean Quest II outfit. 6'6" 3wt. fast action. My small stream rod and I really enjoy it. It will easily throw as much line as you ever need to throw on small water. Also roll casts very well. For $100.00, pretty hard to beat.

 

[jifigz]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to pick one up when I have some extra money. If rod length has nothing to do with helping to load a road, then why are fly rods so darn long? lol. Either way I think around a 7' 2 or 3 weight will be my go to. I have been fishing for bluegills a lot lately too and this would probably make them a little more fun than the 6 weight I am currently using for them.

 

[PennKev]

jifigz wrote:
If rod length has nothing to do with helping to load a road, then why are fly rods so darn long?

A long rod gives the angler a longer "reach" which comes in handy for mending line, keeping line off the water, etc. Length has more to do with managing your drifts than casting for trout anglers.

 

[horsesho]

Short rods (6' and under) require more skill to fish, period ! Not just with casting but with line management/drag control. Those who don't like short rods are usually not proficient fly casters. If your a novice, go for the 7'er. Later when you become proficient with that length in casting and line management you can get the sub 6' rod and see how much fun Fly Fishing can be.

 

[sandfly]

5'9" rod will cast no different than the others. I have been known to use a tip section off of a 7'6" rod on streams, casting is the same.

 

[BrookieChaser]

I agree with sandfly. I've casted 27' with just my hand. It's about understanding the basics, the rod just extends your reach.

 

[horsesho]

I guess then we should all get tip sections from a 7'6" rod and be done with it .

 

[sandfly]

yep that works just fine.

 

[csoult]

I fish quite a few small streams, and my advise to you would be this..... Stay with the longest rod that you can get away with. I have two rods that I use in small streams, 7'-6" and 8'-6". Anymore I only use the 7'-6" on the smallest of streams, and I do mean choked out rhody streams. Not sure of your experience but you will get better at not hanging up in the trees, you will learn to look before every cast. With that being said you will still get hung up in the trees, everyone does.

The reason for using a longer rod is the same as it is on larger streams, that is, to keep line off the water. Line control is the single most important thing in fly fishing, and is often overlooked by novice and veterans alike. If you want to catch more fish, put less line on the water, less line on the water means less line to control.

I just realized that I went on a long, tangential rant... Sorry. So 7'-6"

 

[horsesho]

You do handicap yourself by using a short rod, which is what I was trying to say before. (5'-6') To me short rods are the most fun you can have with a fly rod. You have to control drag though by using pile casts or dropping the fly in the run leaving the line on a rock or bank.

I prefer rods to be at least 5' as the rod should be at least somewhat flexible and have something akin to an action. Yes, you can cast with a tip section , broomstick, dead cat or just your arm but who the heck would want to? It's chuck and duck fishing!