More fun sure, I just prefer my Salt 7wt as it has the properties I like (good torsional rigidity, the ability to dump large amounts of line, and handle sink lines, intermediate lines, and poly leaders with ease). I also like how the SALT HD is designed for fighting fish, so combatting fish is really easy if I put the rod to them. I am all about fighting the fish as fast as possible as I have less of a chance to lose the fish and that I can release the fish in a timely fashion. My 6wt, an Orvis H3F 9ft. rod is not suitable for my smallmouth fishing as it is just too dainty. I would not employ that H3 as I have seen and felt it struggle on heavier indicator rigs. Felt like I was going to break it on one particular outing with heavy nymphs and a large indicator. My 5wts aren't particularly enticing rods for how I fish smallmouth. My 4wts being a SAGE Bolt and Method would be good tools, but a poly leader definitely stresses out the lighter rods so I opted for a heavier wt rod. I may consider purchasing a Helios H3D 9ft. 6wt as a step-down from the SALT HD, but am not that motivated to seek one out and it is a current production rod so I know there will be some available for the time being. My main motivation to buy the H3D 9ft. 6wt is that it would be a great pairing for my older style electric blue Tibor Backcountry, a reel I definitely need to fish more.
When it comes to fishing, I look at the number of rods I have and choose the best rod or multiple rods for how I intend to fish.
As for carp I'd probably be reaching for my Helios H3F 9ft. 6wt for presentation purposes. My H3D 9ft. 8wt would be a candidate too. I'd decide the day before the trip which rod to take based on a variety of conditions.
