What are the benefits of 3 weight rod for trout

[koz]

I was given an Orvis Battenkill 1, reel. I was looking for a rod to match it. I was wondering what are the benefits of such a light weight line.

My current set up is a Sage 9ft 5 weight Tioga reel.

I was thinking about making a little set up for small stream fishing in Tioga County. I have family near Welsboro and I love hunting native fish.
Thank you

 

[dudemanspecial]

Mainly the ability to deliver a delicate presentation. Many folks like them for small stream fishing or for fishing midges and tricos. I am the opposite, I like a stiff 5 weight for small streams for the improved casting power on a short line, but the heavier line does sacrifice delicacy and maybe I spook more fish than I would with a lighter weight line.

A lot of folks like using a 3w rod to make the smaller fish you catch in small streams feel like more of a fight of thats the kind of thing that interests you.

 

[Bamboozle]

Let me preface this by saying I am talking about regular fly rods fished with regular fly lines, not mono rigs or other set-ups...

That being said, even though I own plenty of 3wt rods, the only benefit is that a 3wt line takes up less room on a reel than something heavier. That translates to a smaller reel that balances better with shorter rods which is what all but one of my 3wt rods happens to be.

As far as delicacy goes, unless you are casting beyond 40 feet, there is a negligible difference between a 3wt and heavier lines. In addition when fishing a heavier line you can always fish a longer leader and modify your presentation so line, leader & fly land more gently.

FWIW - I never fish anything lighter than a 6wt or 5wt line on the Letort & Big Springs...

A lot of anglers today are terrified of anything heavier than a 4wt because they think trout have evolved way beyond the point when guys caught them with regularity on 6 & 7wt outfits...

Let me also add that there are choices in 4wt - 7wt rods that are not super fast broomsticks if you think that only the lightweight stuff is suitable for feeling the tug of smaller fish.

Finally ask yourself this question too which is VERY important if you think lighter means more delicate:

Does the 3wt rod a person is fishing load when using a 3wt fly line that weighs 100 grains in the first 30 yards (a true-to-weight 3wt line) or does the rod need a 1/2 or whole size heavier 3wt line to feel the way they want?

If the answer is that the rod needs a heavier 3wt line...

You are fishing a 3wt line in name only.

Good luck!

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

Having used only 5 wts for the last 30+ years, I decided on a 7'-9" 3 wt for my first rod build - just to have something different. It's nothing high end or anything, but the action fits my casting ability and I found it worked better on at least one narrow stream than my longer 5 wts - FOR ME. I'm sure other's results will vary, so attempt to try out a 3 wt - before you buy - if you can find someone to lend you one.

 

[GHM]

The big thing for me is just having a more enjoyable fight. Also, who doesn’t like to collect rods!

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

The big thing for me is just having a more enjoyable fight. Also, who doesn’t like to collect rods!

Careful with the first comment... Don't overplay a fish too much.

 

[GHM]

Careful with the first comment... Don't overplay a fish too much.

To be more specific, little 4 inch brookies

 

[Nocktavius]

For small streams, it's usually lower line weight in conjunction with a shorter rod and smaller system overall. Basically the whole thing is a scale factor of 66%-75% based on your classic 8.5- 9 foot 4-5 wt which amounts to about a 6.6'-7' 2-3 wt. It gets hung up in brush less both during hiking in and fishing, is more matched in size to the gemmies you'll mostly be catching, and, as someone else pointed out, a fun rod to have in your quiver if that's your thing.

Personally, I run bamboo for this for this because I like the look and casting/fish handling of the cane and think that short graphite fly rods are of somewhat limited use (might as well just use a spinning rod anyway if your fly rod is shorter than 7'). You will eventually get frustrated with the lack of mending ability of the shortest rods and probably return to your 9' 4 wt anyway, haha.

 

[troutbert]

I fish smallish mountain streams with a 7 1/2 ft 4 wt and I don't see the need to go shorter or lighter than that.

But while fishing a mountain stream with a buddy I fished his 7 ft 3 wt St. Croix rod and it cast surprisingly well. It was a medium fast action rod and had quite a bit of "punch" for a 3 weight.

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

To be more specific, little 4 inch brookies

Understood. A 3 wt may be less likely to fling a little guy up into the trees than a 5 wt.

 

[wildtrout2]

But while fishing a mountain stream with a buddy I fished his 7 ft 3 wt St. Croix rod and it cast surprisingly well. It was a medium fast action rod and had quite a bit of "punch" for a 3 weight.

That's the exact rod I fish with. I only fish small, usually tight streams, so it works well for me.

 

[rancid waders]

A 3wt loves casting small flies to picky fish. With the proper casting tool. I hear it can produce a zen like state when used.

 

[Kyle]

i fish my 3 weight st. croix imperial all the time. not sure why, i just enjoy fishing with it. much better feel for subtle hits. easier to cast in tight cover. easier to hike with. and the smallest of fish actually feel like their putting up a fight. my go to trout rod was always a 4 weight. now i just grab my 3 weight and go have some fun. i save the 5 weights for larger rivers or smallmouths

 

[Kyle]

That's the exact rod I fish with. I only fish small, usually tight streams, so it works well for me.

same rod for me as well. i love it

 

[tomgamber]

Touch...

 

[Skook]

I have an 8'3" 3wt that is a delight to fish on small to medium-sized streams with dry flies. It's the rod I use most often on days when I grab only one small fly box, nippers, tippet, maybe an extra leader and some floatant.

The heavy vest full of split shot, cone heads, tungsten putty, indicators, thermometer, dry flies, egg flies, streamers, weighted nymphs, unweighted nymphs, leader wallet, polyleaders, nylon tippet, fluoro tippet, insect repellant, etc. gets a break when the 3wt comes out to play.