Multi weight rods?

[Scottmisfits]

I’ve been looking at getting another rod, something a bit heavier than I currently have.

I have one now in a lighter rod but I’m seeing 4/5w, 5/6w, etc. are they more like a 5 weight or a 6 weight? Really not sure what it means? Maybe a 4.5w as an example? I’ve tried doing a search but can’t seem to find any info on it.

[pikergolf]

Originally Posted by Scottmisfits

I’ve been looking at getting another rod, something a bit heavier than I currently have.

I have one now in a lighter rod but I’m seeing 4/5w, 5/6w, etc. are they more like a 5 weight or a 6 weight? Really not sure what it means? Maybe a 4.5w as an example? I’ve tried doing a search but can’t seem to find any info on it.

What weight are you looking for?

[Scottmisfits]

The one I’ve been looking at right now is the TFO NXT. I would like a 6 weight. It comes in 5/6 and 6/7.

[smitty9]

Originally Posted by Scottmisfits

I’ve been looking at getting another rod, something a bit heavier than I currently have.

I have one now in a lighter rod but I’m seeing 4/5w, 5/6w, etc. are they more like a 5 weight or a 6 weight? Really not sure what it means? Maybe a 4.5w as an example? I’ve tried doing a search but can’t seem to find any info on it.

Fly line weight is measured in "grains" - someone smarter than me can probably do a whole history of grains, I once knew but forgot.

Bottom line: one manufacturers "5" weight by grains isn't necessarily the same as another manufacturers "5" weight. I know some Rio lines labelled "x" weight are usually overweight sometimes by as much as half. (Their 6 weight is really 6.5...)

Have a look here to start, then keep googling:

https://www.murraysflyshop.com/pages...-weight-charts

Since line weight is correlated to rod "weight" designations, that's why I started with a spiel on line weights.


But I'll bottom line it for ya:

Because of variance and margin of error, some rod manufacturers tend to hedge their bets and give a two weight rating; like 5/6 or 6/7. I tend to see this more on cheaper rods.

Basically, you can put any line you want on a rod, its matter of how the rod loads, at what point in the fly line (usually 30 feet I believe) will give you that optimal load. But you also have to account for rod flex / stiffness. Not to mention skill of the casting stroke.

Bottom bottom line, lol: a 5/6 weight rod will throw a 4 to 7 weight line, and probably a 5/6 line is likely optimal.

If you have a 5/6 line, really, the question is, your next outfit should match the fishing you do. If you're chucking heavy streamers on big rivers or targeting pike / bull trout, you may wish to go 7/8.

If you love tiny mountain creeks with fish hardly ever going over 15 inches, look at a 3 weight.

Cheers.

[Edit; don't go a "bit" heavier. If you have a 5/6, don't get a 6/7. Just get a 7 or a 7/8. Just my take.]

[Scottmisfits]

I can't justify "specialty" rigs at this point, such as one for nymphing, another for streamers, and so on. I have a 4/5 Greys, a TFO Ledty Kreh series 1 and one of, if not the first rod my dad ever built which is a 6 weight glass Fenwick. Bow river is where I'll probably spend more of my time so I was looking at something just a bit heavier than my 5 weight, and something a little newer and more modern than the Fenwick.

[smitty9]

Originally Posted by Scottmisfits

I can't justify "specialty" rigs at this point, such as one for nymphing, another for streamers, and so on. I have a 4/5 Greys, a TFO Ledty Kreh series 1 and one of, if not the first rod my dad ever built which is a 6 weight glass Fenwick. Bow river is where I'll probably spend more of my time so I was looking at something just a bit heavier than my 5 weight, and something a little newer and more modern than the Fenwick.

I wasn't advocating "specialty" rigs. Was simply saying to spread your weight classes out to give you versatility. That's all. Have a good one.

Edit: that said, if the majority of your fishing is the Bow river, and you are looking at something a bit heavier, go with a 6 weight or 6/7. If you can wait until for the Fishing Hole sale in August, you can get a good deal.

[Don Andersen]

Hate to muddy the waters

BUT

I actually make rods not install parts.
I sell them with a suggested line weight but not marked on the rod shaft as you may decide that you like the rod better this a line weight different than my suggestion.
Your opinion is just as valid as mine.
Further, to make things worse, line manufactures are now mid labelling their lines. A 6 weight marked on the box may actually be a 7 or even 8 weight.
For the truthful answer to what the line weight actually is, head to the manufactures site. From what I’ve seen, the line weight are listed.
The AFTMA has standards of what each lines weight will weigh in grains for the first 30’. Use this as a guide.
The world used to be a more truthful place.
Damn but I miss it.


Don

[Scottmisfits]

Thanks smitty, I'm pretty sure that you have answered my questions, and then some, with your explanation.

Don, I have line right now, but I hate the reels that it's on. I'm looking for a new rod, and then reels. I have the reel picked out already so thats the easy part, but I need to pick the rod size before I can get the reels.
I am still thinking the 6 weight, but a dedicated 6, not a 6/7. My dad was going to put a rod together for me and I wanted a 5. Maybe I'll start off with a 6 and the 5 can come after.

Again, thanks for the hell in understanding.

[Hep]

A 6 weight can be a do it all rod on the Bow, good for nymphing, good for streamer & in a pinch you can fish a dry fly. You never know what you can hook into, so a 6 is good all round rod.

[flyrodfisher]

Originally Posted by Scottmisfits

I have line right now, but I hate the reels that it's on. I'm looking for a new rod, and then reels. I have the reel picked out already so thats the easy part, but I need to pick the rod size before I can get the reels.

You are doing this backwards...people generally don't build a system around a line that they already have....

What do you want to fish for?
Where do you want to fish?
Mainly dry fly....or streamer...or nymph?

Once you have answered those questions...choose a rod
Then a line...then a reel.
Then go fishing....

[Scottmisfits]

Originally Posted by flyrodfisher

You are doing this backwards...people generally don't build a system around a line that they already have....

What do you want to fish for?
Where do you want to fish?
Mainly dry fly....or streamer...or nymph?

Once you have answered those questions...choose a rod
Then a line...then a reel.
Then go fishing....

That may be the case for most people, I get it. But in this instance in particular, it's more of wanting to replace a rod that I have which is a 6 weight. So in this case I have the line, but will be replacing the rod and the reel, and probably the line eventually as well. But I will be starting with the rod more than likely. I'm just not wild on how the rod that I have feels and casts. Something more carbon and less fiberglass.

The original question was more about the dual numbered part of it so would a 5/6 be better or the 6/7 be better in this case. But maybe I'll just be looking for a better rod overall, or just have my dad build me the one I want.

[huntsfurfish]

It I get this right Scott, sounds like you have 5 and 6 wt. Get the 6/7 and you would be able to use the six wt on it and would have the option to use a 7 wt in the future should the need arise.

I learned to fly fish 45 years ago on a cheap fibreglass 7 wt. Used that for everything from small creeks to large rivers and lakes(and for at least 12 years before I got another cheap 7 wt lol). Just saying.

imho


edit: Will add that 20 years later I now have 4 wt, 6 wt, 7 wt(how could I

not, and 8 wt.

[flyrodfisher]

Re-read smitty9 and Don Andersen's threads.
They will tell you that you are getting too hung up on this.

All rods will cast a range of weights, it comes down to preference for your type and style of fishing.

You said you have a 6wt and want something heavier...but then you said "I am still thinking the 6 weight, but a dedicated 6"

You also said " would a 5/6 be better or the 6/7 be better"

If you want something heavier...seems to me, it would be a number greater than 6....how about a 7?

But then your 6WT line might not be ideal...lol

[Scottmisfits]

It's not that I want something "heavier", it's that I want to replace my 6 with something a little more modern and better feeling than the fiberglass 6 weight. I was more just confused as to the multi rating on them. So yeah, a little confused on the rods that are labeled 5/6 or ⁶t7 vs a 5, 6, or 7 weight rated rod.

Going with either a 6 weight or the combination 6/7 would probably be the better way to go, as long as I can get spare spools for whatever tell may come with the combo kit reel should I go that way.

[pikergolf]

To bad you are not in the Hat, I have a couple of Customs I am going to sell cheap you could try out.

[Scottmisfits]

I am down there for extended periods at random times for work but not in the foreseeable future unfortunately. Thank you though.

[flyrodfisher]

Originally Posted by Scottmisfits

I’ve been looking at getting another rod, something a bit heavier than I currently have.

Originally Posted by Scottmisfits

It's not that I want something "heavier", it's that I want to replace my 6 with something a little more modern

???????

[smitty9]

Originally Posted by flyrodfisher

???????

Flyrod:

pull a frozen and let it go dude.

He clearly has more than enough info to make a decision for whatever he needs...

[Scottmisfits]

Yeah, ok. I get it. I miss spoke saying I wanted heavier, when I should've said more modern. Better casting, better feel, but maybe not a heavier weighted rod.

[Scottmisfits]

Triple post

[Scottmisfits]

Triple post