right gear for trout

[hookncook]

I've been spin casting for small stream trout all me life- I've caught a lot of them to the point that it's not even fun anymore.

Off and on over the years, I've picked up the fly rod- but never really too serious until last year's reel recovery retreat- then again at this year's retreat.

I'm going to take some fly lessons during the trout unlimited convention in Oshkosh and am really looking forward to picking up a few pointers there.

But over the winter, I want to really dial in on the gear and make a serious run. SO far I have a TFO 5 wt, and a castaila outdoors 3 wt- but the second is more of a beginner rod...

[panfishpounder00]

What's your target species?.bows, browns, brookies...

Length of rods?..a 8-9 ft 5 wt will be your most versitile rod. It has the ability to finese small dry flies,yet it can punch a moderate sized streamer or nymph/float setup also. Why do say the 3 wt is more of a beginner rod?.often the 3 wt is used for delicate presentations such as small dry flies down to sz.20.which would be more geared for a more advanced angler. What's the size of the stream your fishin. If its a brushy small one stick with a shorter rod like a 7-7.5 ft..if its a big open stream, a longer rod like a 9-10 ft would be benificial.. with a little more info I should be able to help you out more..

[hookncook]

Those are good questions... I'll more than likely start fly fishing in the pasture style HI type streams.. mostly as wide as a sidewalk in most places.

then if I graduate that phase, I'll more than likely focus on the bushier stretches.

Species- multi species.. has to transition between browns and brookies because that's kind of a matra here in this neck of the woods.

I'll more than likely keep my 5wt for bass and pike if I can get myself to learn distance casting.

[panfishpounder00]

Ok..here's how I would set up for a 1 rod only trip. 4 wt rod/reel with extra spools for 3 wt wf floating and 5 wt wf floating..this should handle all spectrums of the trout your seeking. Biengs its wide open I would go with a 8-9 ft long rod. A 4x leader/tippet should prove good enough but don't be afraid to step up or down a size. Remember the smaller the x number the bigger the fly and larger the x number will be smaller fly.. a good rule of thumb is to take the size fly and divide by 3. So a sz. 12 fly will be best suited for a 4x tippet. Again, this is how I would setup..for you the 5 wt would be a good rod to start with for most anything.. keep the 3 wt handy for those times when fish get selective. A great fly to use for any species of trout is the wooly bugger in sizes 8-14 should cover you. I think I covered most if what you were asking..shoot me more if you need to!.

[panfishpounder00]

Oh..and..that 5 wt would be a tad light for bass/pike..I would use a 6-8 wt rod..