Rod Weight Should Be Based on Fly Size

Rod Weight Should Be Based on Fly Size

A lot of people think the size of the fly rod they use should match the type of fish they’re going after. Sure, that can play into it to some degree. But Jerry Siem, rod designer for Sage, once explained to me that the number one factor in choosing a rod should be the type of flies you are going to cast. 

Remember that the fly rod is meant to enhance your efficiency and make casting easier. Throwing big articulated streamers with a 3-weight isn’t very efficient. On the other hand, casting Size 20 dry flies with an 8-weight doesn’t make much sense either. The rod companies don’t advertise this, but 75 percent, or more, of all fly rods sold in the United States are 9-foot 5-weights. Why? Because that weight is versatile enough to throw dry flies with feel, but also has the oomph to toss a Woolly Bugger when you want to. 

If I know most of my fishing will be with mayfly or caddis dries on a given day, I usually fish a 4-weight. If I don't know what will happen, I’ll take a 5-weight. Tossing large terrestrials in the wind, probably a 6-weight, and a dedicated streamer day is usually the 7-weight. Everybody is different, so don’t consider that a rule, just a little advice. And you certainly don’t have to assemble an arsenal of fly rods that outnumber the irons in your bag, but the process can be fun.