right rod?

[terry creech]

I'm a lifelong trout chaser with spinning gear and I'm about to dive into flyfishing. I'll spend half my time in the Hooch and half in north Ga, often chasing big fish at Dukes and Waters, but will spend much time in delayed harvest streams like Smith's. Can only afford one rod for starters, so I'm thinking a 8 1/2 in a 4wt. Am I right in thinking this length and weight will suffice for big river and small stream, dry flys and nymphing, and maybe the lighter action 4wt. will help protect a light tippet on spooky big fish at Duke's? I notice guys up there using not only 5X tippet but 6X (that's roughly 3lb. test, right?) as well, and I've caught a 5+ pounder up there on spinning gear.

I've got lots more questions on reels, leaders/tippets, etc., but one thing at a time. I'd appreciate any advice you can send along.

Thanks, guys,
Terry Creech

[James Buice]

Hey Terry,
The 8 1/2' 4wt will serve you well, so long as you're not casting heavy buggers and the like. As for the 4wt protecting tippet, it's not so much the line weight but the rod action that keeps those 6x and 7x leaders from snapping. If you're doing most of your fishing up in the mountains on Dukes and streams roughly that size, then an 8-8 1/2' 4wt rod will do fine. If you're using it on larger water as well, I'd opt for an 8 1/2' 5wt with a softer tip. This will help you carry line in the wind, throw nymph/indicator rigs with relative ease, and will not be too light for some of those larger trout.

One thing I can't stress enough is to cast before you buy.

If you have any questions, give us a shout at the shop.

Thanks
James

[terry creech]

So much to learn (and buy) - so little time. I'm getting there....
Thank you.

[terry creech]

I appreciate your insight. Doing my homework....

[terry creech]

James, do you guys carry the Eagle Claw Line to Leader Links?

[James Buice]

Last post didn't take.
We don't carry that type of connector; sinks the tip.
I'd look into the SA brand if you're looking for that type of connection.

JB

[terry creech]

Thanks. Will do....

[fwhitaker]

Terry, if you are looking into getting started in fly fishing you might consider an Eagle Claw "Granger" series rod. It is a IM6 blank (Like the other nicer rod companies) and the hardware is alright. best part is its 28.00 online. Ask around and alot of people are fishing them. then you can see what works best for and move to the more expensive rods.

here is a link
http://www.troutlet.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=424&idAff=1737

Just my 2 cents.

Frank-

[terry creech]

Fwitaker, thanks! Great suggestion. The wife think highly of it as well.