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

[Mack]

Terry:

Sorry to be so late in responding to your question, but the first part of the year is very busy for us. The correct rod for you must be sized to turn over the flies that you use and provide adequate strength to cast the line the distamces that you want to cast. The better caster you are the more utility you will receive from a rod. Having said that, your choice for an 8.5', 4 wt. rod is fine for most trout fishing in Georgia. If you use the rod on small streams it might pay to break it down into two sections when you are moving along the bank to a new location on the stream. The speed of your rod may also be a consideration if you are going to cast well in the wind. The discussion about rods and equipment is an interesting and long topic during our fly fishing school and usually results in many questions.

Mack Martin
Manager-AFFS

[TroutTackler]

Terry,

If you have a chance, go to AFFS and take the casting school. I took it back in October and have seen my casting make leaps and bounds since then. I was able to learn a lot of good mechanics from them which I have been able to practice since then.

[terry creech]

I'm working on it....