Sort of thinking out loud here, going to buy a new 8 weight rod for better reach to reds on local waters and wondering if 9 foot or 9 foot 6 inch would be best. What I’ve been using so far is much lighter and shorter and I’m having trouble getting bigger flies out there (though some of that is me being rusty).
Can anyone comment one way or the other. Would I notice much difference either way?
I have a basically new sage xp 9wt 9’6 i would be willing to part with if you decide thats what you want. Its really nice for wading and fishing tight creeks at lower water. Keeps your line just a bit higher off the grass.
Not sure about in fly rods, but I am sure an extra 6in would help you in dealing with other big things…
quote:The biggest difference is going to be the natural difference between rods and your casting style. Adding 6" might hurt you but, help another person and adding 6" to one brand might be more effective on one brand (specific rod modulus).
Originally posted by Run Fox Run…Can anyone comment one way or the other. Would I notice much difference either way?
I’m just guessing but, this 8wt won’t be one of 4 or 5 that you own. Check out CH Allen’s 9wt and just see how it casts. Maybe try a 8wt or two at one of the shops first so, you can see if it feels like too much rod for you. I don’t know how big a boy you are but, bigger longer rods can be a bit more weight to handle.
I like my 9wts just fine for reds. I usually try to start with my 7wt. All are 9’.
I don’t know Mr. Allen so, I ain’t trying to help him sell anything. Just trying to help you with your question. 
I haven’t fished a fly seriously for about 15 years and that was bass and bluegills in tighter quarters so my current setup, the finest Cabellas fish eagle money can buy in 8ft rated 6-7wt with probably 8wt line on it, will just be to much heartache trying to learn in the salt.
The “go try them out local” would be very sound advice except I have limited funds and a friend with a store in MD who will sell me a rod at cost. He doesn’t carry Sage, Loomis or most of the common brands in local shops and besides I wouldn’t want to waste a local shops time testing rods I had no intention of buying. I’m thinking a St Croix Imperial would be good bang for the buck to get started. As much as I love throwing bass bugs and such I may still fish mostly with spinning gear depending on my level of success.
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Originally posted by Run Fox RunI’m thinking a St Croix Imperial would be good bang for the buck to get started. As much as I love throwing bass bugs and such I may still fish mostly with spinning gear depending on my level of success.
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You will probably feel like you have magically become an expert fly man, based on your past experience. I doubt you will want to put it down. I haven’t used that specific rod but the specifications look good. Rated fast but probably medium-fast. The completely re-tooled Imperial has a fairly nice warranty too. They even have an upgrade program. The name is good enough that you could sell it for a fair price, probably. It’s probably a good deal.
Good bang for you buck is a TFO and they have a life time warranty. It covers any accident. Just 25 bucks for shipping and handling
I’ll be real honest, I strongly dislike the Imperial in the higher weights. Thought it’s rated as a fast-action rod, the tip seems more like a buggy whip.
Now if you have a slower casting stroke, you may love it. I just don’t and wouldn’t recommend buying one without casting it first.
TFO makes an 8ft Mini-Mag… this thing ios a freakin CANNON and turns over big lies wiht ease. it’s rated for 8-10wt and running a 9wt line it really performs. I got one here at the shop if ya want to come by and take it for a walk out back. On the other hand, We had a guy make a “Custom” fly rod that was 4 foot 7 inches… yes FOUR FEET long and I was able to throw a consistant 70 foot cast with it… If you have a good cast you’ll be able to use any rod and 6" won’t make a difference…
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
SC Chapter Coordinator- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os
Nikon, what shop do you run?
Sleeping on it, I think any extra length that doesn’t cost me too much extra weight would be good for keeping my line above the grass when walking. I’ve got some good spots in mind where the hard creek bed is much lower than the marsh around it.
I hear ya… I work in the Summerville Charleston Angler… Stop by and we’ll take a few rods for a walk and see what ya like… I think I can get a couple longer than 9’ rods sent up… I have learned a few tricks for casting in tight spaces and I’ll show ya few that might help ya…
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
SC Chapter Coordinator- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os