Quick question, looking at buying a fly rod that will be small/large enough for both inshore and offshore, inshore for reds, maybe a midsize tarpon etc, offshore for midsize dolphin, mackerel etc. My mind is telling me go with a 9/10wt rod/reel, but I wanted to hear an opinion or two from someone with experience.
Scout '282
tidewater '21
Oscar '10
i use a 10wt offshore and for tarpon, but i use a 8wt for inshore stuff.
I love my 9wt Sage for all around.
Just make the adjustments with your leader when offshore.
I also use a 9 weight for everything, but I’m not a big fly fisherman. Or, I should say I’m not a very good fly fisherman.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
quote:
Originally posted by Bulldog_bitesQuick question, looking at buying a fly rod that will be small/large enough for both inshore and offshore…
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>The question (and answer) is similar for baitcasters or spinning gear, etc… You aren’t going to have a rod that works well for a medium dolphin offshore and an inshore trout (even a large one).If you look back through some of the older posts about guys running offshore with 9wt fly rods, the story often ends something like, “It was a wild fight until I broke my fly rod”. 9wt is going to overpower nearly all of the inshore species. 9wt is not going to give you enough backbone for almost all dolphin or reef donkeys, etc.
They make some very inexpensive fly rods in 10wt, 11wt and 12wt. Get one of those if you want to try some offshore fish. Getting something in the middle (like a 9wt) just means you will have the wrong rod for BOTH fishing environments. IMO
I agree, I’d have several if I was really into it. I’ve got 20 spinning rods:smiley: But if you can only have 1, make mine a 9 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
