Whats the lightest rods yall feel comfortable using for reds? I have been using a 9wt with 10wt line which is fine for more open water and really windy days, but back in the small creeks or on a still flat it is just too heavy. The line makes a lot of noise and the smaller fish in the flats aren’t as fun on that heavy rod.
Im looking at 7wt rods, but also considering a 6wt. This would only be used for small fish in calm backwaters.
I have been looking hard at an TFO Impact 6wt, the Predator 6wt is a strong rod too.
Good luck with your choices.
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
I’ve only used an 8 or 9 wt, and have a 6 wt I had used for brackish water bass that I’ve caught many Striped Bass with in the 16" to 30" range. I’ve not as yet hooked up with a Redfish on it. I have no doubt a good 6 wt would work for what you intend to do with it.
This is one of those questions that really depends on your level of experience & confidence in going lighter. Most of the Stripers I caught on that 6 wt were in open water, sometimes even smaller creeks, but primarily from a boat. Not the same type of water as down here.
My 6 wt is a Cabelas that I’ve had since 1989,(IM6) so not one that’s still available. It was a $240 rod at that time & it told to me then by a very reliable source that G Loomis, when Gary Loomis was still running the company was making those rods for Cabelas. You won’t find that today.
The brand you choose also might play into your decision. Me, I wouldn’t want to spend a lot on a rod for that purpose, because IMO it’s like bass fishing, but wouldn’t want a low end rod either.
I would have no issue using my 6 wt for what you intend, but if I was looking for a rod now specifically to fit that type of fishing, I might be inclined to check out fiberglass rods. They’ll be more forgiving, more durable & should still have some power. Fiberglass historically have slower actions than graphite, but now some are being designed that are not as slow as the older one I had when I first started back in the 60’s & 70’s.
My very first rod was a Cortland 8 wt fiberglass. It would have been a good rod for what you want, but I would still think a 6 wt would have been a good choice. 
Bosun: I use the same 9wt. rod/ 10 wt. line for my reds. I like to be able to punch that fly line into the wind. I caught a 32 in. red on an 8 wt. once and it wore both of us out! And that was in February. If I hooked up with that fish in warmer water, it would have broken off for certain. Iv’e hooked reds on my 6 wt. while fishing for sea trout, but they always win the contest.
oc
quote:I'll cut to the chase. Get a 7wt for low wind backwater reds. Don't go 6wt.
Originally posted by BosunWhats the lightest rods yall feel comfortable using for reds? I have been using a 9wt with 10wt line which is fine for more open water and really windy days, but back in the small creeks or on a still flat it is just too heavy. The line makes a lot of noise and the smaller fish in the flats aren’t as fun on that heavy rod.
Im looking at 7wt rods, but also considering a 6wt. This would only be used for small fish in calm backwaters.
I’m with iFly. Stay with at least a 7 wt. I usually rig a 7 wt. with a floating line and some topwater bug, along with a 9 wt. with a sink tip line (or sinking line if in 15’+ water). Want to have both ready. I fish TFO Deer Creek 11’ switch rods. They’ll throw a lot of line and handle big fish if I’m fortunate enough to hook one.
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The only question you should be asking yourself is what condition will the red be in when it’s time to release him? How light is too light for that? Warm summer months require you to have enough backbone in the rod to end the fight quickly and ensure the fish can recover properly.
IMO, just use an 8wt. It covers a more broad range of circumstances (wind) and is best for the fish as well. Win/win.
A long long slow walk in the spartina gives you time to think big thoughts and put your mind back into order.
I ended up finding a great deal on a 6wt combo. Bought a 9’6wt BVK with a Nautilus FWX reel and Rio Bonefish line. It is super light and casts great.
I was able to get out during low tide yesterday and test it out on some fish!
Used and 8wt back when I fished for them on the fly.
put that 6 away until next winter. If you need to feel like more of an angler tie your own flies. If thats not enough, crimp the barbs. Try to use only gurglers. drop your leader size. Back casts only. Lefty.
If you don’t get it maybe you should go back to fishing gear with the rest of the savages.
quote:
Originally posted by BosunI ended up finding a great deal on a 6wt combo. Bought a 9’6wt BVK with a Nautilus FWX reel…
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>Want to sell it? Wow, great Picts.
yeah… that 6 is ok for winter, or spring while the water is still cool, and in small creeks… but you’re gonna end up killing fish when the water warms up… Stick with the 8 in warmer water…
No sense killin’ fish if you don’t have to…
Mad Mike
"to hell with insane… I’m OUTsane!!! "
You came here and asked for an opinion , and the overwhelming majority of those were to NOT to get a 6wt as it poses a potential risk to the fish, yet that’s exactly what you did.
For the life of me I can’t understand why you’d go against those recommendations and potentially put the resource at risk.
A long long slow walk in the spartina gives you time to think big thoughts and put your mind back into order.
Thank y’all for your opinions. I knew I’d catch some heat for getting the 6, but I got a great combo for a price I couldn’t refuse. I don’t have tons of cash for extra flyfishing gear so this is what I got for now.
It’s not my primary rod, the 9wt is. This is a specific tool for certain situations where I know what size fish I’m casting at in small, contained creeks. During the summer it will be reserved for trout, Spanish Macks and Blues. It will also serve me well for smallmouth and shoal bass.
I’m happy with it and I gotta say, it whooped those reds just as well as any ML spinning rod I use.
Tell that to yourself if it helps you believe it, but don’t try to sell that BS to the rest of us.
There is no way to control the size of the fish you’re targeting. Look at the photos you posted above - that’s a significant difference in fish size. Did you plan that, too?
A long long slow walk in the spartina gives you time to think big thoughts and put your mind back into order.
Guys there is no reason to bash this guy for buying something in his budget. Go fuss at the people catching 15 pound brown trout out west and in New Zealand on three and four weight rods. news flash with the right drag and pound test yes the fish can bend the rod more and move much but that is certainly not damaging that fish no worse than the guys slingy ultra lights and lure with a million treble hooks. No need to bass a person trying to further his passion when people have caught 75lb tarpon on 8 wts and the tarpon is still alive. people are looking for to much to upset someone with.
quote:
Originally posted by jkeaton95Guys there is no reason to bash this guy for buying something in his budget. Go fuss at the people catching 15 pound brown trout out west and in New Zealand on three and four weight rods. news flash with the right drag and pound test yes the fish can bend the rod more and move much but that is certainly not damaging that fish no worse than the guys slingy ultra lights and lure with a million treble hooks. No need to bass a person trying to further his passion when people have caught 75lb tarpon on 8 wts and the tarpon is still alive. people are looking for to much to upset someone with.
your three points are:
Buying a nice setup makes it acceptable to fish that equipment regardless of conditions.
Cold water fish in fast water that is oxygen rich and warm water fish in slow moving water that carries significantly less oxygen are similar.
It’s okay for a sportsman to conduct himself in an irresponsible manner because other jack legs do it all the time.
Survey says… X, X, X
Bosun knows better and loves our resource. Maybe he needs a little heat from others who love the resource as much as he does to think it through a little more next time. We set the standard, let’s set it high.
Perfect rod/reel for the perfect condition. Fished that spot for 25 years.
If you want to fish that area at high tide (6.0’) on the fly, let me know. The 6wt will still work but… bring the “9wt”.