I have a good 9’ 9 weight rod and reel. I know it isn’t advised, but has anybody used something like this for Blacktips/Spinners in the 3-5 foot range? I would rather use a 10-13 weight, but I don’t have one, just the 9 weight. I know it would be a struggle, but do you think it is do-able?
I think that as long as you have plenty of backing you ought to be able to manage, especially with fish on the smaller end of the spectrum.
I’m more interested in how you plan on getting one to eat.
It’s definitely doable. You may feel a tad under gunned if you tie in to a chunky 5 footer, but it’s more than adequate for those smaller ones. If you do get a bigger one on, fight him like a Tarpon. Get your fly line back on the reel then put max pressure on him at all times.
Thanks, I will give it a go. Last year when fishing for them with live/dead bait, I would set out my slick, and every now and then I would see one in the slick on top, from right at the boat to 20 ft out. So I can have the fly rod on stand by and a clear casting lane, and if I see one, throw out a fly and retrieve it through the slick. That’s the theory, or plan at least.
I don’t think the 9 wt will do the trick I have fished for them in the surf a good bit with a 10wt. Even with 400yds of 30lb power pro backing I don’t land more than 25% of the ones I hook. Eventually you have to point the rod at them and grab the spool or you will lose it all.
It’ll make a big difference being able to chase them in a boat.
quote:Glad that you clarified that they are sight cast fish. A 36" shark on a 9wt rod is pushing it pretty hard. Most of my posts say something like 'the fly reel is just a line holder'. You have just jumped into the fly reel being ALL important.
Originally posted by ReelScout16Thanks, I will give it a go. Last year when fishing for them with live/dead bait, I would set out my slick, and every now and then I would see one in the slick on top, from right at the boat to 20 ft out. So I can have the fly rod on stand by and a clear casting lane, and if I see one, throw out a fly and retrieve it through the slick. That’s the theory, or plan at least.
By the way… put me on some surface cruising 3’ black tips. 
We caught several last summer…9 wt is fine until the big ones show up, then you’ll want the 12. Biggest we caught was about 75 lbs.
Nice. There should be some 75 and under so I will try it out. Thanks for the help.
i have seen nothing but big boys so far this season. everyday i go out i put my 10wt in the boat. gotta chase them with the boat most of the time.
ALL GINKED UP