FS Digest

So Im just looking to start flyfishing this summer. I mainly plan to fish for pike and smallmouth. Maybe some carp. Just wondering what rod weight i could use to fish for those species. Im looking at a 9ft 8wt fenwick/pflueger nighthawk combo.

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by captgoodspeed

FS Digest

8wt is good for pike but overkill for smallies. Personally I think it's easier to learn on a lighter rod, but I'm sure there will be other opinions on that.

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by musicofsound

FS Digest

Thanks. Im trying to get into flyfishing on the cheap for now. Ill probably spend more on a rod when im sure that i like it.

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by captgoodspeed

FS Digest

I started with a bass pro combo and it was a great value in terms of price and quality.

Went to their free casting instruction and got an extra discount too

Like music said, 8wt isn't gonna bend like you want with a smallmouth. It will come in handy chunking big ol pike flies though.

Honestly if you're not targeting gator sized pike a 7wt would be a great compromise.

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by whetchup

FS Digest

Learning on a moderate or medium fast action 9' 8wt is probably the easiest way to learn. It's also the most versatile rig in fly fishing, being good for bass to salt. Far from being "overkill for smallies" it was the recommended bass weight by Bob Clouser, Lefty Kreh and Chuck Kraft. You may have heard of some of those godfathers of flyfishing. Together they account for moving flyfishing beyond the myopic troutcentric into the interesting and exciting modern era. They were all the creme of the crop of promoting bass flyfishing and flyfishing in general.

An 8wt might be a bit light for pike, but going heavier will be overkill for most bassin.

Some recomended rods would include

- Fenwick Aetos

- St Croix Imperial

- St Croix Mojo Bass ( a shorter boat rod)

- Echo Ion XL

There are dozens of other rods, but starting researching those wil get you started, and any of those paired with something like a Sci Angler's MPX or Big Fly Taper will be a good basis.

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by Independent

FS Digest

Thanks for the detailed reply! Ill look into those rods. I dont catch pike that are very big so im guessing that wont be to much of a problem. Its easier if i buy one setup first so my wife doesnt kill me. So thats why im looking at an "all around" setup.

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by captgoodspeed

FS Digest

It is not really the size of the pike that is a problem, it is the size of the fly. My friend calls it 'throwing the whole damn muppet'. You could probably fight most pike with 6wt, but pike can reach solid 10wt proportions, but these are 1in300 catches for most lakes south of the 49th parallel. I have caught pike smaller than my fly.

In fly fishing, it is hard to get an 'all-around' setup, but an good 8wt rig is probably the best you can do.

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by DrSkunkzor

FS Digest

For pike, I would recommend a medium fast rod. I found the Imperial to be just a little bit too soft. Because the size of the pike fly, gravity tends to pull down the fly too much during the more moderate load, and it is a little bit too easy to bean yourself. I watched my friend punch a 4/0 fly into his shoulder (and $400 Patagonia jacket) twice in one day. He learned 2 lessons that day---do not over-extend yourself on a cast and it is a good idea to debarb your hooks.

I have not spent a full day fishing an Aetos, but I would probably put it at the top of the list.

OP...an 8wt set-up is where rod value begins to become apparent. It is super easy to find a fully functional 4wt on the cheap. I would say that a 'budget' 8wt that will help you enjoy a day of fishing is likely to cost you around $350 ($200 rod, $100 line, $50 reel). Definitely possible to get it cheaper, but you will start to see a difference in performance. Also, going cheaper may result in a limited warranty. I would seriously entertain getting some second-hand gear when trying to shop for true budget 8wt.
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by DrSkunkzor

FS Digest

I’d avoid the prepackaged combos even though they are getting better. Fenwick Aetos seems to be the recommended cheap rod of the #8s, next step up seems to be the TFO rods (BVK and I’ve heard good things about the Clouser too).

I don’t know how hard these American fish fight as to what reel to recommend, sorry.

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by BlazeFenton