Freshwater Fin Loc: Killbuck Ohio

I have some experience fly fishing. I don’t know a lot about the different weights of rod and lines or other technicalities that go with it.
I picked up a Fenwick Woodstream 2 piece 9ft. rod yesterday. The only markings I can see on it say FL 108-9. Google reaserch tells me that the F means fiberglass and L means light ferrules 108 is inches and 9 is ft.
I would like to know if anyone can tell me what the line weight is. My intentions are to find a Pflueger reel for it and cast big poppers for bass. Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Good morning, FF, My guess is that it is a 9 Wt. This means that you should put a 9 Wt, reel with 9 Wt. line on it. This is a guess, but an educated guess. If it is, you can use it for bass but it will be a little too heavy. I use an 8 Wt. to catch 25# salmon.

Freshwater Fin Loc: Killbuck Ohio

Ok thanks for your reply
I was kinda assuming that but wasn’t sure. What do you mean by “a little too heavy” ? The handle blank is a lot bigger than my 4 wt and 5/6 wt that I have caught and handled small bass with using small steamers and poppers. I just thought I needed something big for using big presentations.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

The nine is a bit heavier, but if you are casting salt water size poppers to bass (I do) then the heavier unit is fine. As for the fish, I once caught a 53 pound king salmon on a 7. I had 8's for my clients in Alaska. The 8 or a 9 are fine for bass. Where the difference comes in is fly size, not the fish size. A 9 was recommended for years by most tv shows and magazines back in the fiberglass days. The carbon rods have more power and a 7 or 8 will handle most anything a 9 class fiberglass rod will handle. As I said, "most". I use a 9 because I switch to streamers when it gets windy. I cast 4 inch flies on a regular basis. I also cast 4 inch poppers. On occasion I cast even bigger flies. It is a lot easier to cast the big stuff with the heavier rod and line. At the same time, I can drop down to a 1/2 inch rubber leg panfish popper using the same rod.

Freshwater Fin Loc: Killbuck Ohio

👍 Got ya thanks

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

What I meant by a little too heavy was that the actual weight of the rod will take a toll on anyone who cast it all day. Ten years ago, at age 68, I caught & released 66 salmon over a four-day period, and I was completely exhausted at the end of the fourth day. Not only was it the weight of the rod but also the fight of the heavy fish in fast-moving water. The fly that I was using, was a little size 10 freshwater shrimp with a little juice on it.

Freshwater Fin Loc: Killbuck Ohio

Wow that’s a good fishing trip !

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Being a young man of just 72, I don't need to worry about the physical strain. Bring it on!!
You know, if you had just caught the first couple then started drinking instead of wasting your time fishing, you would only have ended up with a sore arm. Last question What river and what kind of salmon?