You wouldn’t use a Zebco on a tuna, just as you wouldn’t use a 4-weight on a tarpon. Any way you put it, there are optimal weight rods for each and every scenario. If you’re new to fly fishing or are diversifying into new species, there’s a learning curve. Going from a 5-weight trout rod to an 11-weight tarpon rod can be quite the change. While we can’t teach you how to cast a new rod, we can give you the tools to find that new rod. This guide will help you choose the right fly rod, no matter the species or scenario you are fishing in.
Rod Types
There are two main types of fly rods widely available on the market: fiberglass and graphite. Between these two, they vary dramatically in how they cast and fish. For starters, fiberglass has a lot more flex or give. This results in a slower action rod and a longer, more methodical casting stroke. Fiberglass rods also excel at roll casting and offer excellent tippet protection due to their soft and forgiving tip section.
On the other hand, graphite rods are much faster. Depending on the rod and manufacturer, this can vary slightly. Some companies make ultra-fast rods, while others make more moderate action fly rods. Regardless, you’ll notice the casting stroke is quicker, and the rod is much stiffer. This translates to more casting power, accuracy, and the ability to quickly shoot line. Graphite rods are the dominant technology in fly fishing and are generally the preferred rod setup.
Rod Weights for Trout Fishing
There are three main techniques in trout fishing—dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing. To maximize your efficiency at each technique, a quiver of rods will serve you well.
Dry Fly Fishing
Let’s start off with the purest, most desirable, and sought-after trout fishing scenario possible: dry fly fishing—the act of presenting a fly on the surface to rising trout. Whenever I am fishing dries, I like to use a 5-weight rod with a floating line. This way, no matter the wind conditions or distance needed, you are able to shoot the line out quickly and with as much distance needed while also having the ability to pick any amount of line up off the water when mending. A lot of people use 4 weights for this purpose; however, if the wind conditions change, it’s a little easier to get that fly where it needs to be with a 5 weight. I prefer a 4 weight on smaller streams like the Galletin, where not a lot of distance is required, and wind speed is usually minimal.
For small streams, such as the Smoky Mountains National Park, where I fish for wild brook trout, I really enjoy fishing with a very small 2-weight or 3-weight rod. This is a great time to use a slower-action glass rod. The improved roll casting abilities excel with the tight casting windows and dense overhanging brush. You can also use a bow-and-arrow cast to slingshot your fly into tight pockets.
Nymph Fishing
Nymphing is the act of fishing weighted flies under the surface, typically with some sort of strike indicator. It involves heavy flies and added weight in the form of split shot to ensure your flies are making it to the river bottom.
Streamer Fishing
Throwing streamers for trout can result in some of the most aggressive strikes and largest fish in the river. That said, when preparing for river giants, the right rod setup is a must. Generally, I prefer an 8-weight rod with a sink tip line. An 8-weight offers anglers the needed power to throw large and heavy flies in addition to the needed backbone to land big fish.
Species Guide
If you’re fishing for species other than trout, different rod weights may come into play. We’ve broken down the various species and recommended rod weight ranges to help you find the best rods for different scenarios.
Recommended Weight for Panfish: 1-4
Don’t overlook catching panfish on the fly. Bluegills, warmouth, pumpkinseeds, and more are a blast on the fly and relatively easy to fool. It’s a great starting point for new anglers or a good escape from trout fishing when water temps rise. Rods ranging from 1 to 4-weight are ideal. They enable you to enjoy the fight of panfish while still practicing fundamental casting techniques.
Recommended Weight for Bass: 5-8
Bass on the fly continually grows in popularity. Depending on the flies you are throwing, you can get away with some smaller poppers with a 5-weight rod. Optimally, you will want to be throwing a 6-weight for heavier flies, improved casting distance, and better fighting power. For dedicated bass anglers, 7 and 8-weight rods are the best bet. These rods can consistently throw any fly you might need for bass fishing.
Recommended Weight for Musky: 10-12
Musky aren’t known for their hard fight, but they are known for their love of big flies. Throwing big, sometimes triple-articulated flies means heavy rods. A 10-weight excels at throwing smaller musky flies with less strain on your body. If you find yourself consistently throwing large flies, choose an 11 or 12-weight rod. Whatever you decide, make sure the rod has an extended fighting butt. This aids in figure-eighting the fly at the boat and can be used to two-hand cast.
Recommended Weight for Bonefish: 7-9
Bonefish, or the “grey ghosts,” are surprisingly strong for their size. I often say if bonefish grew to the size of tarpon, you would never land them. For smaller bonefish and flat conditions, a 7-weight rod is a great way to enjoy the fight while not feeling outgunned. In general, most anglers opt for an 8-weight. These rods combat windy days and can tackle just about any size bonefish. For true trophy bonefish in the 10+ pound range, choose a 9-weight. With ample backbone, you can better tame the long, blistering runs of big fish.
Recommended Weight for Tarpon: 10-12
Tarpon fishing has brought more people to saltwater fishing than any other fish. If you find yourself on the deck of a skiff with tarpon stringing down, having the right rod is crucial. These days, most anglers opt for 11-weight rods. It offers a good balance of power and distance, all while minimizing arm fatigue. If you find yourself fishing for pressured fish that are wary, go with a 10-weight. You can land the fly softer and increase the number of hookups. If you regularly target fish pushing 150+ pounds, then a 12-weight is your rod of choice.
Recommended Weight for Permit: 9-10
Permit are known for their finicky attitude. More often than not, they’ll swim right over to your fly, stare it down, only to swim off in search of better things. While this may be the case, getting your fly in the right spot is key to getting their attention. A 9-weight can do the job on most permit and is a great crossover between bonefish. For those dedicated to solely permit fishing, a 10-wt delivers accurate casts, punches through the windiest conditions, and lands softly enough so as not to spook any fish.
If you have any questions about what rods to use for other species, please leave them in the comment section below, and we will do our best to respond!
This is an updated article, originally written by previous Flylords intern Turner Rowland. You can find Turner on Instagram @turnerrowland1