[Mike Etgen]

RiverFishing :

Good Morning...I'm new to the forum and barely a year into flyfishing and loving it! Thought I'd tag on a question to this string...

I've got a 9 foot, 6wt Loomis that was my first rod. This configuration seemed to be the concensus "most versatile, all-around" set-up. As I've fished more, I find myself leaning towards smaller waters - the Touchet and Tucannon here is eastern WA or the Umatilla in Oregon, and I'm thinking it's time for something with a little more finesse. Tried out a 7 foot 3wt the other day and felt I was waving a piece of straw - probably my own lack of finesse. Felt a bit more comfortable with an 8'6" 4wt loaded with WF5F line. (This one is also a 4-piece rod.)
I'm open to opinions and advice before I make a commitment. Can't yet afford a whole arsenal of rods/reels so versatility is still a consideration.
Will look forward to any wisdom available.

 

[Mike Etgen]

RiverFishing

Luv2flyfish:

Thanks for your input. (I also appreciate other responses!) I'm wondering if I shouldn't see if I can borrow or try out a smaller rod - sounds like it''s just a matter of getting used to something a little different. And so far, a twelve to inch fourteen fish has been on the high side for me! I've hooked a couple of smallmouth that were larger and a couple of bigger rainbows, and I'm just starting to try mu hand at steelheading...
Hmmm...hmmm...
Thanks and tight lines!