Which lines for my 7'6" (#4-5) and 8'6" (#6-7) rods?

Gerrit Moelich · 02/02/2019 at 10:36

Hi guys

I recently moved from South Africa to Ireland, and would like to take up fly fishing again after a long absence. I can be considered somewhere between a novice and intermediate. My casting is decent but not great. I will be fishing in dams, rivers and estuaries. I understand this is a very wide variety of waters, but hopefully it will give you an idea of what my needs are.

I'm considering Barrio lines for my two fly rods. I have a 7'6" for a #4-5 line, and the other is an 8'6" for a #6-7 line.

Which lines would you suggest for these rods? Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Mike Barrio · 02/02/2019 at 10:40

Hi Gerrit ..... welcome to the forum

What sort of flies are you likely to be fishing on the #6/7 rod?

Best wishes
Mike

Gerrit Moelich · 02/02/2019 at 11:24

Hi Mike

On the #6/7 rod, I'll most likely use streamers and larger nymphs.
On the lighter rod, dry flies and small nymphs.
Does it make sense to do it this way?

Mike Barrio · 02/02/2019 at 14:00

Hi Gerrit

Sorry for the delay.

Yes, that makes sense. I think my choice would be a GT90 WF5F line on the lighter rod ( or a Mallard WF5F ) and an SLX WF7F line on the #6/7 rod.

I hope that helps.
Best wishes
Mike

Gerrit Moelich · 02/02/2019 at 14:47

Thanks Mike, I'll look into those two options.
Which length and weight tapered leaders and tippets would you recommend with these lines?

Mike Barrio · 02/02/2019 at 15:30

These things should start with the fly Gerrit,

But from what you describe, I think I would choose a 7ft Light leader and 6X tippet for the lighter rod and a 5ft Medium leader and maybe 3X tippet for the heavier one.

Best wishes
Mike

Gerrit Moelich · 02/02/2019 at 15:50

Thanks Mike, I'm a bit rusty on fly tackle, and appreciate the guidance for a basic versatile rig. Once I'm actually out fishing and knowing which flies I'll use most for these waters, I'll change leaders and tippets as I gain more experience.

Mike Barrio · 02/02/2019 at 16:04

You're welcome ..... don't hesitate to ask if you think I ( or the forum community ) can help

I hope you enjoy a great season!

Best wishes
Mike

Gerrit Moelich · 02/02/2019 at 20:50

Thank you, I will ask more questions I'm sure