Hi everyone,

I just purchased a kayak to fish from and ffigure that casting from it would be easier with something lionger than my usual 9 footers. I am thinking about a 9'6" or even a 10 foot 4 piece 5 weight. I really like the action of the All Star Austin series blanks. Does anyone have any blank suggestions that will suit my requirements and have an action similar to the All Star Austins? Any and all suggestions and comments greatly appreciated..

cheers,

Jeff

I use 8 and 8'6" fly rods from my kayak. I actually went shorter and find it easier and less tiring. You won't be able to generate quite as much power from a sitting position as you would from a standing position. So if you're going to actually fish while seated in the kayak, keep that in mind.

......

Jeff--the FT1004-4 might be just what you're after, but I personally lean toward Tom's perspective on this one--shorter sticks = less swing weight, which seems to be more of a factor for kayakers, float tubers, etc. than wading fishermen. If you want light, go with the Dan Craft Signature V 9' 5wt (3pc). The FT in 10' lengths is incredibly impressive, and actually not far off the 4pc Austins for feel. I really like them.

Let me know if we can help you out with any of the above!

All the best,

Jeff:
Hello.I had a 10' 5 wt. and a 9'6" 6 wt. for fishing from a tube and a canoe and hated them both. These rods were heavy and slow, very tiring and really work against me when fighting a fish. I now fish rods from 7'9" to 9' from for tube and canoe fishing and find these lenghts much more plesant to fish with. Personally, I prefer an 8'6" 5 wt. for most of my still water fishing. My two favorite tube and canoe rods are a 9' Loomis GLX Man Line speed and a St. Croix 8'6" Legend Ultra both in a 5 wt. You should be able to cast just as far or farther with an 8'6" - 9' rod compared with a 9'6" - 10' rod.

Lanny

A case could be made for a 6 foot rod, too. In a tube, you have a tendency to keep your arm raised more than you would standing. I would go with a multi-piece Dan Craft, drop the butt. Probably a 2 weight, casting a 4 or 5 weight line with it.

Jeff,
The proper rod length for kayak fishing should effectively meet certain conditions as well as your personal preferences. What is the length of your yak? Will therod clear the bow even while it is flexed into the midsection? An 8 footer will do that in a 12 foot kayak but may not in a 16 footer. You did not say what you are fishing for. The power of a large strong fish like a Striped Bass will wear yo down more if he is applying force to you with the leverage of a 10 foot rod as poppesed to a 9 foot rod. If you are fishing for Brook Trout in small water your prey obvilusly permits you greater leeway. The prevailing wisdom among the many Kayakers whose input I read on an excellent web site dedicated to the sport of kayak fishing supports the use of 9 foot fly rods for the larger fish. I encourage you to be as specific as possible about both your kayak and your type of fishing. These details will help even the most knowledgable kayak fisherman to provide the best solution to your questions.

I highly recommend the following site for all topics relating to the great sport of kayak fishing. Among the many their list of Forums is one dedicated to Fly Fishing from kayaks.

Tight lines,
Dave

www.kfs.com
or
www.kayakfishingstuff.com