I'm building a couple of 9ft st croix sciv flt rods (#5) both. I like rio gold for trout line doe's anyone know if they load ok with #5 or if it's better to move to a #6 line?

That depends on how much of either you're talking about. 30 feet of 5-weight line does not weigh the same as 60 feet of 5-weight line. Remember, the line weight is measured at 30 feet. If you'll take the CCS ERN power measurement of the blank, it will be a lot easier to figure out how much actual weight it will take to easily load the blank. From there you can determine what line would be best for the average range you'll be fishing.

....................

I was just wondering if any one was familiar with the stiffnes of scIV I don't know the line weght off hand, but thanks tom

The ERN will give you the "stiffness."

Keep in mind, that depending on the distance/amount of each, a 5 and a 6-weight line can weigh exactly the same, so it's not as easy as just wondering if a 5 or 6 will be best on those rods - guys will have to know what general range you'll be fishing at.

...................

Looking at the CC Data on the site in the upper left, it looks like your med fast action blank will fish great with a 5 wt. I'd use a 6 in close.

rio grand might be a good alternative, it's made half a size heavy.....

The last SCIV I had I like it better with the Cortland 6 Wt forward line. The blank loaded better to my liking.If you can try them both and see witch you like to your casting. The rod had single foot wire guides on it.

Bill - willierods.com

Again, recommending a line without stating the general casting range involved isn't really providing any information. If you find the rod works well with a 5-weight line at 50 to 80 feet and the guy is planning on using his rod at 20 to 40 feet, he is going to be disappointed when puts a 5-weight line on it.

................

That is a very good point! I have an older one and love it with a #6 line for close in fishing, but will switch to a #5 line for reaching out on larger waters.

If this is a customers rod you are going to have to explain that to him. This way he can try different lines to the way and distance he will be fishing.

Bill - willierods.com

What you're really looking for is the "sweet spot " of a particular blank.
This varies from caster to caster and from line to line , but can be determined.
Purchase several lines both above and below the target line. Expensive lines aren't necessary as these will be used on your casting yard to find the "sweet spot ".Serve a leader loop to all the lines.
Make up a 10 foot leader and tippet with a yarn fly to be attached to each line.
Set up a casting yard with targets at 30 and 50 feet. These will be used to verify line weight to blank action for casting ease. If you wish more or less targets do so but at least these 2. The 30 foot target will be the fly line at 20 feet fly line plus leader and tippet (short cast ) the 50 is for 40 foot fly line plus leader and tippet (longer cast). Mount a reel to the rod for balance but don't spool the fly line to it. Start with the fly line you expect to use and practice target casting note accuracy and ease of use. If the rod feels good and accuracy is satisfactory step down one line size and repeat casting. Does it feel better is accuracy improved ?? If the rod wants more load go up one line weight and try again. When accuracy is at it's peak for each target you've found the "sweet spot ". This assures the caster can get the most from his rod and skill level at his stroke technique. The caster may opt for longer or shorter casting distances but not at the expense of casting accuracy and ease. The best choice is easy to cast and accurate within the skill level of the caster. The object is to have the "sweet spot " centered in the casters target window allowing effortless casting with the best accuracy.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/01/2009 12:34PM by Eugene Moore.