Can someone give a very brief explanation on the meaning of the numbers for fly rods, #5, #2 etc. I have also seen some with a #24, and what would be a correct weight for catching trout in the 2 to 5 lb range. Thank you gentlemen.

Kevin,

The number associated with fly rod is the weight of line the rod can cast effectively. In essence it is a measure of the power of the rod. The AFTMA is an organization that sets the criteria. In olden days the line ratings were based on the diameter of the line. Today the line number is based on the weight of the first thirty feet of the line. The AFTMA sets up a scale for each line number. For example a rod designated a 5 Wt requires the first thirty feet of a line must weigh between 134-146 grains.

Of course you can see that if you used a #7 fly lie you could still cast the rod, but you would need less than thirty feet to get enough weight to load the rod. If you used a lighter weight line, you would need more than thirty feet to properly load the rod.

If you look at the left hand side of this web site, you will find articles y Dr. Hanneman who has written a series of articles called the Common Sense System (AKA CCS). This system allows you to determine the relative power of one rod from another and to determine the line weight necessary to load a fly rod. Many of the rod builders who frequent this forum utilize the CCS system.

In terms of what rod you need for seeking after 2 to 5 pound trout, in my opinion you need to determine what kind of flies you intend to cast. If you are casting large wind resistant flies tied on a 4/0 hook and making long casts, you will need a powerful rod—perhaps an 8 to 10 weight rod. If you are going to make short casts with a fly tied on a #28 hook (about the size of a gnat), you can easily get by with a #1 weight rod. The weight of the prey you can land will be determined by your fishing prowess and the quality of the drag on your reel.

Mike Blomme

The number on the rod is not an AFTMA rating. The AFTMA ratings are for fly lines, only, and are based on the weight of the first 30 feet of the line.

The number you see on the rod is an arbitrary rating based solely upon the subjective opinion of the designer as to which line he would use on that rod for the distance he intends it to be fished.

Any fly rod will cast any fly line, at some distance.

What type streams, rivers or lakes will you be fishing? The environment where you plan to seek these fish will have the main say in what rod you should select.

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I will be fishing in small shallow bays and lakes in the Louisiana marshland. I will most likely be tossing a lure with some size to them, but this will be in the future. I'm Attending a fly fishing class shortly. The next rod I make for myself will be a spinning rod with a bamboo blank or older bamboo fly rod that I will strip and start from scratch. I'm just trying to figure out what kind of blank I need for my rod. I usually use a St. Croix med/light blank for my rods, so I need a bamboo blank that is similar.

If you're using a lure, you won't be using a fly rod. Fly rods are generally used for casting flies on the end of a fly line. I'll assume you're using that word "lure" interchangeably with "fly."

If you were to tell me that you planned on fishing a fly for these fish, in saltwater , for fish of that size, I would most likely steer you towards a fly rod in the general area of a number 7.

When you say that you have seen some numbered 24, I imagine what you've seen is the hook size of a fly, not the number on the rod.

Scientific Anglers used to publish a magazine called "Fly Fishing Made Easy." I think they still publish these yearly. Get a copy. Before you buy a blank, do a little more research on the basics of fly fishing. I think that once you have a better grasp of the tackle and technique, you'll be able to make a better buying decision.

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Thank you Tom, I'm in no hurry. Yes I did mean fly. There is a growing trend for fly fishing in the shallows for Redfish. I have a couple books on order, and along with this site I should be able to put together a very nice bamboo rod. I will not be buying a blank for a couple months or so, unless someone can tell me exactly what I need for my type of fishing.

For shallow water fishing for either Trout or Redfish under 10lbs, a 7-weight rod would be something to look at.

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