I'm looking for a rod blank that will cast a decent dry fly and can be used to fish nymphs sizes 14 to 20. Would you say the Rainshadow RX7, 4 or 5 WT. would fit those requirements? I'm thinking it would, but opinions are always appreciated.
Thanks

What distance are you thinking of casting, the 8 & 8'6" 4 wt are great for short to intermediate casts, but I would go with the 9' 4 or 5 wt for more distance. I am actually partial to lighter wt rods than most people also, so for me it would be the 9' in a 3 or 4 wt

Ron Weber

Depending on the CCS numbers of the blank a 3 wt line should cast farther then the 4

Bill - willierods.com

Bruce,
A 4 weight will easily handle the size ranges you've dictated.
In windy conditions a 5 weight will help cut thru the wind.
Depending on the casting abiilty of the angler anything from a 3 up will work.

Eugene Moore

Bruce,
Some other things to consider would be size of the fish being targeted and wind conditions. In most situations, a 4 or 5 wt is fine for most average-sized trout, with a 2 or 3 wt being good for little brookies. If I was going after bigger trout (4 or 5 pounders), on a windy lake, I'd step up to a 6 wt. As with so many other types of fishing, there is no single rod that will do everything well. I would say that as a good, all-around compromise for general purpose freshwater trout fishing, a 9' 5wt would serve you well. If you're fishing out of a float tube or belly boat, see if you can find a 10' blank. Batson's Rainshadow RX7 is a fine blank, especially for the money.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

I like Ron's suggestion best for your application, as it looks like your out east. Have a Sage 389 SPL that is a favorite of mine, just about anywhere I can get away with.

Hi. I'm speaking of 10 to 15 inch trout on medium size streams. I guess what I need is a rod that will cast dries about 30 feet and will handle highstick nymphing.
Thanks,
Bruce

9 feet (for the nymphing=less and easier mending) 3 or 4 weight--in other words, Ron's suggestion, 3X...

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO