Hi all. I was speaking to some local rod builders about fly rods for bass.

One recommended an eight foot, and said the shorter length made the rod more accurate and also easier to handle over a long day of casting - lots of quick casts to cover in comparison to say nymph fishing for trout. He also felt that the shorter length made it easier to control/twitch streamers and top waters when the rod tip is facing downwards. He recommended an eight foot six weight for smallmouth in smaller rivers and streams

The second fellow said a nine foot was fine, and that the advantages of a shorter rod were overrated, and more of a marketing tool for specific bass models of fly rod blanks (although he did admit that a rod has to be under a certain length to use in a professional bass tournament). He recommended a nine foot seven weight for the same conditions because it would cast bigger flies than the six weight.

So from those who have built bass fly rods, do you see any real difference between a 8 foot or 9 foot blank as per the positions put forward by these two gentlemen?

This will likely only muddy the waters for you, but I like a 8'6". That seems to offer the best of all worlds, for me, anyway.

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

we have a lot of smallmouth rivers near me with many of the sections designated as "Flies only". My go to rod, and I've built several for others in the area is an 8 1/2' 6 wt. It's not the most common length/weight blank. I've built all the ones I've done on Batson blanks.

they will both work for you, I think you are picking hairs as I see it, it is a personal decision as to what one you want,
5 , 6, or 7 wt will do the job just fine, my 2 CT's worth .

William Sidney
AK

There are quite many 8'6" fiberglass fly rod blanks that are 6 or 7 weight range. I am in the process of building a vintage Sceptre rod that is 8'6" that has a progressive taper that can handle several line weights .

If you have a fishing store near you Go and try the fly rods
See which FEELS right to you Heavy and large bass flys you should be better with a 7 wt

Bill - willierods.com

Put me down for a 8.5 foot 6 weight. Todays 6 weights are yesterdays 7 and 8 weights and will get the job done.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Tom

My vote goes to a 9' 7weight. My thinking for largemouth bass (don't know from smallies) in favor of a 7 weight is: easier to cast the big, heavy and wind resistant things bass love to eat;
easier to cast sinking lines when you've got to get down to where the fish are, and; easier to horse the bass out of the cover they love. Never engage a bass in a fair fight - you'll likely as not lose.

Go to a fishing shop before you get more CONFUSED ?? LOL

Bill - willierods.com

I like the shorter rods too - I'd go 8'0" to 8'6". Balance nice, shoot shorter to mid range casts well. Bass is usually about accuracy, not distance - actually I see most fly fishing that way.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

It really comes down to personal preference, all my Graphite bass rods are 9ft, my Fiberglass, 8ft 6in. I do find myself reaching for the glass more often nowadays, I just like that deeper load and more elegant loop you get with glass, and how they bend when a small mouth tanks a streamer.

Thanks for all of the input.

I see the point of trying out a rod first, only thing is that my local fly shops have limited bass gear now - mainly trout and steelhead - until the spring.

I think I am going to try either an 8 or 8.5. Most of my rods have been 9 foot or longer so it would be a nice change.

One last question, for those who fly fish for bass, do you use the specific bass taper line?

I really like the Bass tapers - yes. I actually like them for other fishing too.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!