Okay, You're right - I'm sorry for getting carried away. I'll tone it down.
I understand the concept of backbone of a rod when handling big fish and to
try to carry my point to the nth degree is certainly wrong. I should have
been more specific. The discussion was about steelheading, specifically on
the Deschutes. While it's possible to catch steelhead in the teens there I
would say the average is under ten pounds. For this size fish a 4 wt rod
can work (I'm not saying that would necessarily be my choice.) And, yes, a
4 wt rod will absorb shock better the same model 8 or 9 weight.
Let me give you an example. Watching ESPN's Fly Fishing America this year
one trip was to the Western Colorado near Carbondale. Here, on the Frying
Pan River it is common to site fish to large trout that run to 4 to 8 or 9
pounds using a Mysis shrimp pattern on 5x fluorocarbon. In this situation
many of the guides specifically use a 4 wt because a heavier rod won't
absorb enough shock to catch these fish on flimsy 5x fluorocarbon. The
guide on this segment of the show specifically pointed this out and the
show's host caught the biggest trout of his life this way. Now you might
say that this is simply not heavy enough gear to go after this size fish
because you won't have the power necessary to get the fish in quickly enough
to avoid exhausting them. If you are trying to land the fish by yourself
this could be the case but with a person to help net the fish the story
changes.
When I saw Chuck's harsh criticism of a master steelhead fisherman I must
say my feathers became a bit ruffled. I should have applied the "wait a day
before posting" rule for when your blood pressure gets the best of you. I
apologize to the list for using gear that was too heavy.
Keith
-----Original Message-----
From: Justin Teegarden [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2000 12:34 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: 6wt two hander
Keith...Please don't flame...keep it to an admirable discussion.
I still can't agree with your first paragraph here. show me a good shock
absorbing "true" 4 wt. and I'll believe you. I also believe a heavier weight
can and should be used to catch larger fish. If not lets all use 9ft 3 wt.
to go after chinook. As long as they are good "shock absorbers" it's ok? I
think you are referring to the spine of the rod. To handle large fish you
have to have heavier spine, and better hook setting ablity, hence heavier
rods. So to say the only advantage to heavier rods is to cast farther and
to help you get through the wind is not exactly true.
I'm sure we've all seen someone break a rod or two on a large fish. I know
I have. It's pretty common to see this happen on the Kalama when the Fall
Coho are running. And those are broke on 8-12lbs.
Justin
