Fly size vs. Rod wt.

[Matttrick]

Being a newbie to fly fishing I ask this question. I've learned that too large a fly and too light a rod means you cant turn it over and cast it very well. That being said, can you every have too much rod for too small a fly? Like for instance an 8wt rod with a tiny 18 size fly. Or is it just a matter of matching down your leader to an appropriately sized tippet or smaller mono?

Thanks,
Matt

[tie one on]

You are correct. You cannot throw let's say a large bass bug
with a 3wt rod. However, I have cast small flies ( 12-14 ) with
my 9wt rod. I've done this while sharing one of my other rods
with a friend.

You'll notice that if you hook a small trout your rod will not
flex too much & the fight will seem very one sided.

Try getting your hands on a lighter weight rod, then the fight
is balanced better.

Tie One On

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Matt,

You could have a problem with casting a 8wt when dry fly fishing in small rivers or streams. The larger diameter line will cause more disturbance when it lands on the water compared to a 3wt.

[BigCliff]

One other thing, you will need to fish 4x or lighter to impart proper action/lack thereof to a size 18 or smaller fly, and it would be very easy to break 4x or lighter with a 8 or 9 weight rod.