3 wt question/advice needed.

[acniemeyer]

Newer to the forums and to fly fishing for the most part... This summer I was "infected" with trout fever, set my spinning gear off to the side, and have been busy soaking in as much as possible.. Wish I would have discovered fly fishing sooner.

My question for you guys is that I have been looking at picking up a 3 wt to add to the arsenal.

I love the Orvis SFT but not sure whether to go with the 663-4 or 763-4 ( I've cast both in a parking lot)

Advice, help, suggestions? This rod will be used mostly in the drift less area in WI and also in northern WI/MI. I have a 905-4 st croix now that has been great.

 

[williamhj]

Personally I'd get the longer rod. I like my short, light rods but find getting one over 7' is more versatile than something in the 6' range. My 3wt is 7' 9". It helps me reach out a bit further for a drag free drift, keeps the line a bit higher on the back-cast which helps keep it out of grass, etc. Short rods might help keep line under overhanging trees, but I prefer the longer.

 

[MoscaPescador]

Personally I'd get the longer rod. I like my short, light rods but find getting one over 7' is more versatile than something in the 6' range. My 3wt is 7' 9". It helps me reach out a bit further for a drag free drift, keeps the line a bit higher on the back-cast which helps keep it out of grass, etc. Short rods might help keep line under overhanging trees, but I prefer the longer.

:thmbup: What he said.

 

[plecain]

On the 3 wt, I'd go for the longer one, too.

If you ever go for a 1 wt or 2 wt, I'd go for a shorter rod.

 

[cowpokey]

I'd also go with the longer rod. My 3wt is 7' 9". I've got a couple 2wt rods, one that's 6' 6" (SFT) and one that's 7' 3" (TFO Finesse)...I prefer the extra length if there's room to swing it.

 

[almonde]

I have the 3wt 7'6" SFT. Its a great rod, i love mine. I think >7' is more versatile rod. Below that becomes a bit of a specialised beast

 

[fishiowa]

Another vote for the longer rod. I fish the Driftless area and never fish (don't own) anything shorter than 7'6". No problems.

 

[troutnut4]

Personally I'd get the longer rod. I like my short, light rods but find getting one over 7' is more versatile than something in the 6' range. My 3wt is 7' 9". It helps me reach out a bit further for a drag free drift, keeps the line a bit higher on the back-cast which helps keep it out of grass, etc. Short rods might help keep line under overhanging trees, but I prefer the longer.

I have to agree with William. I fish a 763-4 ZXL with a Hardy Featherweight, lined with a Rio Grand and just love this combo for brooks and small to medium rivers. Not so great for me on windy days, but then I go back in the closet for something a little heavier. The benefit of being a gear junkie!! Once you have been bitten by the bug...your addicted. Enjoy.

 

[jaybo41]

If you're enamored with the Superfine, you might also consider the 386. I fish in some of the areas you mentioned and don't fish anything shorter. The longer rod will help when the stream side grass gets tall and you need to reach.

 

[caberguy]

From my fairly limited experience, I've found that on small streams I prefer a shorter rod when I'm wading, and a longer rod when I'm fishing from the bank. When I'm in the water I like my shorter more maneuverable rod for doing little roll casts and to help keep me from getting caught up in the weedy banks. On the bank I find my 9 footer helps me keep clear of the tall weeds better.

Most of the fishing I've done in the driftless has been from the bank at this point, because most of the stream bottoms that I've been on are just so darn silty and mucky.

 

[acniemeyer]

Thank you for the advice fellas, After sleeping on it I do think the 763 would be the way to go.

@jaybo41:not so enamored with the superfine, just can get a good deal rod/reel(cfo) combo for under 500 new. I've also been toying with the idea of picking up a sage/abel (trout/creek) instead at my local shop.. Luckly I have a sweet fly shop (chicago fly fishing outfitters) not too far from me that have been awesome.


decisions...decisions... I can thank my cousin for getting me addicted.. took me out to western wi, spent about 12 hours wet wading a few streams/creeks.. good times.

 

[jaybo41]

Absolutely, go to Chifly. Those guys will take care of you and steer you in the right direction.

 

[thenewlushlife]

yes the 7'6" is easily the right choice, once you go below that length, your left with very little line control on the drift, to be honest if I were you I would get the 8 or 8 1/2 footer. You will have better line control, longer casting ability, and will still be able to fish the tightest qaurters. When roll casts and single hand spey techniques eventually enter the eqaution nothing wil stop you. My vote is for the 8' 3 weight SPT. Either way good luck and enjoy the rod I just fished my 8' 4 weight 2 nights ago and caught a bunch of beautiful fish and enjoyed some crazy fights. If you learn to cast this rod properly as a beginner you will be able to cast anything, this rod is good at exposing angler's casting errors. Have fun

 

[russellb]

I have a 7'6 3wt and a couple 9' 3wts and when able I will go for the longer choice. The 7'6 is great for tight quarters and even on the tightest stretches I have never wished it to be shorter.