Fish For Life 0 Report post Posted May 16, 2014 What happens when you have a wrong sized fly line with a fly rod. Lets use two examples; a 10wt line with a 7 wt rod, and a 5wt line with a 8wt rod. No real reason for this question, i was just curious. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSPAngler 0 Report post Posted May 16, 2014 Both will still work, just not at the optimum efficiency of how they were designed to. You might have to get 55ft of 5wt line out to get the 8 wt rod to load up just right, and only 20ft of the 10wt line on the 7wt (just guessing), but they'll both still cast. An 11wt line on a 2 wt might actually break the rod. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chase Creek 0 Report post Posted May 16, 2014 TSP's right. Rods are designed for a specific range of line weights, so if you venture outside that range, you're not going to get the rod to perform at it's best. Especially "underling" the rod, as in your examples. I often "overline" by using a 5wt line on a 3 or 4wt rod in order to get it to load quicker, with less line out when I'm on a small stream in cramped conditions. Again, not using the rod to it's full potential, but in this case to my advantage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted May 16, 2014 What happens when you have a wrong sized fly line with a fly rod. Lets use two examples; a 10wt line with a 7 wt rod, and a 5wt line with a 8wt rod. No real reason for this question, i was just curious. Thanks It might not be catastrophic ... but I do believe a heavier line on a light rod will generate some heat. If fact, I think this is the reason we have global warming, too many fly casters over lining their rods. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldtrout58 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2014 Walton Powell would rate his rod for up to three line sizes. a 10 weight line on a seven weight rod would be great for short casts. If you know that you will be fishing/casting short distances, you would be well served going up a line size, especially with today's fast rods. Some of my rods feel better to me with a heavier than rated line. Many line manufacturers create lines that are a half size heavier than their ratings for today's stiff rods. I wish they would just rate them in their proper weight, like 4.5, 5.5 etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkinnyPole 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2014 This might interest you. http://www.scientificanglers.com/plan-your-trip/fly-fishing-tips/how-choose-right-fly-line-weight-lefty-kreh Skinny Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
