I'm wanting to get a setup just for Bluegills. What weight would you all recommend for bluegill fishing? I've done some reading and the UL fly fishing searches are from 000wt through 4wt setups. This will be my first fly rod and I'm leaning towards a 3wt but not set on that and not sure of a good length for bluegill fly fishing. Thanks for any advice.

Personally I would stick with 4 or 5 weight since this is your first fly rod. I just bought a 3 wt after been using a 5 wt and 8 wt. I think you will get frustrated with a 3 wt any slight gust and your fly is all over the place. I only take my 3 at in wind protected areas or days with very slight to no wind


I would stick with 9ft length till you get better at casting then you can go with a shorter rod later

I am on the same page as txbassnewbie. The three weight is perfect and awesome for bluegill; actually the lower weights are even better. But if you are learning to fly fish then a five or six would be a preferable start. Now that does not mean that you can't learn on a three, it just might be a easier transition.

if you are already a fly angler then by all means, go three. And a nine footer gives several advantages such as in line mending etc.

I picked up a Cabelas CGR 6'6" fiberglass 4wt when they were on sale for $70 a couple months ago and can't get enough of it for panfishing. It handles more like a 3wt (or less, it's tiny).

I agree with txbassnewbie as well, for your first fly rod, best to get a 9 foot 5 weight. It's gonna have the best all around practical use. You won't be too over gunned when fishing for bluegill, plus you can still use it for bass fishing at your local pond, and if you ever planned on going trout fishing you'd already be set up.

All that being said, I picked up a 7.5 foot 3 weight redington classic trout for high country fishing in Colorado, and it's been a blast to use when fishing for bluegill. I've even caught a couple decent size channel cats on it, as well about a 3 lb largemouth one day. It's super accurate and I also haven't really had any problems throwing it into the wind. I almost feel like it performs better in the wind than some of my heavier rods do.

I've not much of a fly fishing "purist." I only have two fly rods. One is an 8 wt and the other is a 5 wt. I've caught a BUNCH of panfish with my 5wt. I've considered getting a 2 or 3 wt but haven't really felt the need just yet.

Thanks for the advice. I would be using this setup in creeks and streams for bluegill only but I know I'd hook up with bass as well. I'm not worried about land bass but I know you can with the lighter rods.

i'll go against the grain and say go with a 3wt in the 7.5' to 8.5' range. if your fishing small creeks, the majority of the time you generally will be looking at 15-25' cast which can easily be attainable by a novice caster after a casting lesson or two. a three weight is my go to rod for gills and small water. if you wanted to fish more for a mixed bag, gills, bass trout, ect. then i would say go with a 5wt but the 3wt weight will be the most fun for gills and still has plenty of backbone to land some decent size bass.

3 wt would be ideal for the fishing you described. I use a 3 wt exclusively for 'gills and when the occasional bass interrupts it just makes for an interesting diversion.

It isn't a general purpose rod like a 5 wt would be, but for sunnies, it's the rod of choice.

I agree with a 3wt.

I have both a 5wt and 3wt and I use the 3wt for panfish and its a blast. You really feel the fish and its just so compact (7.5ft) and fun. The 5wt just bullies the panfish around and imo it is not that fun. Now if you get a monster bluegill or a nice bass the 3wt will struggle but you just gotta fish em (more fun).

If you do get the 3 wt, just be prepared that wind, heavily weighted flies, and fluffy flies will be a challenge you will have to persevere thru. Good news is, once you have learned how to make it work on an ultra light, the rest of the weights will be easier.

Kirk

I say go with your gut. But, understand that it comes with limitations and is not the best rod for handling anything over and above bluegill. So, you will still probably want to spend money on another heavier rod in the future.

for bluegills a 3 or 4 weight fiberglass is the ticket! Even a small 6 0r 7 inch gill will put a big bend in the rod and a smile on your face. I've got several.-p-

I recommend taking a look at Pearow's offerings. Great rods, great prices, and Gene won't take advantage of you.
I have 2 rods I bought from him. A built to order 2 wt graphite and a Wright and McGill 7 wt 'glass.
I look there first when I want a rod.
Not sure how current the list is, but you can PM him with what you want and he will tell you if he has it.

Kirk

Agreed that learning to cast a fly is probably easier with a 5 weight. That said learning on a 2 or 3 weight is ok with a little instruction. I personally love a two weight my go to is the TFO 8 foot Professional. My favorite past time is catching Blue Gill.