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8 Weight and 7/8 Weight Rods....What's the Differences Please? #11723089 07/14/16 11:31 PM
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MUHerd Offline OP
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Hey all,

I'm looking to get my first fly rod to try and chase some of these Carp that I see videos about. I also want to have the ability to fish for bass as well. I have been told that I need an 8 weight rod. I have been looking on Ebay and other retailers and sometimes I'll see rods that are listed as 8 weight and then I'll see some listed as 7/8 weight.

Can you all tell me the differences in these 2 rods and which one would be best for me to get? Keep in mind that I have never picked up and tried to cast a fly rod in my life. Both are often listed as having the same action, Medium Fast and made from the same materials IM6 or IM8. I do have LOTS of experience with regular bass and catfish fishing gear though.

Please help me if you can.

Thank you for your time and any help you can give me.

Larry

Re: 8 Weight and 7/8 Weight Rods....What's the Differences Please? [Re: MUHerd] #11723121 07/14/16 11:51 PM
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kodys'papa Offline
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The 7/8 means it can handle either size line.
Other than that, it is a matter of preference and feel.
I can't tell how a rod will cast just by wiggling it and without trying to cast it with line I would not know if I would like it or not...make sure you get a money back of you are not satisfied. I'd find a shop or friends and try out a few first...

Last edited by kodys'papa; 07/14/16 11:52 PM.

Hooking a fish is like playing string with a cat. The exact size, shape, color of string matters less than how you wiggle it- and little cats are easier to fool than big ones. John Gierach
Re: 8 Weight and 7/8 Weight Rods....What's the Differences Please? [Re: MUHerd] #11723236 07/15/16 01:02 AM
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karstopo Offline
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I think this is a good question. I have never heard of any independent ISO, UL, type of organization that rates rods on what weight they should be labelled( not that there should be). It seems to be up to the individual rod maker manufacturer to come up with the rating. I have a 6-8wt TFO Minimag. Yes, it's rated for 6-8 wt line. But my experience is that 8 wt line works well with this Rod. I have a 7/8 Cabelas CGR. I've tried it with 7 wt and 8 wt line and the 8 wt line works much better for me. It may be just how I cast and fish. One time, I accidently brought a 5 wt line, brought the wrong Rod , and used it with the 7/8 wt and had a blast fishing a small pond.

But I understand most, all, modern rods can handle line heavier than their rating and can be used with line lighter than their rating. It's very easy to tell a 5 wt from an 8 wt. or a 10 wt from an 8wt. I find it tougher to tell the difference between a 7 and an 8 by feel and weight. Some rods are just lighter weight than other rods rated the same.

Re: 8 Weight and 7/8 Weight Rods....What's the Differences Please? [Re: MUHerd] #11723264 07/15/16 01:15 AM
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pearow Offline
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fiberglass rods have a wider range of line preference; usually you can go down a size or up a size with fiberglass. Going up a size in graphite generally allows the rod to load with less line out. But, of course, the rods have to be accurately rated, which most are not, especially the less expensive rods-p-

Re: 8 Weight and 7/8 Weight Rods....What's the Differences Please? [Re: MUHerd] #11723313 07/15/16 01:41 AM
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karstopo Offline
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But as to what weight to use for what fish is up to you and the type of flies you plan on using. Or that's have far I have gotten working this stuff out. Big heavy flies are cast better with an 8wt vs a 5wt all other factors being equal. The same Rod, say a TFO BVK, in a 7wt and an 8wt, the 8wt will cast bigger flies better than the 7 and handle wind better, again all other factors being equal. But another 7wt might do better than some other rod makers 8.

You can dive into swing weights, fast through the spectrum towards slower action, tapers, lengths,(nothing written in stone a Rod should be 9 feet if it's an 8 wt) materials (graphite, fiberglass, bamboo, or some blend or exotic like boron) guides, butts, reel seats, finish. It can become overwhelming. I just go with what feels good and is fun to fish with and is the right price for me. I like short rods, 7'6" to 8' from a kayak or boat because you can cast them all day, lower swing weight, and they are just easier to manuever, fight and land a fish from a boat or kayak. But that just me. Others will have very valid and personal reasons for liking such and such set up.

Re: 8 Weight and 7/8 Weight Rods....What's the Differences Please? [Re: MUHerd] #11723887 07/15/16 12:23 PM
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rrhyne56 Offline
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Manufacturer to manufacturer, there is quite a bit of subjectivity in the area of rod weights. Well, not a whole lot, but a good deal.

I have found the Common Cents System to be useful in evaluating fly rods. In the end, there is no better test than test casting.


"have fun with this stuff"
in memory of Big Dale
RRhyne56, Flyfishing warden
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