Just wondering what length/weight/brand rod you guys like for largemouth bass? Thanks very much.

Anywhere form 3 to 8. I know that sounds like a cop-out answer but there are all kinds of bass fishing. Safest is an eight, can be a bit of overkill at times but covers all bases.

I know what you mean about the ranges. I currently use an 8.5', 5 wt.(for sunfish), but would like something a little bigger for bass, maybe a 9' 7 or 8 wt.

if you plan on casting big bugs and poppers go with an 8wt, it can double as a redfish rod on the coast

i like to use a 6wt. works great.

Bwah hah hah, (arch laugh) Guess you'll have to get one or more of each like I did. Come over to the Dark Side Jedi

Seriously though, look at what size flies you'll be fishing mostly as well as where (high winds, heavycover).

Kinda depends on your fishing environment and your own "happies". Heavy cover like stumps, trees, rocks and even floating vegitation calls for heavier equipment like an 8wt.
Big flies need a heavier rod. Heavier, longer rods also help any fly punch thru this Texas wind as well. Sometimes carp and catfish don't read the "Bass Only" sign on my offerings.

Bottom line is what makes you happy. My personal hawg waller is a 9.5 ft Lefty Kreh Pro model Temple Fork. $159 and outcasts most other big name sticks.

I have a 5 weight. It is okay for smaller bass, but not for a good sized one at any means. I think this is great for trout, and panfish. But if I were gonna target largemouth, I would go with a seven or eight weight. Eight if you are gonna use it just for largemouth.

I have a 9' - 6/7wt which I've found will handle large, bulky flies and BIG bass.

Things are looking up around here Cliff is back!

Hey Cliff,
great to see you are back!

In a few months I'm gonna have to get a bigger weight fly rod myself. I bought a five weight thinking it was gonna be my only fly rod. Well now it seems the rod won't cast bass bugs, which really doesn't make me happy. I am torn between getting a 7wt or an 8wt. I am a 48 year old woman and I don't know if a 8 wt would be too much for me, with a large reel attached to it. I have arthritis in my hands and find a roll cast hard on my shoulder. I think for most conditions my five weight is plenty. BUT, if I am targeting LMB or Pickerel....I need more toughness in a rod. So what do you people with much more experience think about this?

i really like casting jansen minnows and clousers to schoolies and and 7 wt rod with 8 wt line works great for long distances. just my .$02

Kelly

I hope someone else chimes in here - I have an idea that a two-handed rod might work well for casters with arthritic or otherwise damaged joints or muscles. All the extra leverage could make it far easier to cast.

Also look at these Lefty Kreh videos:

video 1

video 2

video 3

Thank you for the replies. I do not know what a jansen minnow is, I will have to look that up. I can cast a small clouser, but not the big bass bugs with my rod. Robin, I have thought of that too, until I took a look at the price....they are very expensive. Mainly my left thumb is the worst part of the hand issue. When I get tired, I will just switch to another kind of fishing, or take a break. Roll casting is the only thing that seems to bother my shoulder. So I am going to work on other casts, and see how I do at them. My main problem is getting the longer cast I need. I will take a look at the videos you mentioned. Thanks guys.