Originally Posted by
Circus
Getting back to the original question about 5-weight rods.
I reckon 80% of 5-weight rods are sold to people who fish less than 20 days per year.
Shop owners give advice to those who need it: Andre doesn't want advice, but Billy-Bob is confused.
The 9’ #5 that the shop owner sells Billy will handle still-water trout, vaal yellows and isn’t a disaster for 1 day a year of river trout.
It will cast further/easier than a #4, but won’t tire him out like a #6 (he’s unfit and his casting is iffy). So Billy feels happy and will enjoy the sport more which creates repeat business.
Then, smart shop owners start threads to encourage more sophisticated anglers to get more specialised tools. :p