Long rods, short rods, crisp rods, slow rods etc and your style of fishing.

**smallstreams.co.za** · 25-07-16

Originally Posted by Korrie

OK, another interesting point on the fast/stiff/softer setup.
Which will be better for the Vaal and SM.
a fast/stiff #5 10" or a softer/medium action #6 10" rod?

I would guess most Vaal anglers use stiffer rods to lob the immensely heavy flies? I prefer softer rods overall, so my opinion would be very biased, and given that my Vaal experience is extremely limited, I also cannot say.

**Korrie** · 25-07-16

Originally Posted by smallstreams.co.za

I would guess most Vaal anglers use stiffer rods to lob the immensely heavy flies? I prefer softer rods overall, so my opinion would be very biased, and given that my Vaal experience is extremely limited, I also cannot say.

Would the softer #6 not be as stiff as the #5?
Would you not be able to "pull a bigger fish" with the #6 if tippet breaking strain was not a problem

**dollar** · 25-07-16

Originally Posted by Korrie

OK, another interesting point on the fast/stiff/softer setup.
Which will be better for the Vaal and SM.
a fast/stiff #5 10" or a softer/medium action #6 10" rod?

tuff one, almost a trick question, because i fish thin diameter leaders i would pick the #6 soft med action rod. i found #5 fast rod busted most 0.14 to 0.16 tippets, the 0.18 tippet lasted most times on the stiff stuff

**Korrie** · 25-07-16

Another trick question.
If you know you where fishing for trophy SM fish.
Which rod would you choose to go with the thin tippet, because the thicker tippet spooks/scares the fish?
the softer #6 or the stiffer #5?

**Circus** · 25-07-16

Is it a reasonable assumption that in the hands of an average (non-professional) fly fisherman, the softer, slower rod will likely be more accurate?

**dollar** · 25-07-16

i always try for trophy fish, the thinner tippet gives me better drift with more natural (if i may say - lighter flies) than thick tippet like most vaalies use (0.2 + dia), if the #6 soft gave me the absortion better, it would be my choice.

**Korrie** · 25-07-16

Originally Posted by Circus

Is it a reasonable assumption that in the hands of an average (non-professional) fly fisherman, the softer, slower rod will likely be more accurate?

Would the softer #6 even in an experienced fly fisher's hand not be better to absorb and protect the thin tippet?

**dollar** · 25-07-16

question, which would you choose, a #6 soft or #5 stiff, while fighting a fish to land or at your feet?

**Stephen Louw** · 25-07-16

Originally Posted by Korrie

Another trick question.
If you know you where fishing for trophy SM fish.
Which rod would you choose to go with the thin tippet, because the thicker tippet spooks/scares the fish?
the softer #6 or the stiffer #5?

Softer 6, better both in terms of being able to use thinner tippet and general rod strength.