rod length

[dpammenter]

hi all,

now this is particularly aimed at the lads that are into the CZN and SLN. there's been mention of a 10' rod being better than a 9' rod. apparently it makes a difference. personally, i have no idea because i only have a 9' rod. but i came across 11' rods

would this not be even better than the 10' versions? or is this now starting to get a little rediculous?

[dizzy]

Hey Dev

From what I've been told, the only reason a 10' rod is better, is cos it allows for a longer 'drift'.
So it really is only beneficial then for those who CZN or Mono Nymph!
I have the TFO 10' 6wt and find it a little heavy for use on smaller rivers and dams.
The only benefit I get out of using it on dams is that it is higher than the grass behind me and I get less snags.
On some rivers, the 10' or extra length would definetly help, others like the Sabie you really want something shorter like a 6'6.

My opinion!

[Scythe]

A longer rod won't make you better at CZN than a shorter rod, however that extra foot is awesome when CZN on THE VAAL.

A longer rod in confined conditions sucks bigtime, some guys say casting a long line with a shorter rod is easier at say places like Sterkfontein, I don't know, my 10' 5WT TFO is such a pleasure to cast when it comes to tiny dries on +15' leaders and it has enough oomph to lob triple 4mm Tungsten Bead Control flies without a hassle.

[dpammenter]

i know next to nothing about CZN or SLN, but wouldn't these techniques generally call for a slightly longer rod? i can understand why a shorter rod would be ideal for those smaller, overgrown streams. there you'd spend your day fighting with a longer rod. but for use on the Vaal in particular, would an 11' rod have any major advantage over a 10' or even 9' rod?

or let's put it this way - you're looking at getting yourself a new 5wt outfit to fish for SM Yellows, mainly (90%+) on the Vaal. you get a 9', 10' and 11' rod put in front of you. which would you look at first?

[harry]

I am most certainly not an expert, but it appears that 10' is the 'standard' for CZN and SLN and yes, it allows you to cover more water and get your flies to the right depth with less weight on the flies. This should allow for a more natural drift, I think.

Modern graphites and layup methods should make 11' rods entirely feasible, provided that such a rod be balanced to make it slightly tip-light, as they do with modern spey rods. This can easily be achieved with a short weighted fighting butt (or by using rubberised cork). Yes, I know that the mass weight of the rod will be heavier, but we should be more concerned with swing weight.

For myself, I would love one of those 10'6" 4/5 wt switch rods. I reckon it will be a weapon of note.

[dizzy]

i know next to nothing about CZN or SLN, but wouldn't these techniques generally call for a slightly longer rod? i can understand why a shorter rod would be ideal for those smaller, overgrown streams. there you'd spend your day fighting with a longer rod. but for use on the Vaal in particular, would an 11' rod have any major advantage over a 10' or even 9' rod?

or let's put it this way - you're looking at getting yourself a new 5wt outfit to fish for SM Yellows, mainly (90%+) on the Vaal. you get a 9', 10' and 11' rod put in front of you. which would you look at first?

You can get upto a 14' rod as far as I know.
TJB has an 11' and a 13' I think.
Now, if you're not 'competitive' these are OK, but I think when it comes to comps, only certain lengths are allowed.
Check the FIPS-Mouche site!

Like I said, with CZN / SLN you're not really casting as much as in other circumstances, so your rod is longer for more distance, allowing a longer drift. This allows your flies to be in the 'zone' for longer. The result is a better opportunity at inducing a 'take'

Again, as I mentioned before, this is only my opinion and others may see it differently.

[ebf]

howzit devlin, interesting thread. Darryl and I were talking about about 10 and even 11 ft rods i.t.o. drift boat / tubing over the weekend

some comments from the peanut gallery

pro's of longer rods:
- longer reach on rivers when high-sticking, some guys prefer using 8'6 or 9ft 2/3 weight rods for WC river fishing rather than the traditional 7'6ft
- longer reach when CZNing (although a different technique, you are also not casting line, but manipulating/lobbing leader/mono)
- for float tubing allows you to arialise (is this a word, hehe ?) more line, you can keep more line above the water with a longer rod, important coz you are sitting so much closer to the water
- i am not sure about this, but logic says you should be able to cast a little futher with a longer rod (bigger lever)

con's of longer rods:
- section length constraints for travel
- danger of breaking the tip when landing fish, especially on a tube, but there are ways to minimize this

[dizzy]

con's of longer rods:
- section length constraints for travel

This is not much of a worry nowadays.
They are mostly all 4 piece, and can sto - away relatively easily under, say, a car seat, or in the boot.
I never have any hassles with my TFO in this regard.

[dpammenter]

You can get upto a 14' rod as far as I know.

does it come in 15 sections?

Like I said, with CZN / SLN you're not really casting as much as in other circumstances, so your rod is longer for more distance, allowing a longer drift. This allows your flies to be in the 'zone' for longer. The result is a better opportunity at inducing a 'take'

my logic (or what's left of it) tells me these are valid comments. it makes sense

i'm not sure if i'd be able to cast further with a longer rod - i don't own one - but maybe some of the guys who do can comment there?

ebf, i can also see why a longer rod could be an advantage on a tube/boat, but i haven't had any experience in this regard either


thanks for the comments guys. appreciate it

[FishWhisperer]

Devlin, Im looking to build a 10' 5# soon. If your looking around please let me know what you find. I'll do the same if your interested.