heaviest line weight

[rayfound]

We have this phenomenon out West called "WIND." And when it presents itself on the water I happen to be fishing, I would rather keep on fishing, than pack up and leave, b/c my rod won't toss the line in to the wind. That being said, I fish rods from 1 wt. to 12 wt., depending on the fly/water size, as well as the possibility of wind. I use a variety of rods to match the type of water--from ephemeral streams I can step across, to the Ocean--in an assortment of conditions. Most the time I fish 4, 5 and 6 wts., and can handle most conditions in that size range. Most the conditions. I often bring two rods, a lighter one and a heavier one, just in case the conditions change weather-wise, or if I'm fishing new water and I just don't know what I'm getting in to. And I like 3-4 pc. rods, so I can pack and travel more easily with them. But I fish 2 pc. rods, too. And I like bamboo best. But, I fish carbon-fiber, too. And I like rods that catch bigger fish, as opposed to cursed rods that only catch small fish. But, I like small fish too... :crazy:

Zac, good call on the wind. I would be much more inclined to fish the 3wts vs the 00wt if I was in an open area where wind can be an issue. As it is, most of the streams I fish are in wooded canyons, so even if its a "Red Flag Warning" day in Southern California, it can be nice on stream.

[Zac Sexton]

Damn you and your non-windy fishing areas! :cry: ;)

[streamcaster1]

Heck, in the wind that comes down a San Gabriel canyon,(and that is definitely not a gale; matter of fact, it feels like a nice breeze) but it even blows a 5weight off course. Curse!

Peter

[Robert Bolton]

I'm with Ernest and Adam. It's all about kinetic energy. The fly line must have enough kinetic energy (just like in bullets) to deliver the size fly you are using to the distance you are casting. Bigger flys and longer distances require heavier lines. That being said, the rod must be up to the job of delivering the required energy to the line. Heavier lines and longer distances require stiffer rods. There are some articles on my website (www.HATofMichigan.org )about it you could read - or not. Many people prefer to just do it and not worry about the physics. And they usually cast just fine.

[adam]

I often fish in the wind, it helps with cover and concealment. My tenkara rods use "level lines" of around 17lb for fluorocarbon or mono the tippet to terminate. I work with the wind, curse it but it does not stop me. Wind is a part of the experience. I also enjoy any matrix of rod, again personal choices.

Spin fishing?

Lots of people would say that is the best choice, I would not argue that.

Fishing is what is important.