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Background

Possible Solutions

The Test Subjects

Test Results

Summary

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Possible Solutions

So what can you, the BTB fly-fisherman, do to compensate?

• If you fish by yourself, you should invest in long-handled nets, gaffs, or lipping devices to assist in handling the fish. Our collapsible net measures 48", which is just barely long enough to slide under a fish while holding a fly rod in the other hand. Our gaff and release sticks are actually 60" or 72" long.
  
  
• If you fish with a partner, keep the sides of the boat clear of snags, so that you can easily move to a position that facilitates landing the fish.
  
  
• You can also use shorter fly rods. Being able to reel the fish in another foot or so can make a world of difference.
  

Classic bluewater rod in action

What are your options for shorter rods?

A number of companies offer "bluewater" fly rods in the 8' or 8'6" length range. These rods are usually designed for 12 weight or heavier fly lines (usually more like 14 - 16 wt.), and are constructed of a mix of fiberglass and graphite. They are designed specifically for lifting heavy fish like billfish and big tuna, with casting a secondary concern.

Unfortunately, that's not BTB fly-fishing. We spend a fair amount of time casting to breaking fish, kelp paddies, or blind casting, and usually opt for rods in the 10wt - 12wt range. While lifting power is important, so is castability. Since most "bluewater" fly rods cast like modified pool cues, sticking with the normal 9' fly rod seemed more a matter of necessity than an option.

However, in the last few years, several companies have introduced short (8' or less) graphite rods, designed to cast heavier line weights (8 - 11 weight). Most are primarily designed to handle short range casting of bass bugs or streamers in tight areas, such as ponds or mangrove creeks. Some were introduced for the express purpose of competing in organized bass fishing tournaments, which often have an 8' limit on rod length.

Companies that offer these types of rods include Sage, Temple Fork, Scott and G. Loomis. All make graphite or glass/graphite rods in the 7'6" - 8' range, in line weights ranging from 8 wt up to 11 wt. Other than TFO's Mini Magnum, these rods are billed primarily as bass bugging or short range casting tools, not bluewater sticks.

Given our discussions so far, a natural question to ask would be: How would these types of rods perform in BTB salt water fly-fishing? They are short, so they would make landing fish easier. They are designed to cast fly lines in the weights that we need (8 - 11 wt). But would we wind up giving up too much distance? Would they be able to handle the heavy shooting heads we favor? Would they have the backbone needed to lift fish?

We obtained three rods for testing: a Sage BASS Series Specialty rod (Largemouth model), a Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) Mini Magnum, and a TFO TiCR X 7'6" 8 wt rod for testing. (We were unable to obtain a Scott Warmwater series rod, and did not find out about the G.Loomis 7'6" 8 wt until after the testing had concluded.) We used these rods last summer, in place or our usual 9' G. Loomis Cross-Currents, and came up with an interesting set of results.