Which line weight for a multi rated rod?

[Lasse Karlsson]

How rods are actually rated.
“Oh Dearrrrrrr,……does this line make my rod look soft ? “

And then you realise, its you who bend the rod, and you keep on fishin'

[RSalar]

AFFTA standard measures at 30 feet.
A 5 weight DT weighs more at 60 feet than a 5 weight WF at 60 feet which has a headlength of 45 feet, and a 5 weight shootinghead at 60 feet which is 30 feet long. Common sense one would think

Let's talk common sense.... From the OP: "Usage will be for a beginner fishing some local, smallish, still waters in UK. So basically needs to be easy to cast." I doubt 60 foot casts will be a regular occurance for this beginner on smallish water. And a short shooting head would probably not be easy to cast that distance.

But that's besides the point. Just because these various tapers weigh more or less at 60 yards doesn't mean the rod designer, when he/she specified 6,7,8 meant that the rod was meant to cast a 6SH, 7WF, and 6DT. That's just someones guess as to what those number mean. And I doubt it is correct because he could have specified 6SH, 7WF, or 6DT but didn't -- so you think he was trying to save on ink? Common sense would suggest that the rod designer meant 5, 6, or 7 wt fly line regardless of taper -- it's just a range of line weights. Try a line and see if you like it based on your casting style. Common sense one would think.

[VGB]

Try a line and see if you like it based on your casting style.

What’s “casting style” and how do you find a line to match it?

[Paul Arden]

Just because these various tapers weigh more or less at 60 yards doesn't mean the rod designer, when he/she specified 6,7,8 meant that the rod was meant to cast a 6SH, 7WF, and 6DT. That's just someones guess as to what those number mean.

Did you read Steve’s article?

[nicholasfmoore]

Hi Alan,

You could get the #5 or #6 barrio SLX, perfect for throwing weighted streamers, and performing roll casts down the bottom of Snipe etc. Not so good for dries, but then you would use a lighter outfit

All the best

[nicholasfmoore]

I doubt 60 foot casts will be a regular occurance for this beginner on smallish water. And a short shooting head would probably not be easy to cast that distance.

Hi Ron,

60' plus casts are often a necessity on small still waters, how short is short in regards to the shooting heads?

All the best

[VGB]

60' plus casts are often a necessity on small still waters

Usually about 15 minutes after opening time, after the 30 feet of water nearest the bank has been thrashed into a foamy mess . The SLX is a good shout. I had a beginner cast a #6 into a tree about 60 ft on his first time out. I distinctly remember saying “be careful of that tree on the opposite bank”, as I sloped off to pick up the bacon rolls. I looked back, having walked 50 yards, to see a big cheesy grin and the line dangling from about 40ft in the tree, he must have really hit it.

Regards

Vince

[Paul Arden]

Did you measure the line Alan? Length, head length (or DT), weight at 30’?

[alanj]

Hi, Sadly not managed to get back there yet - its the other side of the country.
I do have a #8 line for it and some dealers scales now, so all set when I get there.
Alan