Fly Rods Fly Line

[bigredbirdfan]

I haven't fished a fly rod in some time. I know I need new line on my rod and reel. I have also inherited my dad's older rod and reel when he passed away which might have the original floating line on it. I desire to have one set up for floating line and one set up for sinking line. They are as follows and any recommendations or thoughts are appreciated:

My Rod: Cortland 8'6" recommended line 5-6

Dad's Rod: Shakesphere 8'6" recommended line 8

I know dad used his to bass fish on streams and I know he took it fishing in Mexico. Very stout rod.

BRBF

[jjtroutbum]

Just a suggestion but go to a fly shop and try several different "lot lines" on each and possibly buy a a sinker and floater for both. Even if it means picking up a couple of extra reels or spools. The reason behind this is that both rods are different animals and while 5/6 could be used for much of the 8s duties the eight will do other things better than the lighter rod. Such as cast giant poppers and bass flies.

Variety is a spice of life after all.

I still want a 8wt and maybe a one or two weight also.

[zsmith62]

Go with a six weight line on the 5/6, it is typically better to go with the heavier of the two weights. It'll make your rod load better.

[brittsnbirds]

Rio Grand Max is an overweighted line as is SA GPS. They both rate them at 1/2 weight over the rod size. I use both on my 5wt Cabelas and 5wt Sage. In fact Sage recommends the Rio Max but that might just be a marketing thing. I will attest that is makes a difference. Next time I will go with the Rio as it shoots a little smoother. Hmm maybe it is the Sage that makes it smoother.

My thoughts

Pat

[bigredbirdfan]

My uncle swears by fishing line one size higher than the rod recommendations. Is he incorrect?

[3wt]

The only real absolute in fly fishing is that...well, there are none...except that if you buy something with the name RIO on it, you will love it.

It really depends on the rod, and your casting style, and what you want to do with it most of the time. If you have a good fly shop near, see if they can slap a real with some 5 and then a reel with some 6 on it, and cast both. I don't know much about the rod itself, but as a cortland, it's probably not a super fast rod, so you shouldn't NEED to over weight it to get a normal cast. If you go with a RIO Grand in a 5, the ~1/2 size weighting should make it cast pretty nicely. But then you get to kiss $60 goodbye...but it's the best on the market in my limited opinion.

There are practically churches of thought around here on whether you should have slow vs. fast action and how to appropriatley select a line with the right taper, weight ect to do the best job.