all around trout rod

[Greg]

I've seen it stated in other posts that no one fly rod can do it all and that all fly rods are a compromise. I agree to a point. I do contend though that you can do pretty well with one all around fly rod for trout in MO. My favorite rod is 8 1/2 foot and a 5 wt. It casts #20 dry flies on 7X tippet as well as throwing #8 weighted streamers with little effort. It does both equally well and everything in between. I don't feel I give up much if anything on either end. It even handles a strike indicator, shot, and fly rig well when fishing during generation at Taneycomo.

I do have other fine rods both lighter and heavier. But I find myself using this rod at least 90 % of the time. I haven't come across a trout situation yet in MO that it did not excel at. I did try to cast a big deer hair popper to bass with it a couple of years ago. That convinced me I needed an 8 wt. But that was clearly out of a 5 wt's reach and that was for bass not trout.

I'm just curious if anyone else has a # of rods but still prefers general purpose trout rod for most of their fishing? If so what length and wt do you use?

Thanks,

Greg

[MTM]

Having guided and done a lot of fishing shows around the country I would have to say the all around rod would be a 9' #5 or #6 wgt. Those are the two best selling sized rods that are made. Not to far off from what you like at all.

I would pick the #6 wgt if I was fishing for Bass and Trout and such. The #5 if fishing more for trout. Ron

[fishinwrench]

I use a 8 1/2 for 5wt. most of the time on waters ranging from trout parks to the White river, and it is perfect for fishing #8-#18 flys on 4x-6x.

When I go to 7x and sz20 or smaller flys (which is rare for me) I always wish for a 3wt..... until the wind picks up.

[Gavin]

I gave up the idea of an all around fly rod a long time ago. I usually try to match the rod to the water and the fish I'm after. If I'm on bigger water like the 11pt or NFoW, its usually a 9' 6 or 7wt so I can chuck a big bobber and two heavy flies, or a streamer and sinking line all day long. On the Current or a tailwater its usually a 9' 5 or 6wt. On the smaller wild trout creeks 7-7.5' 3 or 4wt. Cheers.

[AKflyfisher]

9ft 5wt is the best all around rod out their that is why I have 2. second would be the 9ft 6wt