James on a Fly Rod

[Flysmallie]

Not sure what fly you tied but yes it can be tough with a 5wt. But it can be done. Just have to down size a bit but that's not a bad thing. I used a 5wt for a long time and still do. I also use an 8wt. Maybe a little much but I love that rod.

Usually using a floating line but I'm getting more into sink tips. Mono 6-10lb on the floating lines and fluoro 6-10 on the sinkers. Both 5-6ft long.

A heavier weight rod would be great but you can do a lot with a 5wt if that's what you already have. The flies don't have to huge to catch a smallmouth. Something on the top, in the middle, and those clousers on the bottom. That's all you need to have a whole lotta fun.

 

When you say "above the lake" which lake do you mean?

[Ham]

7 hours ago, Plastic_worm said:

Each situation would be different but in general, some of these could get sloppy on a 5wt.  I typically use a 6wt and switch between sink-tip and floating based on situation (flow/depth/size of streamer/weighted or unweighted/etc).  I usually have 2 set ups.  A 5wt with floating for my surface stuff.  And  6wt with 200 or 250g sink-tip for throwing streamers.

Leader/tippet...on surface 6-7ft.  Streamers I go 3-4ft of flouro 10-12lb.  

If I had to choose one.  I'd go 6wt with an extra spool so I could change from floating to sink when needed.  

 

 

Add in a 4 wt for panfish popping bugs and you're all set for a fun summer day float

[Kayak_Runner]

23 hours ago, Flysmallie said:

Not sure what fly you tied but yes it can be tough with a 5wt. But it can be done. Just have to down size a bit but that's not a bad thing. I used a 5wt for a long time and still do. I also use an 8wt. Maybe a little much but I love that rod.

Usually using a floating line but I'm getting more into sink tips. Mono 6-10lb on the floating lines and fluoro 6-10 on the sinkers. Both 5-6ft long.

A heavier weight rod would be great but you can do a lot with a 5wt if that's what you already have. The flies don't have to huge to catch a smallmouth. Something on the top, in the middle, and those clousers on the bottom. That's all you need to have a whole lotta fun.

small clousers, crawfish imitiations, wooly buggers, and leech patterns mostly, folded foampad poppers all on a 5wt BPS White River rod, RIOGold WF5F, 4-8lbs flouro.  

I'm looking into an 8wt setup, I like my 5wt but I like the idea of tossing some bigger flies.