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Post by Frogbad on Aug 30, 2004 14:28:57 GMT -5
Hi,
I am new to Salmon fishing - I just caught my first grilse a few days ago, I am now looking to buy a single handed sea-trout/grilse fly rod that won't break the bank.
I fish on a small spate river which has a maximum width of around 15 yards. so I am not sure that I need a rod much bigger than 12 foot (although willing to be told I am wrong).
I am used to casting a fly with a 9'6 trout rod, hence why I would prefer a singlehanded rod - so that the same technique can be used.
Anyone have any recommendations or helpful advice?
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Post by John Gray on Aug 30, 2004 15:39:37 GMT -5
For the kind of fishing you describe, I normally use a ten or ten and a half foot rod rated 6/7 together with a DT7 or 8 line (the heavier line loads the rod more efficiently for short casts and seems to suit my slow casting style)
For example, the Daiwa Whisker range has always been good value, often available at a discounted price of around £70
10 ft 2 pce #6/7 10 ft 2 pce #7/8 10 ft 3 pce #6/8 10ft 6ins 2 pce #7/8 10 ft 6 ins 3 pce #6/8
You are unlikely to need anything longer than ten and a half feet.
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Post by Frogbad on Aug 31, 2004 13:54:33 GMT -5
Thanks for your informative reply. I am busy tracking down the Daiwa rods at the moment. Very helpful.
Would you have a preference for the 2 piece or 3 piece rod?
Also I notice that they do an 11 and half foot rod in this range - but in your opinion the extra length would be wasted?
Thanks again Dan
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Post by John Gray on Aug 31, 2004 14:03:41 GMT -5
Dan, The eleven and a half foot rod might be useful if it could be wielded single handedly but, unless you have the stature of a Geoff Capes, it would, I think, be very tiring to fish with.
If you can fit a two piece in your car boot, it might be preferable. If not, I'd go for a three piece. Note also that all the rods mentioned have slightly different fittings and actions and you would be wise to handle, and, if possible, test them before buying.
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Post by kingfisher on Aug 31, 2004 14:08:44 GMT -5
An eleven foot rod would be good if you have to clear some bankside vegetation whilst casting. Also useful if you have to mend the line when it is on the water.
Personally I recommend you buy a Greys Greyflex. Not much more expensive than the Diawa whisker but an awful lot better. Go for the 10.5 foot 7/8 rod if fishing for grilse.
I notice you are from Newton Stewart. Which river do you fish? I can recommend the river Luce which I have helped stock with young salmon. It holds some very big salmon.
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Post by Frogbad on Aug 31, 2004 15:22:26 GMT -5
I mainly fish the Minnoch which is a small tributary of the Cree. The minnoch is mainly a spate river and fishes well towards the back end.
I have only really started Salmon/Grilse fishing in earnest and am still learning (with just one under the belt - caught on a spinner). I have extensively worm fished, but now that the water is subsiding after the recent rain - looking to try the fly at the salmon holding in the pools waiting for the next floods (too shallow now too spin as well)
I have a 9'6 Bob Church Rod #6/7 however friends at work think that this is too light for Grilse and Sea Trout.
Being a trout fisher I prefer the smaller rivers where bank fishing is possible (verses wading).
Hoping that the fly rod will also double up effictively as a worming rod for next season as well.
Wouldn't mind some fishing down at New Luce, occasionally I do a bit of shooting down that way - what is the cost of a days fishing?
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Post by John Gray on Aug 31, 2004 15:26:22 GMT -5
Dan,
If the rod is to double as a worming rod, you might be better with ceramic lined rings. Check the Daiwa specs - some have snakes, some, usually the heavier line ratings, have lined rings.
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Post by Frogbad on Sept 1, 2004 14:20:20 GMT -5
Went out and tried out my 9.5 trout rod tonight - results were not too good. I tried using some flies tied on a salmon no 6 doubles on WF7 line, and the rod didn't seem to have the power to get the line to turn over with that size fly. I changed to a small Allys shrimp that I had on what must be 10 doubles with better results.
Re-visiting the river I would say that the width is more like 20 yards wide.
Salmon and Grilse jumping all over the pool I was fishing - couldn't get them to take any flies (or a few choice worms)
Maybe I should stick to spinning :-)
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Post by kingfisher on Sept 1, 2004 15:08:31 GMT -5
Lord Stair’s private beat on the Luce can be rented at a cost of £80/day subject to availability.
Worth it if you can book short notice after a spate.
Good luck on the Minnoch if you persevere with the fly rod it can be just as effective as bait fishing. A good idea would be to take some casting lessons because if you can roll cast you will be able to fish more of the river.
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RobinA
New Member
Fear No Fish ><((({o>
Posts: 28
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Post by RobinA on Sept 3, 2004 16:35:56 GMT -5
The length of rod is more dictated by the size of Fly and height of water than anything else. In S/W Scotland this time of year a size 6 low water Stoat, size 12 Irish Shrimp or Allys treble is ideal and can be easely thrown by a reasonable Trout rod. A typical 7 or 8lb Grilse is great sport on a singlehanded 7weight with a floater. I have a Sage SP 10" 7wt which is nice and smooth, and a Diawa 13ft 9/10 double hander for higher water when a small waddington or sinking line is needed.
The Diawa also has a reversible handle so if the water might be running a bit too high for the Fly I usually slip a spinning reel and a few Devons into my bag and take them along just in case.
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Post by Clydebuilt on Sept 3, 2004 20:24:55 GMT -5
A few years ago I managed to get hold of a Diawa Amorphous Whisker Osprey 11' 7-9 rated "Competition Special" rod with extension handle and it is the best single hander for grilse i have ever used.
It casts beautifully, with a medium fast taper and handles sunk lines, heavy leaders and Falkus lures to floaters, light tippets and small flies with ease.
This is the rod all my Grilse fishing has been done with and also managed to land a 15lb fresh run salmon without any probs.
Not easy to get hold of but keep your eyes peeled in fishing journals and 2nd hand website's, you will not be dissapointed.
Clydebuilt
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Post by drpangloss on Sept 4, 2004 16:42:22 GMT -5
Dan
I've used the 10ft #7/8 Daiwa whisker for a day and liked it. Nothing earthshattering but a good allround rod as John says.
Having said that, your current rod sounds close to the right size (ideally you'd use something a fraction longer and heavier) so don't feel a new rod is absolutely necessary. My home river is a similar size to the one you describe and most of the regulars use small shrimp flies (size 12-10 double) which seem to do well. These should cast OK with your current setup.
Good luck
P
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Post by auchinbadie on Sept 4, 2004 17:16:44 GMT -5
My own opinion is that when fishing for salmon you should use a double hande rod. Even on a small river it allows far better control, and increases your ability to catch fish across all river conditions. Sounds like 12/13 foot should do it for you, and get some lessons. Tight lines.
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Post by Willie Gunn on Sept 4, 2004 17:23:15 GMT -5
Sage 1367-4 Bit slow but great grilse rod. 2 Hander of course
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Post by G Ritchie on Sept 5, 2004 6:07:53 GMT -5
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