Fly rod ?

[Norfolkboy]

Hi chaps, i've been looking at buying a fly rod and have found a cheapish one to get me started.

It says it's 9ft 6in long with an AFTM line rating of number 7, it features a hardwood and alloy reel seat with chrome snake guides and an aluminium oxide butt guide.

Can anyone tell me what all this means especially this:

AFTM line rating of number 7

What sort of fish can i catch with it, is there a special type of line rating or something that has to be right to work with the rod.

Cheers for any help

[Old Smoothound]

Hi Norfolk Boy,

AFTM means American FlyFishing Tackle Manufacturers.

This was started some years ago by them to standardise lines and rods.

The AFTM is measured by weighing the first few feet of the line in grains. This is then calculated to fit the strength of rod.

So if its AFTM #7 it should be used with a line rated #7 so its balanced and will load the rod and cast correctly.

However, there is a draw back with the system now, lines rated #7 may very well be #6 from one manufacturer to another, so its not absolute. But if used as a guide.... it works. I have an Orvis AFTM #6 rod but use a Shakespeare #7 weight line on it to load it correctly. Conversely i have a rod AFTM #8 but need a #9 weight line to load it and cast.

A #7 wieght rod is designed to be fished on lakes, bigger rivers and small stillwaters plus of late it has been used for Saltwater fly fishing.

You can catch anything from Trout, Grayling, Salmon, Bass, Pollock, CARP and I have caught my best Pike of 38lbs on a #7 weight rod and line outfit.

So, tis a bit of an all round rod.

If you want anymore info just post another question.

Here's to tight lines, screaming reels, leaping Trout..... Whiskey and Freedom

[Ben]

what breaking strain is fly line usualy?, cause it always looks really thick

[Norfolkboy]

Thanks very much for the info smoothy, answered all my questions, sounds ok then, will have to give it a serious thought..

[Old Smoothound]

Originally Posted by Norfolkboy

Thanks very much for the info smoothy, answered all my questions, sounds ok then, will have to give it a serious thought..

No problem Dan ask me about Fluff Chucking anytime

[audiracer]

i can see a forum casting lesson coming up
what about it smoothy?

[Old Smoothound]

Originally Posted by audiracer

i can see a forum casting lesson coming up
what about it smoothy?

If the people who want a casting session with the Smooth One...... will they please raise their hands and post it up on the forum.

I will of course apply a significant discount for volume

It will have to be after Christmas though.

[A fluff chucker]

Originally Posted by Old Smoothound

If the people who want a casting session with the Smooth One...... will they please raise their hands and post it up on the forum.

I will of course apply a significant discount for volume

It will have to be after Christmas though.

will raised glasses do instead of hands ?

Doreen and myself would definitely like to join in a " forum fluff chuck " lesson - can I bring a friend ; Dolly Parton

Cheers

[audiracer]

if dolly's come to the 'forum fluff chuck' count me in

[Old Smoothound]

Anyone else?

Log way for you to come Dan I know, but could put you in touch with someone in your area if you want.

What about Downsouth or Pross?

Let me know guys and we will make a date

Dolly Partons.....may work.... but have other little beauties that definately work