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Fly Fishing

8’6″ 5wt good for??


I bought a combo (Orvis Encounter) at Sportsmans Warehouse, it was my 1st beginner rod and reel, im curious to know if theres a specific type of fishing thats ideal for a shorter 5wt like this? I'd like to get a new reel so I can sort of repurpose the rod to do something with it that the rod is good at…
Any ideas are appreciated.

PS- I live in Northern California, inland. Primarily trout fishing on creeks but also interested in lake fishing for trout, and learning to fish streamers effectively, and Steelhead fishing the Feather River / trout on the lower Sacramento River near Redding (but thats a bit of a trek fromwhere i live). In case this info helps.

Posted by HeroeseventuallyDIE1

4 Comments

  1. Moose_knuckle69 on

    I’m probably a terrible resource, but 4 inches isn’t much. I’ve got an 8ft 5wt, a few 9ft 5wts, and a 9’6” 5wt. The only difference I seriously notice is that high sticking is slightly less forgiving with the 8ft, and I loose a bit of distance with my casts. But it hasn’t been noticeable to the point of having every length under the sun. I could see that 8’6” being slightly more nimble in tight areas, and possibly a bit faster action of the same 9ft rod just because of the length. I may be totally
    Off base, so take it worth a grain of salt.

  2. o_hey_its_Griner on

    If you’re fishing tight water then yes, shorter is generally recommended as being a better length unless you’re a seasoned caster.

    Although there is something to be said for a longer rod and an upsized line….(my preference cuz you can sling it if you’re confident)

  3. tie-flys on

    9ft is better for nymphing mending wall 8, 6 ft is better for tight spaces accuracy and dry fly fishing similar to fishing on creek.

  4. AccomplishedWay6141 on

    This may not be the answer you’re looking for, but that encounter is designed to be a “one size fits all” type of beginner build. It can shine in those trout creeks and potentially with decent sized streamers on lakes for trout or bass etc. It was my first rod, but it was a 9’, couldn’t recommend it more. I even rode that plastic reel out for a while. I also did a lot of lake and stream but on the East coast.

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