fly line/reel

[flygirl]

I'm interested to hear what # fly line people will use with their reels...
I'm looking into a 3wt rod....& of course thats an excuse for a NEW 3wt. reel. So..I've heard of some people using a 4wt line on a 3wt.rod/reel and sometimes lighter. Any input on anyones outfits ? The rod I'm thinking of would be alittle stream rod thats 7-8' & the reel is a Ross ultralight. Maybe I should put the combo together first & try it before I buy it .

[Redwings1]

I don't usually over line a reel/rod unless it is a fast action rod with some good backbone and the intention is to launch streamer. For dry fly and nymph fishing I stick to the 'correct' weight line.

[Catch 22]

I've got a Ross Evolution 1.5. It's a nice reel (I own 2 other Ross reels as well), but I'm looking to get rid of it - I just prefer my CFO for the 3 weight, and have only fished with it 2 or 3 times. I'm not a big fan of the large arbor reels. If you are interested in purchasing a (barely) used one, let me know.

http://www.rossreels.com/products/evolution/evolution.cfm

Jeff

***EDIT*** It's actually a Ross Evolution #1, not a #1.5. When I wrote the original post, I was at work, and the reel was at home. Apparently, I left my brain there, too.

[The Patriot]

I second what Redwings said. I have two 3 weight rods, an Albright 9 footer, with a basic entry level Albright reel, and a DT 3 weight floating line; and a Redington 7'6" rod, which is actually a 3/4 weight. I could put a four weight line on that rod, but opted for the 3 because the whole idea of going to a 3 weight rod was for the lighter line and more delicate presentation, not casting distance. I have fished that with my Albright reel and DT line, or with my Orvis Rocky Mountain reel (first generation, not the large arbor) with a 3 weight, WF floater. I've also fished it with a 4 weight sink tip. I find the sink tip a little bit heavy for the rod, but its usable.

I would recommend sticking with the 3 weight DT line, if you are looking for delicate presentation for dry fly fishing.

My 2 cents....

Best of luck.

Jim

[pvansch1]

You have to try it and "feel" it, what's a comfortable balance for you may not be for someone else. Another consideration is how the reel foot fits into the seat. Some of the lighter rods have small reel seats that don't fit the larger footed reels.
Going to a lighter line, small stream rod usually means smaller fish, so you don't need a "high end" disk drag reel.
One thing I would look for in a reel is something that is "all metal" no plastic gears or pawls. Redington made a CT 3/4 that is a perfect small stream claick an pawl reel but they stopped making them.
Pete