Soft rod / Stiff rod

Walter & Group..............

I'LL BE AWAY UNTIL NEXT SAT. ..... Gordy

This message from Jerry Puckett :-

Phil,

 

You would have to mention age you young handsome Devil, I am 66 so thus tuning into to your words of wisdom.  Not to mention rod company names but may favorite fishing rod is a top of the line out of date medium action rod that just flows with a lazy relaxed stroke.  It puts me into my desired zone when fishing--no more work than necessary!

 

I was fishing on the Green River a couple of years back with a friend when the 17 year Cicada hatch was in full swing and the fish were going nuts and attacking from every where.

 

My fishing companion, in his early fifties, had a very stiff rod and, and at that time, poor casting skills.  This was one of those rare 100 plus fish days demanding non-stop casting.  He ended up with major tendon damage in his casting elbow and I loaned him my rod, help him slow down his casting energy input and finish the day.  He took months to heal.

 

My point is the point you made: there is a lot less work with a softer rod and thus reduces the chance for injury by overcasting and working too hard.  I am speaking solely of trout fishing in the west.   I have been listening to you Gurus and I suggest to every beginning student for trout fishing to learn and fish with a medium action rod.  Once they have built up casting strength and skill I point out that as they gain knowledge and experience then they can decide what is best for them.  So my question is how do you advise a beginning student regarding rod and line selection assuming that they have not already made a purchase?

 

Your comments on this e-mail are greatly appreciated and I hope you continue to help those such as my self by sharing your years of experience!  Thank You.

 

Jerry Puckett
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Jerry:  My take is that you have already answered your own question in your text !

           Phil may have a different answer.........  Gordy

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WHILE I AM AWAY THIS WEEK, I'D LIKE TO SOLICIT SOME SPECIFIC AND WELL THOUGHT ANSWERS TO THIS QUESTION.  SHORT ANSWERS, BEST:

 

YOU JUST FINISHED CASTING WITH A STIFF (FAST ACTION) FLY ROD.  NOW YOU HAVE PICKED UP A SOFT (SLOW ACTION) ROD WITH THE SAME LINE RATING AND THE SAME FLY LINE, LEADER AND FLY.  NAME SEVERAL CHANGES YOU NEED TO MAKE IN ORDER TO MAKE A MEDIUM DISTANCE CAST.

 

Gordy

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