What line weight for an older rod..?

[Jeff Soto]

I have an older 6 ft. Fenwick fiberglass rod (#FF60) that my dad bought back in 1971 that is in perfect condition.  The rod has a sticker that says to use an "AFTMA FLY LINE 5-6".  Is that numbering/line weight system still in use today?  A number 5 or 6 line seems a little heavy for this little rod.  I really want to try this rod on some Bluegill!  Anyone have any input on older flyrods and line size?

[Chris Barclay]

Some of those old rods line out a little lighter than what's listed - also glass rods can take a wider variety of line weights. I'd try a 3 or 4 on it if you have it. Some others out there may have more experience with that particular rod and can give you a better idea. You can also try your question at the fiberglass flyrodders forum. Good people over there.

[Dave Sabo]

I have a 1970 Abu Garcia 5/6 wt fiberglass rod. I love the rod so I experimented with it through the years. I found that these older slow action rods like a double taper line, I would suggest a 5 wt. If you use a weight forward line I suggest a 4wt . Courtland 333 line is awsome and cheap,of the two I suggest a ddouble taper you will enjoy the delicate casts, seeing as how you don't need long casts for Gill fishing. Check out www.TheFiberglassManifesto.com or email him at [e-mail]. Good luck
Dave Sabo

[Bill Purmort]

AFTMA Fly Line 5-6.....

AFTMA...American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association

Fly Line.....pretty obvious ...these association boys are very exact though

5-6....that is the line weight for 30' of line

 

You have a great all around rod for panfish and bass....I think Chris may be right and go with a 4 or 5 weight line...start with a single or double taper floating line...you'll have a blast...

[Ray Ditzenberger]

I am not familiar with that rod but most of these old glass rods are slow action. I would first try a 5wt double taper floating line. A 4wt might be better but I doubt it. It is true that these old glass rods are forgiving on line wt.. I use Weight Forward lines mostly but I have one DT (double taper) on my 2wt and I really like it for gill and SMB in the small creeks that I mostly fish. That Fenwick should be treasured. They made a fine rod back in the day. Is the rod a dark brown or more of a gold color?