is a 3wt a big difference?

[Mike Way]

I got back into flyfishing about 3 years ago and have been using a 5wt mostly for panfish. I have been thinking about getting a 3wt either a reddington or tfo, and Im wondering if theres a big difference in the fight of bluegills on a lighter weight rod? Is it like the difference between ultra-light and medium spinning gear or not really noticeable?

[Ray Ditzenberger]

I have a 6' 2wt and I just love it. It is a TFO Signature and I have over lined it with a DT. This is the only DT line I own.  I have caught up to 3# smallies on it. Haven't fished my 5wt for 2 years. Wished I could find some small to medium carp to try out. If I ever buy another small rod it will be a 0wt. I put off buying a real lite rod because of the general conversation about not being able to cast anything but real small flies. Don't believe it. I cast up to size 6 flies with beadchain eyes and small lead eyes with no problem. Unweighted streamers up to size 2. Poppers up to 3/8" cast fine though I mostly use 1/4" because that is what works best in the small creeks I fish. Get that 2 or 3 wt and you won't regret it. The correct line will make it come alive and you will be surprised how far you can cast it when needed.