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?

[jim cosgrove]

i got a 3 wt tfo.the 2 piece a little cheaper.got it at cabelas a few years ago as a package line rod reel,i just love it.i also have a 4/5 a 5 a 6 and an 8 and they all have their uses but the 3 ?never go fishing without it,and i just picked up a couple wonder rods that i think are 6s.any way the 3 is a blast,even the smaller ones are fun on it.if you can afford i would get one.

[chris kowaleski]

i just went from a 5wt to a 4wt, and even that is a noticeable difference. I can't imagine how much fun a 3wt would be.

[Mike Way]

thanks for the replies, sounds like Im gonna save up for one now.

[Mike Souranis]

First, I wish to say hello to all as I am a newbie. Now to the question. Ok..yes there is a difference. However, IF you are fishing around lillies, timber, weeds, etc., you may have problems controlling a bigger bluegill. I've fished a 2 wt. I prefer my 5

[Mike Way]

thanks for the info, most of the fishing i would be done in pretty open water so the control isnt much of a factor.

[Greg McWilliams]

3 wt. is fun a 2 wt is more funner!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! I fish a 6', 8' and 10' 2 weight!!!! Anything larger feels like I am casting a TREE!!!!!!!!! They handle large panfish!!!!!!!!!

http://bigbluegill.com/photo/smallie-on-2-wt?context=user

[Mike Way]

wow that smallie musta felt amazing.

[Randy Goad]

I just picked up a spinning rod made from a 2wt fly rod blank.It was made by Walt Foreman. My goal for the rod...among other things...was for me to have more fun when I get into nests of 6 inch Gills. I could have a lot of fun with my UL rod with the fast tip but I just wanted something......as Greg put it....more funner....LOL.

                                                                                                 Regards  

[Mike Way]

haha that sounds like it will work great. i need something like that, most of the gills you find around me are only 5-7".

[Jen Nayfly]

All my rods are TFO and I never fish for bluegill on anything larger than a 3 wt! The fight is awesome particularly when you get into redear. Plus TFO is guaranteed for life!

[Mike Way]

is there any tfo model that you really recomend?

[Craig Stockton]

You will love fishing gills on a 3, taken a number of the guys on one.  I just got a G'loomis 8'8" GLX whispercreek,  man what fun.  My first fish was a 16" Brown on the E. Walker River in Calif. Almost bent that rod to the handle, looking forward to hooking some 'giils on it.