Help with Bluegill Fly Rod for Kayak

[Stephen Ermak]

I got a Hobie Pro Angler kayak last spring and had a blast chasing gills with it using light spinning tackle. I want to get fly rod to use in the kayak this year. So I'm looking for suggestions for the best all-around fly rod (if there is such a thing) to use for gills while in a kayak. I'll throw nymphs, spiders and small poppers and will fish lakes exclusively. I'm an experienced fly caster with many 5/6 wt rods but think I should go lighter for gills.

Please let me know your suggestions. Thanks.

[carl hendrix]

get with Allan Morgan; Leo; Greg Mc/williams; Jen Nayfly David mc/scruff;;  Robert Reid;; to name just a few i know of that fish out of yaks!!  but-- my own personel favorite is a 3 wt tfo in around a 9 foot. but im in a basss type boat   maybe a 7 footer would be better for you;; if its fun your looking for;; a 3 wt is ideal!!

[Allen Morgan]

Last year I bought a 6' 4wt fiberglass rod.  I got it for use in tight quarters, creeks, etc.  What I've found is that when I'm in my kayak, I tend to slap the water on my back cast.  Go for a 9' rod.  The weight of the rod is up to you.  Lighter weight sticks make catching sunfish more fun, but if/when you get something big on the line, like a Bass, you might want a little heavier stick.

[Stephen Ermak]

Thanks Allen. I appreciate your input. Right now I'm leaning toward an 8'6" 3 wt. So i guess we're close to being on the same page.

[Allen Morgan]

My 5wt was originally an 8' 6", until I broke off a few inches from the tip. 

[carl hendrix]

Steve';; for what its worth;; i can do a lot more ( tricks) with a 8ft, 6 in or longer type rod;; ( roll casting is a LOT easier)  a longer rod; is a bit slower action than the short rods making casting a lot easier also.  and a 3 wt is my favorite !!  and have caught some really nice 3 to 5 pound bass and catfish ( all by accident) on it!  bigger fish on a 3 wt;;  its a crowd pleaser!! every body wants to see what you caught! !!  and double fun with any fish!!

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

That Carl , he is so tricky !    LOFR

[Stephen Ermak]

I think I've narrowed my search to these:

Redington CT 8'6" 3 wt.

TFO Pro II 8'6" 3 wt.

TFO Pro II 8'0" 2 wt. (3 piece)

Any thoughts?

[chris kowaleski]

Can't go wrong with any of those. I'd probably flip a coin for em. Both companies make awesome rods and have a great warranty as well. EDIT: I would probably get a 3wt though. 2wt's are fun, but if you haven't used them very much they can probably be frustrating at first, especially in a kayak.

[Stephen Ermak]

Chris, thanks for that input. Will the 3 wt. throw a bluegill popper ok in good conditions? I'm wondering if I should consider an 8'0" 4 wt. I know a lot of this is personal preference but i've never owned an "ultralight" fly rod. All my others are 5 wt and above.

[chris kowaleski]

I know the TFO probably should, as my fishing buddy used one for a long time and would fish for everything with it. I would probably over line the 3wt with a 4wt line though.

[carl hendrix]

Steve;; another thing to consider-- carbon or fiberglass rods!!  fiberglass will out do carbon in strength; but carbon is lighter in weight!!  tfo rods;; have lifetime warranty on their rods- no matter how they break; should it break!!  I love my tfo; 3wt 8ft 6in and; its a 4 piece rod.  there are several bbg members;; that make fishing rods should you decide to go that way also!!! Mark Stine; Walt Foreman; David L Eitius ( tooty) ; to name a few.  one other small thing;; a 30 dollar wal-mart  ( martin fly rod; reel ; line; even a few bugs)  can catch just as many fish;; as a 300 dollar rod!  

[jim cosgrove]

 a 3wt will do all your describing.you may lose a little distance with a 3wt but your going with a longer rod so maybe not.i am sure you can find a place to try one first