Gunpowder Fly Rod

[Excalibur]

I haven't done much fly fishing but do live relatively close to the Gunpowder.

Most times I fish there, I do so with UL spin tackle but after an awesome trip to the NB of the Potomac last year, I was thinking about stepping in a little more...

Late last year, I stopped by Great Feathers for a look-see.

While there, I saw some Greys combo outfits that were priced decently: 4 piece rod / reel combo w/ line & leader for $159 (8' 4w) to $179 (9' 5w)

From what I can see on line, the Greys "name" seems to be decent enough.

For use in the GP, would you guys recommend: an 8' 4 weight or a 9' 5 weight.

I'd put my casting level at novice.

In terms of where I'd use it, the majority of use would be on the GP with an occasional trip out to western MD. Depending on access to property, it might get a couple of shots at either bluegill or bass on local ponds.

[bigjim5589]

IMO, the 4 wt would be more versatile for the GP. Although you could certainly fish there with a 5 wt effectively. The 4 wt would be slightly better for the smaller dry flies, and the 8 ft length may be better due to over head obstructions. I also feel that the 4 wt would be a better choice for many of the tiny western MD streams.

Either are fine for Bluegill's and most small to average size bass. Both of course would limit your fly selection for bass to smaller offerings. I have both a 3 & a 4 wt & have fished some tiny streams for Smallmouths with both, and will use either on the GP. Excellent for either application. Also have done a lot of bass fishing with a 6 wt, even some Striper fishing with it. The 5 wt would be a better general purpose rod, but since you have stated the majority of the fishing you'll do will be on the GP, the 4 wt would likely be the better choice. There used to be some pretty good bass fishing (& panfish) on the lower stretches of the GP, down near Rt 1, I-95 & Rt 7, but I haven't fished there in many years.

[shoot-straight]

i would go see theaux at backwater angler. he can set you up and really give you the info you need to start fishing the river effectively. he may be a bit higher than you can get online, but for someone like you, the information and instruction would be priceless.

[Excalibur]

Going back to my original post, I wasn't planning on buying my outfit on-line. I was planning on possibly picking it up at Great Feathers.

I have gone up to BW Angler / spoken to Theaux in the past and while I think it's good to support local business, he's just a little (lot) beyond my budget. I don't want Wallyworld junk but I'm not prepared to drop $400 on a new / used outfit either.

Back to my original reason for posting: For a novice level fly caster that's going to do some fishing of the Gunpowder, would a better bet be an 8' 4W or a 9' 5W ? One thing I didn't add in my earlier post was that I don't want to limit myself necessarily to just dry flies. I want to be able to do some nymphs and maybe a streamer here or there. I've fished bead-head nymphs well out in Western MD and figured they'd work on the GP. I'm not real familiar w/ streamers though. bigjim gave me his vote - thanks ! Any other opiinions ?

[jimmag]

IMO both rod weight/lengths you mention would be equally good for a beginner - either will do fine. I recommend casting both at Great Feathers if they let you to see which is most comfortable to you. You might like the feel of one over the other.

My bias is for the 5wt. because it is a good all-rounder and will probably be easier to cast heavier streamers and flies when you want to than a 4 wt.

Jim

[troutman6]

Go with the 5wt., you can do everything you mentioned with it. Just go with different leaders to match the type of flies you want to use.

[uncle phill]

The longer 5 wt will help with roll casting and would be a nice rod for spring-time hickory shad.

[MDmakaira410]

If you cant find anything you like at Great Feathers, ask Theaux about the St. Croix Imperial or Rio Santo in a 9' 5wt. The Imperial is the best casting inexpensive rod around for 190$ and is made in the USA. The Rio Santo is also really nice but is made in Mexico and retails for $100. Pair those up with a Ross Flystart for around $60.00 and you've got a great outfit for fishing the entire length of the Gun' from the plunge pool to the bay for shad.

St. Croix also makes a starter kit with the rio santo, reel and line/leader for around $200 but the reel and line are garbage.

[Excalibur]

Ok, I think I'm going to spring for the 5wt. Thanks for all the tips guys.

[troutman6]

That,s 2 times in one thread where the words"Hickory Shad" have been mentioned. I can,t wait, Deer Creek here we come.