Indy rig question.....

[mattmates]

I am a chuck-n-ducker at heart and I am making the move to indy rigging this Spring. The 3 rods that I have that I would use for Steel are a Sage DS2 9' 8wt, Loomis GL3 9' 8 wt, and a Loomis GL3 9' 6wt.....my question here is this. How important is it to have a 9'6" or a 10'er for indy fishing?

I read Steve's how-to on indy rigging and would simply like some input on the rod length situation. The Sage is new and I can get rid of it to a buddy if I decide to go with a longer rod. I was considering a 9'6" 7wt...

Thanks in advance...
Matt......

[Vito]

Go with a 10' 7 wt. The extra 6" will make a difference. The longer the rod...the easier it is to mend and control the line. Thats the most important part of indy fishing.

[Gunnar]

Go with the 10' 7 wt and try lining it with 8wt line, I dont think you'll be dissapointed. -Gunnar

[mattmates]

I've been thinking about it and I think I will rig the 8wt that I have and give it a whirl. Then when I get hooked on it it will give me an excuse to get that 9'9" GL3 7wt.....

[flyrod4steelhead]

I am still learning the Indy Fishing style and it's a blast. I did alot of last fall behind gravel, hopeing for a steelie or brown.

I was using a 9'6" Scott, and IMO, I would go out and get at least a 10' rod, if not a 11' I know that I will have one before the spring get's here and that will be my Indicator rod only.

I bought some 8wt line from BBT one weekend during the fall and put it on my St Coix 9' 6" 7wt. The heavier line help'd alot in getting the indicator and fly out their, but the short rod really didn't help none. I had to really "whip" the rod at times just to get it going out, and it didn't take long before the arm was tired.

Good luck, you will become addicted to Indy fishing pretty quick, I know that I was.

[Vito]

flyrod4,

A 9'6" rod is enough rod to rollcast most rivers in michigan with exception to the big waters (big man, st joe, grand). But you don't need to rollcast on those rivers. The rod length helps make mending and line control easier. If you were having trouble casting it was probably technique more than rod length. I struggled with that in the beginning too but as you become a better caster it is less work on the arm. Tappering weight down the leader will help too. This allows it to roll out easier than if you place all the weight near the flies. I'm not trying to insult you and I could be completely wrong. Just offering suggestions. You could be a much better caster than me for all I know.

[flyrod4steelhead]

No problem Vito.

Actually I was puting to tiny shot's right on top of one another. Maybe that could be the problem. I don't know, as I am a beginner to the indy fishing world. Having only started last spring for steelies, and work'd on it throughout the summer, up until the fall. My technique is OK, but I know for sure that my casting could be ton's better.

Thanks for the info :)

[bombcast]

that 9'9" 7 wt. in GL3 hasn't been in their catalog for a few years. Bummer, hands down my favorite rod (good thing I have 3 of them).

[mattmates]

They are still available..........