Hello All,

I am wondering which length rod for float-tubing stillwaters for trout?

I have always used a 9' rod for this and I am wondering what is gained and lost by going to a longer rod? (I also step up from my favorite medium action 4wt to a medium fast action 5 weight to fight wind and to help keep loops tighter for the longer casts).

Personally, I prefer rods less than 9' for comfort so I have always hesitated to go with the longer so called tuber rods, and I have never taken a liking to fast action fly-rods (which to me usually means a stiff rod).

Thanks,

CG

Hi Eric,
Sure you'll get lots of replies on this. I also like 9' rods for my float tubing. From fast to medium-fast to moderate/medium, depending upon the conditions & my mood I guess. Most of the time, I end up using a medium-fast to fast 5wt for my float tubing....like you mentioned because the faster rod has more authority in the wind & for longer casts, & also because it lifts longer sections of sinking lines from the water easier.

I built a 10' 5wt 4+ years ago that is truly an awesome lake rod, not to mention a great rod for large rivers & high stick nymphing. I've found that I'm using it less the last couple of years, however, due to some tendonitis. Also used a number of 9'6" to 10' other rods in years past. I've heard the "experts" say that a person should just become a better caster & this won't be an issue. Even though my 10' rod is very light in hand for its length, & I can cast farther, keep my backcast up higher (when I'm relatively fresh), etc., I still have more elbow problems after several hours of casting the longer rod.

As far as what I feel is gained & lost by using a rod longer than 9', all things being equal (rod action that matches your casting style, your physical condition, etc., etc.):
- Gained: more casting distance, backcast a little higher, mending & line control (mostly useful in river situations)
- Lost: some stamina & ease of use on your poor old body, some ease of landing fish in a float tube

I'm sure there will be some arguments from some folks about the above. Like if you have great casting skills, the 9' rod will keep your backcast just as high....or you shouldn't feel any physical difference after several hours of casting. I'm an above average caster, but could sure stand to be better, so that's a given. I've also landed enough big trout from a float tube that I know it's not my imagination that it's more difficult to land a 3+ lb. fish in a float tube with a 10' rod than with a 9' rod. At least for me.

Anyway, this is just my opinion. Not sure if it helps or not. If your 9' rod is working well for your float tubing, I don't see any reason to go to a longer rod.

Hey, have a great spring & early summer....there may not be enough cool water to fish by mid to late summer!

Tom

CycleGuy,

I fish with 10ft rods when I float tube...most of the time I'm using a clear intermediate sinking line or full sink and the 10 footer makes it much easier to lift out of the water without stripping it all in. My go to rod is a 4wt XP and is a breeze to cast all day without tiring.

Netting the fish is no problem for me. "Experts" told me the same thing...learn to cast better. I found the 10ft rod is a quicker solution. The longer casts are nice since you have longer retreives and spook less fish by being further from the structure.

$0.02

Crusty

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