Skagit head weights
Hi,
I have found there to be a large window with most rods. It can be quite an ordeal to narrow it down. Both Rio and Airflo have good charts,but are meant as a base starting point. Whatever rod you have may want more or less, you may feel comfortable with more or less.
As a current example, I was recently after a 1257 Scott L2H(which I got) and Rio called for 425- 475gr. and Airflo 450gr. That being said, I wanted a rod in the range of 500-ish.
Was almost talked out of it until I looked at the Scott site and found their recommendations in fine print on bottom of page. They call for 520gr +/- 5 % depending on water,tip weight,size of fly,etc.
Yes, you can adjust your stroke somewhat to accommodate, but , their recs. are BANG-ON!!!
At least with what I like for feel.
I would suggest going to your local flyshop and they should have a demo kit for lines. Try one from both ends of the spectrum, one in the middle,and maybe see if your rod manufacturer has their own recs as Scott does.
It will come down to personal feel and as you get better at casting,like most people(or as I seem to have noticed),you may find you will start to like lighter heads and casting ¨Off the tip¨ of the rod.
Lots of good info on this site, and many willing to help out. Do some searches and you will likely find exactly what you are looking for.
Cheers,
Jan