Hey Bill.....it's a number designating the fly line weight that it will handle. The larger the number the heavier the line. If you fly fish, you would want the line weight as designated on the rod. I know some folks use them as a jigging rod for fishing, as I do. My favorite for crappie is a #8 weight composite, but I use it with either mono or braid for verticle jigging. I like that particular rod because the reel on the back of the rod balances it and it's not heavy on the forward end, and won't tire you over a day's fishing. Hope I answered your question.Originally Posted by IBNFSHN