Fly Fishing Bass Rod

[Grayson Everett]

I'm going to buy a new scott tidal but don't know weather to get an 7 weight or and 8 weight? Anyone have any thoughts? Really new to fishing for bass with a fly rod having mostly just been a trout guy for the past 15 years. Thanks!

[Clint]

Either will suffice for bass. If you plan to throw big bugs and frogs you might want to go to the 8wt. I have rods from a 1wt to a 9wt, and because the heavier rods tear up my forearm after a few hours, I have a tendency to pick the lighter rods. I have and use a Tennis Elbow arm wrap with my 7 & 8 wts. I also use Weight Forward Floating fly lines and a straight piece of Fluorocarbon for a leader when fishing scuds and San Juan Worms. Flouro sinks well and being a floating line it is easier to lift the line off the water. Oddly though my biggest bass on a fly rod (6½ #) came on a 5wt while fishing for bluegills.

Here is what I use for a arm wrap:

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Let us know what you end up with.

[deathb4disco]

As Clint says, either will work.

I prefer lighter rods, particularly since fast action rods have taken over. When I fish the saltwater mangrove swamps, I throw lots of “bass size” flies with 6 and 7wts.

[Clint]

Another option is to buy the 7wt and rod and an extra 8wt line so you can over-line it (8wt line on a 7 wt rod) when you need a little more oomph.