Fly Rod For Jigging

[UpstateSC_Bill]

I fish primarily from a solo canoe. I use various kinds of cast and retrieve techniques with 5-6 foot ultralight rods. I was thinking about getting a longer rod for doing some vertical jigging. But I didn't want to go real long because my canoe is only 12 feet long and I didn't want to deal with handling an awkwardly long rod in it.

Then I thought of using an 8 1/2 foot, 4 weight fly rod I have. I have had a lot of fun with this rod fly fishing for trout. It seems like it just might be usable for vertical jigging. And it wouldn't be awkwardly long in my canoe.

I know a lot of folks might suggest I go longer but this is something I already have so no further burden on my budget. Do any of you out there use a fly rod this way? What are your thoughts?


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[GreenLine]

I don’t normally use my fly rod for crappie. It’s used 99% of the time in streams for trout or smallmouth bass.
My fly rod tip is too “whipy “ for my liking with a crappie jig. One of my jig poles is better suited to the waters I crappie fish.
But yours may work just fine, give it a try and let us know how it works out.


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[woodyard]

Long ago before modern crappie fishing, there were a lot of fly rods used for jigging and bottom bouncing on KY Lake for crappie. The somewhat cheap and mostly fiberglass ones. Tells you how old I am.
Think I still have one or two of those stuck somewhere amongst all of the other rods .

[UpstateSC_Bill]

I had considered that perhaps the length wouldn't be as much of an issue as the stiffness of the rod for jigging. But even if it isn't ideal I kind of hoped to hear of some folks having success this way.

[SRHacksaw]

I had considered that perhaps the length wouldn't be as much of an issue as the stiffness of the rod for jigging. But even if it isn't ideal I kind of hoped to hear of some folks having success this way.

I haven't been out in my boat (12') yet this season, but will shortly. I'll try it and let you know how mine works for me. Of course there's fly rods and fly rods -- brook trout rods and steelhead rods.

[UpstateSC_Bill]

I haven't been out in my boat (12') yet this season, but will shortly. I'll try it and let you know how mine works for me. Of course there's fly rods and fly rods -- brook trout rods and steelhead rods.

Well the one I have is a 35 year old Winston 8 1/2 foot 4 weight. Might not be ideal for backbone but it is certainly capable of playing a crappie.

[fredo]

Well the one I have is a 35 year old Winston 8 1/2 foot 4 weight.

Sweet rod! Is it a WT? Or maybe IM6?

Either way, it’s perfect for what you want to do, IMO.

[UpstateSC_Bill]

Sweet rod! Is it a WT? Or maybe IM6?

Either way, it’s perfect for what you want to do, IMO.

It is IM6. I don't know exactly how old it is but I bought it used but in like new condition about 35 years ago. I am going to give it a try next time out. Unfortunately it may take a couple weeks.

[fredo]

It is IM6.

Great rods — and still worth a lot of money.

[Timbertodd]

I love my 7' 4wt fishing from my kayak.