Tailwater rod/reel setups

[BIGBR]

I use a Scott S4 9' 5WT, an Abel Super 5N reel, and Orvis Power Taper WF5F line.

[tnh2owader]

My main set-up is:
9' 5wt Sage Z-axis
Lamson Litespeed reel
Rio Grande WF5F line ( like the 1/2 size up for z-axis)
9' or 12' leader Rio and Seagur tippet
and I fish midges 95% of my time on the water in both Holston & Clinch
I find this set-up works OK for me.
No matter what your set-up, you gotta have confidence in it.
As you can tell from the many great fishermen on this site, nobody seems
to use the exact same set-up as another but all are successful at
the sport.

[Tyrillius]

8-6 4wt sp with abel 0
9-0 3wt sp with abel 0

No relation to waterwolf

But I am looking at a 9 z-axis 5wt not sure what reel to put on it.

[JoelO]

Orvis 9' 5wt T3 with Galvan OB-4 reel. Both are now discontinued models...I think the Orvis Access replaced the T3 and the Galvan Rush replaced the OB line.

I have an 8' Scott 4wt paired with a smaller Galvan OB that I use in the park and Tellico.

One thing I/you'll notice among the replies...most people go with something close to 9' in length on the tailwaters....makes for easier distance casting and line mending.

[Rodonthefly]

My two main rigs this year have been.

9' 4wt Orvis Trident TL with a Lamson LP1.
and a 9' Scott STS 6wt.

Both are fine rods in my book.

[waterwolf]

Originally Posted by pineman19

Waterwolf,

I am curious as to why you fish only 4 weights on tailwaters, especially the Clinch since that seems to be your main destination. I have used 4 and 5 weights, but mainly 5 weights on the Clinch, SOHO and Holston.

Neal

Sorry pineman, I just saw this. I might be a little late in responding but here goes

I prefer a 4wt for no real reason other then it protects 6x tippet better then a 5wt IMO, and they usually lay a fly line down much softer then a 5wt. That alone makes a huge difference IMO on the Clinch when the water is low and clear.

Personally casting is no different to me on a 4wt versus a 5wt, granted the model and mfg of the rod makes a lot of difference when it comes to this.

I have always fished a 4 wt. for trout, I have several 5 wts but rarely fish them. I have a brand new 5 wt. SLT that has never been fished, literally. It is a nice rod I just haven't used it. I use a 4wt out west as well, even throwing bigger hoppers. If I need to step up to throw big nymphs or a lot of lead, I will grab a 6 wt. to get that extra back bone I need.

[pineman19]

Thanks for the input Waterwolf.

Neal

[Flat Fly n]

9 ft 4wt Loomis Whisper Creek GLX
Lamson Velocity 1.0

I like a full flex rod that will allow me to put more pressure on large fish without worrying about busting a tippet. I don't play around.

[Plunker]

9' TFO TiCr 5wt
Lamson Konic
Rio Delta Taper (Roll Casts like a dream, and booms with the head out of the guides)

Little beefier for Buggers n stuff

Sorry for the delayed response.

[Trico]

Earlier in this thread I said I use my 5 weight XP. I now have a new favorite which I think will be great for the tailwaters of Tenn. It is a 9 ft 4 wgt Hardy Zenith. I have a Ross F2 reel on it. For small flies especially dries I have to say I really love my 8 ft. 4 wgt. Winston Tom Morgan Favorite.