Euro Rod Selection

The reason I am writing this brief universal tutorial about the selection of rods weight to suit both conditions and size of targeted fish, is due to the amount of people asking me the same question over and over again: “What #3 weight rod do you recommend for targeting trophy rainbow and marble trout?”

The answer is easy – NONE!

Here is my recommendation:

Target fish up to 30 cm - rod weight AFTMA #2

Target fish 30–40 cm - rod weight AFTMA #3

Target fish 40–50 cm - rod weight AFTMA #4

Target fish over 50 cm - rod weight AFTMA #5

Of course, even with a 3 weight rod you can tame a trophy sized fish over 60 cm, but in the process you will overload the rod (which can snap the rod). However, by prolonging the fight you can over play the fish which could lead to exhaustion and significantly decrease its chance of survival when released.

Important factors for selection of rods are also the species of target fish, strength of the current and diversity of the river bed. It is also necessary to choose appropriate strength of tippet and hook size. An exception to the rule with a completely different approach is competition fly fishing. With their experience and skills, top competitors can normally get a trophy fish in the net before it even knows its been hooked!

Rod lengths usually depends on the technique used, power of flow and how much room you have for casting and playing the fish.

Streamer - mostly 275 cm / 9 ft
Dry fly - 275 cm / 9 ft and possibly in large rivers 290 cm / 9,6 ft
Wet fly - mostly 290 cm / 9.6 ft and smaller streams even 275 cm / 9 ft

Nymphing - mostly 305 cm / 10 ft, according to conditions 275–335 cm / 9–11 ft

I wish you many wonderful experiences out on the water, and please, keep in mind, that if you catch a fish you don’t want to be the last person that gets to release it back into its watery home!

František Hanák

Franta Hanak (World Champion 2013 - Team Manager).

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