wrote in message
...
On Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:43:13 -0400, gary3594
wrote:


Still a beginner but trying to venture out without a guide. I know the
tippet/leader/line/rod needs to be sized appropriately to fly size
Snip

One could properly use a single size of fly with a large range of
tackle, from a 1-2 wt with a tiny "line-holder" reel, appropriate line
and leader/tippet to a 5-6 with a serious reel and appropriate line,
etc.
Snip
TC,
R

That's only marginally correct. The proper choice of rod/line size is fairly
closely coorelated to fly size. For instance, while quarry of a size that
can quite easily be handled with rod/line sizes of 3wt and less are readily
caught on size 4 hopper patterns, one would want a 5-7wt outfit to cast that
size fly effectively. And, although you could cast a size 28 Trico with an
11wt outfit, it certainly isn't the proper tool for the job. In other
words, while the quarry sought and the conditions under which it is pursued
generally dictate the best choice of rod/line weight, often the primary
factor in making that determination is the fly size and delivery the angler
deems best in pursuing that quarry.

Re being able to tell what size the hooks are in a fly box:
For most trout fishing situations the actual size of the hook is often
somewhat irrevelant. It is the size of the fly that is tied on the hook
rather than the size of the hook itself that is usually important in
determining whether you are properly imitating what the fish will take. For
instance, I commonly tie flies of a size, usually dressed on size 10 and
smaller hooks, on size 4-6 hooks - for very large fish in low clear water
conditions. Of course thats a unidirectional thing, i.e. you can't dress a
fly designed for a very large hook on a much smaller hook.

You will usually be best served by simply picking a fly from your box that
best matches the size of the bugs you are trying to immitate rather than
annaly memorizing a bunch of hook size numbers and their innumerable
permutations ( e.g.size 12, ring eye,1xLong, 2xStout). Also remember, as a
rule of thumb, if in doubt about the size of the bugs you are trying to
immitate, its better to err on the side of being too small.

Bob Weinberger La Grande,OR


** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **