What Size Rod For Silvers

[danattherock]

I wanted to ask what size fly rod one would suggest for silvers. There is supposedly a good run of them here in the Nome area. Having never caught (or seen) one, I would appreciate a reccomendation on what size rod to use. I had read that an eight weight would be appropriate, but i went out yesterday and caught about 30 pinks on the 8 wt Sage I recently bought and was not impressed with its stiffness. The pinks really bent it over and I never felt like I was pulling them in that fast. I am skeptical as to what a 10-15 lb Silver would do if the pinks were bending it that good. I appreciate any insights on this matter.

 

[AKmud]

Loads of fun

Loads of fun

I use a 8' 6wt and it works just fine. They are loads of fun and much more aggressive and acrobatic than pinks. You will have a blast.

 

[adfraiser]

6-8wt

6-8wt

I have used both a 6wt and 8wt on silvers, and found both to be a hell of a good time. I think it is just personal preference. I always take the rod that just feels right that day.

 

[Brian M]

I've always used an 8 weight. Although they put a healthy bend in my rod, that makes it all the more fun!

-Brian

 

[Water_Gremlin]

When I want to use a fly rod I will use an 8wt Lamiglass. I use the heavier weight fly rod in crowded areas where I do not have as much freedom to play a fish. I have used 6wt's on silvers and reds with great success, but I was all aloneon the water.

If fly fishing isnt my thing on that day and I want a fight I will use the smallest ugly stick I have, I believe its a two piece 8-10lbs test rod. Both work like a charm but the ugly stick is easier to pack.

 

[Mr. Pid]

I had read that an eight weight would be appropriate, but i went out yesterday and caught about 30 pinks on the 8 wt Sage I recently bought and was not impressed with its stiffness. The pinks really bent it over and I never felt like I was pulling them in that fast. I am skeptical as to what a 10-15 lb Silver would do if the pinks were bending it that good. I appreciate any insights on this matter.

Sage has different models with different actions. The faster the action the stiffer the butt section will be relative to the tip. An SP 8 wt responds differently than an XP 8 wt when fighting a fish. They also respond differently to casting conditions so they both have a niche. My XP 8 wt (fast action) is my favorite all-around rod for salmon and steelhead. I keep my trusty old Lamiglass G-1000 8 wt as a backup unit and I find that rod to be near as good as the much more expensive Sage. I only wish they were 4 piece rather than 2 piece to make carrying them easier.

I've tied Sage and Loomis fly rod blanks into baitcasters, too. The faster action blanks are really critical there, as the blank will bend through the casting handle too easily if you use too slow of a rod blank.

 

[Alaska Gray]

9' 6wt. Lamiglass I love for silvers.

 

[flyfishak30]

9'6" 6 wt Sage SP is the one for me

 

[Frankie 2 Times]

I've used both a 9'6" 8 wt - Thomas and Thomas, and a 9' - 9 wt Sage for salmon and steelhead for years. Never had a problem. When I get a bug up my butt for a real fun time, I pull out my 6 wt sage and hang on for dear life. The 6 wt served me well for years when I was in college and had no money to but another rod.. so my trout rig pulled double duty.


I highly recommend a 9' or 9'6" 8 wt for a good all around salmon and steelhead rig. Just make sure you get a fast tip and you'll have more fun that you know what to do with. Good luck.

F2T

 

[BrownBear]

I vary from 6 wt to 10 wt- mostly Sage- dependent more on the weather, size of water, size of fish, and size of flies. Your 8 wt Sage is a pretty good all around rod. Like most everyone else here, I prefer the 6 wt if I can reach the fish. If the weather picks up or we switch to big heavy flies, I trade it in for an 8 wt. If it gets really snotty I'll switch to the 10 wt, though that's the last resort before looking for a warm dry spot to wait out the weather.

 

[AlaskanDan]

7wt is perfect for reds and silvers, you wont have to worry about your rod breaking on a fish and is light enough to give great play.