4wt or 5wt

[6xAdams(Jones)]

buy two of these - they are great for the money

That is a crazy price. I pay way more for "cheap" waders that may only last a few seasons. They're $10 less without the tube, but that's a nice tube for only $10!
This may be the cure for my niggling need to build my own rods. Low-cost kits cost ~$100.

 

[JG63]

Sorry to be “that guy” again - today’s 4 weights are the 5 weights of yesteryear - thanks to designers like Don Green, a five weight ROD back then weighed less than 3 ounces in glass or graphite - now you are hard pressed to find an “affordable” 4 weight weighing less than 3.5-4 ounces. With the whole line and a half thing threw the industry for a loop some 25 years ago - I fish Penn’s with a vintage Sage 690 RPL weighing 3.0 ounces which throws a true 6 weight with plenty of power AND has fish fighting capability even in Penn’s heavier flows - confusing I know - I would recommend a modern 5 weight to learn casting power management, and for the versatility of being able to handle species other than trout. As stated by most, cast a bunch to find YOUR best feeling rod and move to a four as needed - then maybe a 7, and a 6, 3, 8, 10 … oh sorry - it’s a sickness … one that only you can cure

 

[JeffK]

Back to the Joe Humphreys reference, the hot "light" rod in the 70's was the Fenwick 756 - 7 1/2' 6wt. Broke out my 756 a couple of years ago at the Little Lehigh during trico season and the soft fiberglass rod really delivered those tiny flies well.

Like most said, I usually fish dries with my 4 wts. However, add a little wind or a little distance (i.e. Delaware system) and I'm sure glad I have my 5 wt or even a 6 wt. Also, larger bugs like drakes or isos may be better presented with a 5 wt. Both heavier rods do just fine at shorter distances. Modern rod technology is such that 5 and 6 wt rods are lighter than 4 wts were 25 years ago so you shouldn't get tired waving the bigger stick.

But my 4 wts are sure sweet tossing size 16 sulphurs on the mid-sized streams I normally fish so that's why it is my usual weapon.

 

[JG63]

Back to the Joe Humphreys reference, the hot "light" rod in the 70's was the Fenwick 756 - 7 1/2' 6wt. Broke out my 756 a couple of years ago at the Little Lehigh during trico season and the soft fiberglass rod really delivered those tiny flies well.

Like most said, I usually fish dries with my 4 wts. However, add a little wind or a little distance (i.e. Delaware system) and I'm sure glad I have my 5 wt or even a 6 wt. Also, larger bugs like drakes or isos may be better presented with a 5 wt. Both heavier rods do just fine at shorter distances. Modern rod technology is such that 5 and 6 wt rods are lighter than 4 wts were 25 years ago so you shouldn't get tired waving the bigger stick.

But my 4 wts are sure sweet tossing size 16 sulphurs on the mid-sized streams I normally fish so that's why it is my usual weapon.

Yup - 1000’s of fish on this rig - bought it new for $35 back in 1974 before I knew who Mr. Humphreys was

 

[gfenlikestolosepasswords]

Back to the Joe Humphreys reference, the hot "light" rod in the 70's was the Fenwick 756 - 7 1/2' 6wt.

I like the the ff756-2 so much I bought a second one incase I broke the first.

I prefer it with a 5wt, but I don't cast much weight.

 

[JG63]

I like the the ff756-2 so much I bought a second one incase I broke the first.

I prefer it with a 5wt, but I don't cast much weight.

Unlocking seat or down locking? - I’ve often threatened to buy a backup - I mitigate the breakage risk by leaving my original in semi-retirement - it’s my first “real” fly rod and still my #1

 

[CinnamonJoe]

I like the the ff756-2 so much I bought a second one incase I broke the first.

I prefer it with a 5wt, but I don't cast much weight.

For glass, FF75-2 and FF7-4 see frequent usage in my hands; but the OP asked about the Little J, so I opined 8-1/2' options.

 

[JG63]

I’m not really known too well around here for short posts, but think about this, as I think it carries a fair bit of weight if you think about it.

The 5 weight will do light things better than the 4 weight will do heavy things.

5wt.

A big knife will do the job of a small knife - but not vice versa 🙂

 

[Kms]

Yup - 1000’s of fish on this rig - bought it new for $35 back in 1974 before I knew who Mr. Humphreys was

There are so many good options available for not much $.

 

[CinnamonJoe]

6wt is like the 16 GA. It just works.

 

[Letort]

Fenwick 756 was my first “good” rod back in the 70’s - probably around when I was 12-13 yo.

Still have it and fish it occasionally.

 

[gfenlikestolosepasswords]

Unlocking seat or down locking? - I’ve often threatened to buy a backup - I mitigate the breakage risk by leaving my original in semi-retirement - it’s my first “real” fly rod and still my #1

Both down. Matter of fact, i bought a box of like 10 new-old stock fenwick grips and seats because they're superior to anything else and used them on several builds since.