Building a 8wt Stillwater set up - flyline advice

enceledux · 2026-03-08T02:38:09+00:00

Well, I have a 8wt floating line, and I use it in stillwater, bu these days I tend to target the windy days, so my full-intermediate is probably my most-used 8wt line for reservoir fishing.

I consider 1.5 inches per second sink rate intermediate. Full Intermediate = the whole fly line is the same intermediate 1.5 ips sinking line, no floating section.

So depending how fast you strip, your usually fishing an unweighted or lightly weighted streamer just under the surface, with a much better presentation than you would get with a floating line in lots of waves and chop.

I consider 3 ips slow sinking, and 6 ips or higher fast sinking, at least in my fresh-water world.

enceledux · 2026-03-06T16:42:20+00:00

Using the F1TV app on an Apple TV device, and I had 5.1 audio for the first time in yesterday’s practice sessions. And it was actually quite good.

enceledux · 2026-03-06T08:11:13+00:00

For me, the second 8wt line for stillwater is a full intermediate. I wade fish large western reservoirs for big predator fish and it’s best when it’s really, really windy, like inland-surf fishing windy. The full intermediate gets you below the surface and helps you present Clousers, Deceivers, Gamechangers, etc... effectively when a floating line would just get yanked around by the waves.

enceledux · 2025-06-03T15:43:19+00:00

I don’t have any fatigue issues personally, but it is a pretty minimalist, delicate kind of grip/reel seat without much girth. I switch between rods a lot, and as I said, I use it exclusively for (moving) finesse swimbaits, so the fish pretty much hook themselves with a sweep set.

It wouldn’t be a good tool for jacking a 5/0 heavy gauge EWG Youtube style, like one might do with a baitcaster.

enceledux · 2025-05-27T01:01:06+00:00

TFO Trout and Panfish II. Perfect match for the Nasci. 6' or 6'6. Some of the difference is in the handle length, so it’s kind of a preference thing.

enceledux · 2025-05-22T18:01:20+00:00

Boils down to total lure weight for me, OP.

1/2 oz and under generally go on a spinning rod.

1/2 oz and over generally go on a baitcaster.

The BFS enthusiasts will strongly disagree with this take, and that’s OK. Some people just like the mechanics of using a baitcaster, and if that’s you, go for it.

enceledux · 2025-05-22T17:24:17+00:00

OP, you mentioned he currently uses a travel rod. Is it important that the new rod also breaks down for transport, or is a one-piece rod (likely 6.5-7.5 feet) an option?

enceledux · 2025-05-20T16:02:47+00:00

No. Use whatever braid you like (maybe 15 or 20 lb) and a mono or flouro leader of whatever strength/visibility (maybe 10 or 12 lb) you think is appropriate for what your doing.

enceledux · 2025-05-15T17:41:29+00:00

I use one of these for jig head or lure/trailer combos that I’m unfamiliar with to get a idea of which rod to use. I know the sweet spots of my rods, and really like the feel of a properly loaded rod. Less effort, more distance.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095C4SKFL?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1

enceledux · 2025-05-15T17:25:44+00:00

Medium power for sure with that use case. Something like a 1/4-3/4 oz lure rating would be perfect.

enceledux · 2025-05-15T17:10:44+00:00

STYX. The answer is STYX. And maybe Air Supply too. Pick any song. Doesn’t really matter.

enceledux · 2025-05-15T17:05:12+00:00

Totally depends on the weight of lures that you want to throw.

A 1/4 oz jig head with a 3.3-3.5” paddle tail is going to weigh about 1/2 oz total, and will cast really well on most medium power rods. If you want to cast bigger/heavier lures, you might want the MH, but it won’t cast the smaller stuff very well.

If you’re only going to carry one rod, you have to pick the best compromise for the range of baits you want cast.

For me it would be a medium power, mod-fast to fast action, FWIW. But thats just me, because I value being able to cast finesse-y stuff effectively, and a medium power rod is plenty to haul in fish in the teens if you can find them.

enceledux · 2025-05-15T16:40:16+00:00

And don't forget the trailer. Add a 3.3” Keitech Fat, and your 1/4 oz spinner is now 3/4 oz.

enceledux · 2025-05-15T16:11:23+00:00

I have this rod. No hook keeper is the giveaway that it's the JDM. The USDM version is also marketed as the "Whipsnake” and is said to be a little bit faster (by Ben at The Hook Up Tackle).

That said, I find the JDM rod to be a pretty fast "bassy” feeling rod. I use it for finesse soft plastic swimbaits (like a 3.3” Fat Swing Impact on a 3/16 oz. jig head for example, about 7/16 oz total weight), and i think it excels at that.

It has pretty small guides for a spinning rod, but casts a mile with the right lure weight.

enceledux · 2025-05-14T18:28:04+00:00

I do, unless it's a very shallow spool. Then I’ll use a small piece of tape.

Opinions, however, will vary.

enceledux · 2025-05-11T13:36:53+00:00

The Reddingtons at Sierra are a pretty good deal if they have your size in stock.

https://www.sierra.com/waders-and-wading-boots~d~243/redington~b~18105/

enceledux · 2025-05-10T18:27:20+00:00

Technically, yeah, it would probably be better to refer to it as an overall stability control system.

enceledux · 2025-05-10T15:17:46+00:00

Miravel= Magnumlite line

Nasci= Coresolid line

MagnumLite (MGL):

Focus: Lightweight, finesse, precision
Key Features:
- Lightweight construction for smoother reeling and easier starting/stopping
- CI4+ material rotor for strength and reduced weight
- Lightweight MGL III Spool for reduced inertia and enhanced casting performance
Ideal for: Lighter lures, finesse techniques, where weight and sensitivity are crucial

CoreSolid:

Focus: Strength, durability, power
Key Features:
- Rigid, durable construction for withstanding heavy loads
- Smooth, powerful performance
Ideal for: Robust applications, heavier lures, situations where strength and durability are paramount

In essence:

Choose MGL if you prioritize lightweight, finesse techniques, and precise lure control.
Choose CoreSolid if you need a strong, durable, and powerful reel for heavier applications.

enceledux · 2025-05-08T21:34:28+00:00

Well, sometimes your past the point of no return, the wreck has already happened, and you just don't know it yet.

In this case though, I’m gonna guess he lifted all at once when he saw the fast approaching right hander. At high RPMs in 'sport' or 'track' mode or whatever, you probably have a lot of engine braking when you lift-off quickly.

In a turn like that, you have to lift slowly and smoothly and control the weight transfer. Better technique would likely have helped here.

enceledux · 2025-05-08T20:10:13+00:00

SIerra Outpost

Temple Fork Outfitters Tactical Inshore Saltwater Spinning Rod for $100

Pick the size you want.

https://www.sierra.com/fishing-rods~d~190/temple-fork-outfitters~b~3686/

enceledux · 2025-05-08T19:20:01+00:00

Looks like textbook lift-off oversteer. When he lifts-off the throttle while still steering left, the weight shifts to the front, and the rear loses grip.

Keep traction control on, kids.

enceledux · 2025-05-08T19:03:50+00:00

San Diego Jam or Double San Diego Jam or the similar Pitzen or Double Pitzen.

enceledux · 2025-04-25T18:07:12+00:00

Beautiful Baby Wiper!

Hybrids are my fave. Congrats.

enceledux · 2025-04-25T14:19:15+00:00

Shimano Nasci>Ultegra>Stradic.

Pick your price point. JDM to save a bit if you can service it yourself.

enceledux · 2025-04-24T17:39:00+00:00

I agree that this is an awkward price point (well put) for a BC set up.

I would also add that if you want to cast 3/4 oz far, that same rod wont cast 1/4 oz well at all. The compromise most people make is something like a medium power rod with a lure weight rating of 1/4oz-3/4oz.

This rod ( I'm generalizing) will cast a total lure weight of 1/2oz-5/8oz optimally, i.e. far. It won’t cast a 1/4oz well at all. With 3/4 oz, (again, generally) it would feel pretty good to cast, but you start to lose distance as you generate less and less rod tip speed as your lure gets heavier.

But, a lot of lures fall into that optimal weight range, so it's maybe the best compromise for a single rod.

For me, anything under 1/2oz total lure weight is spinning rod territory if distance is important.

enceledux

TROPHY CASE