Still Confused About Rod Choice for Euro Nymphing

[Robert Shearer]

Over the last couple of months, I've read quite a few of the posts about rod choice for Euro nymphing techniques. My reading of the consensus is that though Euro nymphing techniques can be performed with just about any rod, the rods looked upon most favorably are the Sage Z-Axis 10' 4wt, the Echo Shadows, the 10 and 11 foot Grey's Streamflex rods, the Hardy Marksman Drifters, the Cabela's CZN rods, and the 11' Loop Optipeak.

The rod I would like to use is an Orvis Helios 10' 5wt. The length is right. I believe that the weight of the Helios is less than any of the rods, even the three weights, included in the list above. I have a Helios 10' 7wt and have found it to be very sensitive. I'm not competing so I'm not worried about bouncing small fish. I believe some have said they prefer a faster action rod, though I could be taking that out of context. So, just to help better my understanding of Euro nymphing, I'm wondering if someone would take the time to explain the pros and cons of using a Helios 10' 5wt for Euro nymphing.

There is one other matter I would like to have people's opinions on.  I believe that for the streams I fish the Spanish up and across style would be the most effective method. So, my question is, if I were going to dedicate a rod to the Spanish style, would the Helios 10' 5wt be an acceptable choice? If not, and you were going to dedicate a rod (maker, length, line weight) to the Spanish style, which rod would you pick?

I look forward to all responses.

[Pat Weiss]

Robert, without trying to sound blunt, If you have that rod use it.  You wont know what YOU like/need until you fish with it for a while.  Different flies, weights and leader combinations will also become a factor.  Fish it for a month, then try to get your hands on one of the other models for a test run and see what you like best.

[Dejon Hamann]

I'd echo Pat's suggestion here.  You have a very fine instrument for these techniques in your hand.  Most people start off with far less superior rods when attempting these disciplines.  The key factor is length and with a 10' you're right on the money.

Fish with it for a few months and see how it feels.  Each person has a different taste.  Only through actual on stream time with you discover if you want a rod with different characteristics to suit your fishing style. 

But to answer your question a little more directly without having fished the Helios mind you. 

Pro:
Probably very light and sensitive.
10' is a great length for Euro Nymphing.
5wt should give you ample fighting power throughout

Con:
Price
Price
5wts have stiffer tip through midsection (bounce fish, break lighter tippet, detract from throwing lighter rigs and distance)
Price
 

[Mike Wisniewski]

Try the Helios for a few months and if you do not like, you can sell it on Ebay and probably recoup most of your money.   I bought a 10 ft rod, tried it for a few months and did not like it at all.   Sold it on EBAY and cut my losses.

Mike

[Frank Muscente]

Dejon,
Funny you say that. I bought the new streamflex FX2 plus in a 5 wt. and I have been bouncing more fish than I ever did with the 4 wt. I'm sure 99.9 % of it is me but is there a different way to set the hook that would prevent it from happening?
Thanks

[Dejon Hamann]

F, you should get a faster hookset with a crisper 5wt, personally I find it's the next few seconds that decides the battle as you don't have the "forgiveness" of a softer 3/4wt tip.  I think it just takes practice as you now have to produce those micro arm/rod movements that a softer tip does itself. 

[Aaron Laing]

It probably comes down to practice, but FWIW I've found that the arm/strip combination that I use with a faster rod involves dampening/lengthening the stroke on the arm so it comes to gradual stop rather than a quick one. Stripping line and snapping the arm back will load the tip on a faster rod and create the dreaded "spring" effect--by dampening the stroke, you gradually release the load on the rod while still maintaining contact.

Of course your mileage may vary.

Aaron

[Frank Muscente]

Thanks Guys, I have alot of work to do !