The Hunt For Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg

Larry,

What type fly rod action do you suggest for inshore species (redfish, speckled trout, small jacks, etc.)?

The rods I have looked at come in two actions: fast and very fast. Are fast action rods needed to produce high line speeds?

I thought I had read in another post (or maybe you mentioned it on the show) that you favored a more moderate action.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I like what's known as a progressive taper. gradually bends from the tip back, inch by inch as pressure is applied. imo, extremely fast action rods cast poorly except at very close range.

best L

My two cents: I like to use a bug taper line for a lot of inshore fly casting. It's often so useful when short and quick casts are normal. Not the greatest for long casts from a platform like a boat, but great when wading. From a boat I have no problem casting 80 or 90 feet, and I'm not a particularly good caster.

Another nice trick is to use one weight line heavier than the rod is rated for. Like 8 wt line on a 7 wt rod. It can help a lot with some rods and circumstances. I have a travel rod that I use for inshore mostly. It's a low end TFO 7 wt with an 8 wt bug taper on one spool and a 8wt striper line style sinking tip on the other. Very versatile, including for surf.