Fly Rod Basics - Matching Fly Line Weights With Hook Sizes

For those of us who have been fly fishing for most of our lives, matching fly rods with line weights and hook sizes is almost second nature. But for those of you who are just beginning or need a refresher course, we decided to give you a nice little article to help you get everything correct.

If you aren't matching your rod with the weight size or the right fly hooks your casting will be off immensely. Can you get away with fishing a 5wt. rod with 8 wt. line? Of course, but the last thing that you want on the river is something working against you.

There are more than enough factors to get in your way when you are fly fishing. Wind, rain, too much sun light, bad current and ornery fish are just some of these factors.

A bad drag system can also be something that works against you and a mismatch between your line weight and the size of your flies can easily send your line and tippet into an unnatural float into the water.

Using the correct fly line, tippet length and hook sizes will give your casts a lot more distance and a much more natural float into the water. This chart will show you how to build your set up and whether or not you should switch out tippets or get more flies.

FlyHound's Online Fly Fishing Store carries a wide inventory or tippets, fly line, backing and flies in various hook sizes so you are always ready for the river. Just click "Enter The Store" to get all of the fly fishing gear your need for your next expedition.