Plan on getting a 3wt Need little Help.

[Angelo1987]

Thinking about getting a 3wt . What size's flies would I'll be able to cast and what size leader/tippet would be suitable 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x?

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Pretty much any fly except for heavy streamers will cast fine on a 3wt and tippet size will not be an issue either. There is a lot of variation among 3wt rods, some can make long casts, others are suitable for only fishing in close. It really depends on what you want to do with the rod. What are some of the options you have in mind? If you don't have any specific rods in mind what's your price range? Will this be a small rod for bushwacking after small wild fish or will you be fishing small to mid size streams?

 

[Angelo1987]

I was thinking about getting a cheap one probaly the Cabela's TQR Prestige Plus fly combo 7'6''. I will mainly be fishing for Bluegill's to little stream's such as the Ken Lockwood Gorge. I already have a Orvis 5wt that I'm been fishing but wanted get something a little more light weight for small-stream's and Gill's

 

[Eagle Claw]

Thinking about getting a 3wt . What size's flies would I'll be able to cast and what size leader/tippet would be suitable 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x?

I own an 3 wt that in my opinion is the sweetest rod ever made if you like a slow action rod. Its a Sage SPL
in a 9 foot. They are no longer made but you should be able to find them on Ebay for around $250. You can use 7x and I have even thrown hoppers with little effort. I have landed really big West Branch trout using 6x and even tried to break them off rather than handle the fish after a long fight but to no avail. I like this rod so much I bought two extras just because I fell in love with them but sold them in a financial crunch. The 8 and 8 and 1/2 foot are easier to find but the 9 footers should appear about every two months. I am always watching for another to appear and just bid 300 to 325 to insure I win but get it at around 240-275

 

[NJpatbee]

I have a much older Orvis "Tippet" rod, which is 7 1/2 foot for a 3 wt (I sometimes use a 4). It is a full flex rod and as the name implies, it is made for protecting a light tippet. It is a pleasure to cast and I have purchased a more recent "Brook Trout" model for a 4wt which is very similar. Both rods are discontinued, but I would check eBay or other sites for used rods, including the Orvis Superfine Series which are more recent. You should be able to find one for under $200.

 

[skipper3245]

greys or cortland makes one and it got it for like 100 bucks if that. lifetime warranty on it. good rod for small fish

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Angelo, another question that will help is what rods do you already have? Diversifying your arsenal is always a good excuse (if you need one) to buy another rod. E.g. If you already have a 9ft 5wt get a shorter rod so you'll have something that you can use in small streams and dense brush where the 9ft rod would be too long.

If you're getting a 3wt mostly for fishing dries and light nymph rigs on small streams I recommend the TFO Finesse 7'9" 3wt. Great bang for the buck and an awesome warranty. The action on it is really nice, especially for delicate dry fly presentations.

 

[danme]

I have a 8ft 3wt WESTERN TIPPET Orvis -- it over 20 yrs old and I love the rod -- its great for nymphing and dry flies -- Mostly use it for Dries though -- That rod casts like a 5 wt though -- really smooth and delivers a delicate fly

Peace
Dan

 

[Burtbords149]

Cabelas three forks 7'6" 3wt I fish it for tiny creeks and streams up to 40' wide. It has no problem throwing up to 40' of line or short casts. Super light in the hand and very sensitive. Best part only $50 best buy hands down.

 

[Angelo1987]

Thanks all. Since Im still new in the fly fishing world, I thought the lower you go in the weight class the lighter tippet/flies you must use. I'am going to have fun with my new 3wt comes in.

 

[BIGBOW]

I got this Cortland "Brook" in a 3 wt a few years back after reading great reviews in fly mags. Love it and it was affordable.