Fly Rod weight

Hi all, I know this is not a fly fishing site but I would like to get a fly rod for some fun for sunnies would a 4 weight work? I don’t quite get the weight meanings. Thought maybe some should know. Planning on getting a Cabelas Prestige kit for simplicity and use some Cabela’s cash up other wise I wouldn’t bother with them. Thanks

A 4-wt or 5-wt would be good for panfish. A 5-wt may be a little more versatile for smaller poppers, hair bugs, streamers or windy conditions.

The weight of the rod refers to the weight of the fly line that is paired with the rod. The numbers are analogous to UL, ML, M, MH, etc. The larger the number, the heavier the rod and associated fly line. Useful for throwing larger, more wind resistant flies and for fighting larger fish.

If you have bigger gills, a 6 wt is about perfect, fishing in the weeds and pads, A 4wt you would have a heck of a time in the thick stuff. DK.

Everyone I know that strictly fly fishes has always suggested a 5wt to me when I asked about panfish. I am still using my 9wt since I don’t spend much time chasing panfish.

4wt is more than enough. If you’re strictly planning on sunfish, I’d drop down to a 3 wt or smaller for added fun. But that might be hard to find in a kit. I caught tons of trout and bass on my first 4wt kit. Brand wont matter. Get the cheapest one you can find, they are all good. If you end up liking it, upgrade the line to something nicer and you will be happy for years. The line is the most important part. gain tons of distance and usability with a good line.

5wt has become the standard issue first fly rod. It’s like an all season tire. kinda good at most things. Of course there are times when its perfect. But sunfish aint it.

Fly rod weights correspond to the fly line they are rated to throw, similar to spinning rods lure weight rating. Fly lines should weigh close to the attached chart, but just like spinning rod power ratings (UL, L, ML, etc.) there is no true industry standard. A heavier fly line can throw bigger, more wind resistant flies, but also requires a heavier fly rod with more power.

Really rude and crude method, but for a general idea you can use the rule of 16. Divide the fly rod weight by 16 and that is the max lure weight rating for a similar spinning rod.

3 wt = 3/16 oz; Ultralight power spinning rod
5 wt = 5/16 oz; Light power spinning rod
6 wt = 6/16 oz (3/8 oz); Medium-Light power spinning rod
8 wt = 8/16 oz (1/2 oz); Medium power spinning rod

The conversion gets less accurate as the weights get higher.

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I started fly fishing with a six wt. it’s fairly versatile for fresh water stuff. Lighter is fine too but your weak link is the leader you choose

Thanks everyone one good info!