Northwest Fishing Reports

I have an el-cheapo Shakespeare spinning reel from a beginners kit from many years ago (respooled with good eight pound line) that came with a 5' rod. I also have a 2 piece 5/6 weight beginners fly rod from many years ago. What I am wondering is if I can use this spinning reel and the fly rod so I can use a longer pole for large trout. (triploids of 15-20 inches max)

Chad Bobington wrote: What I am wondering is if I can use this spinning reel and the fly rod so I can use a longer pole for large trout. (triploids of 15-20 inches max)

Huh?? I don't understand what your asking? Are you asking if the basic spinning reel and fly rod are fine for stocker trout... and should you get a larger rod for Triploids?? Re-phrase.

The Quadfather wrote:

Chad Bobington wrote: What I am wondering is if I can use this spinning reel and the fly rod so I can use a longer pole for large trout. (triploids of 15-20 inches max)

Huh?? I don't understand what your asking? Are you asking if the basic spinning reel and fly rod are fine for stocker trout... and should you get a larger rod for Triploids?? Re-phrase.

hmm... thats a fail...
well I normally use that reel and the 5 footer pole and want something larger, like the 8 foot fly rod. I'm just not sure if a 5/6 wieght fly rod can handle those large triplods stocked in the lake

If you are wondering if you can use the spinning reel on your flyrod than the answer is yes.It is an odd feeling not having a butt end of the pole behind the reel and takes getting used to. As for whether the 5/6 flyrod can handle triploids,well yes it can ,but it is always up to the person controling the gear and whether they can handle it.

Chad Bobington wrote:hmm... thats a fail...well I normally use that reel and the 5 footer pole and want something larger, like the 8 foot fly rod. I'm just not sure if a 5/6 wieght fly rod can handle those large triplods stocked in the lake

A light weight fly rod with a spinning reel will work fine although it will be a little awkward when fighting a big one. Just loosen the drag on the spinning reel and take your time when fighting larger fish.
One thing to be aware of is that your grip will be in front of the fast turning spinning reel and could cause you to lose some skin off of your knuckles while your fighting the fish of a life time. Good luck with this one.

produce2troutcat wrote:If you are wondering if you can use the spinning reel on your flyrod than the answer is yes.It is an odd feeling not having a butt end of the pole behind the reel and takes getting used to. As for whether the 5/6 flyrod can handle triploids,well yes it can ,but it is always up to the person controling the gear and whether they can handle it.

haha ok... so since I'm not used to taking them with soft gear, how should i go about controlling the gear?

Chad Bobington wrote:haha ok... so since I'm not used to taking them with soft gear, how should i go about controlling the gear?

Time on the water will be your best teacher. After a few trips you should be able to figure out what works for you.

I guess what I meant is that its up to the fisherperson whether or not they catch the fish such as tying bad knots ,trying to bully the fish on too light of line test, trying to set the hook too early......
You could tie some string to your finger to catch fish if you want and still screw it up.

Big D wrote:

Chad Bobington wrote:haha ok... so since I'm not used to taking them with soft gear, how should i go about controlling the gear?

Time on the water will be your best teacher. After a few trips you should be able to figure out what works for you.

ok! I just hope that if I accidentally roughly handle the fish the rod won't break...

I use a 5 foot ultra light and have no problems with trout. set hook with your drag tight then loosen it up to play the fish.

Chad Bobington wrote: ok! I just hope that if I accidentally roughly handle the fish the rod won't break...

Breaking a rod while horsing in a big fish would be a much better way to break your rod than the way I did it yesterday. As I was unloading my boat I folded down the passenger seat and heard that distinct tink sound that can only mean one thing…A broken rod tip. That’s one ugly stick to the broken rod pile because maybe someday I’ll break another one at the handle and together I can make one good rod out of the two broken halves. No big deal…

My point being…Do all you can do to lessen the chance of broken, lost or stolen gear but in the end…It’s all about the fishing. Don’t sweat the small stuff and understand that in the big picture…It’s all small stuff. If you spend much time on the water you’re going to break things. Don’t let the possibility of broken gear stop you from enjoying time outdoors.

Hey D ugly sticks are lifetime guaranteed. Get a hold of them and they will replace it. (I my dad has done it twice for the same pole.)

thats what my tiny little 5 footer pole is that i want to replace with the cheap fly rod

Use it! its will be more than fine
I used my 5/6 weight before i broke it on 15 pound chums and 30 pound chinook
15 to 20 inch trips wont break the road, just have a loose drag
my dads 11' 6" g loomins spinning rod is 2 - 4 pound test and it catches big chinook and steelhead, so your set

fear_no_fish wrote:Use it! its will be more than fine
I used my 5/6 weight before i broke it on 15 pound chums and 30 pound chinook
15 to 20 inch trips wont break the road, just have a loose drag
my dads 11' 6" g loomins spinning rod is 2 - 4 pound test and it catches big chinook and steelhead, so your set

ok thanks!

p.s. i like your sig ;)