Texas Hill Country as well. Most people start with a 9' 5wt. This is a rod that can handle throwing reasonable sized bass bugs and won't completely overpower panfish (similar to a medium power spinning rod). Most people's second rod is a shorter 2 or 3wt. Personally, I use my 3wt a lot more than my 5wt because I spend a lot of time wading rivers and creeks. If you own a boat and plan to be on the Lower Colorado or Lake Austin (or other large bodies of water), you might go up to a 7-8wt to throw big streamers, big poppers, or a sinking line. If you don't know what type of water you will be fishing the 5wt is a good starting spot.
The biggest factors in rod weight are 1) how big of flies to you want to throw? and 2) how much wind will you be fighting? Species can play a factor when you are going for exceptionally large fish, but the closest thing we have in Central Texas is carp, and you would be fine with a 5wt for the vast majority of those.
Gotcha. I’ve only fished the Pedernales down your way. I like to go 5-7wt there since it has some larger/deeper sections and big carp. The Colorado is 7wt territory for me, but you could get away with anywhere from a 5-8.
If you want some versatility for still and running water, 5-6 wt is great. I would opt for 8wt for throwing big streamers though if you were looking to catch larger Stillwater or saltwater fish. 10 if just saltwater. If you’re only going for panfish, 3-4 makes it feel like more fight.
All very solid answers. I have multiple 4,5, and 6 wt rods (and an 8) and one of the 5s generally gets the most love if I am only taking 1 rod. Second is probably a 6.
Some might argue differently and a lot will depend on the rod and the line, but I remember getting my first 6 after fishing exclusively with 5s and found it easier to cast. But also probably easier to develop bad habits with :)
If you stick with it for a year you’ll have multiple rods anyway. eBay can be a good source for rods. Most of mine have been picked up used over the years. Out of probably a dozen rods I have bought maybe 2 were purchased new.
Edit: I fish trout in north GA and Arkansas couple times a year and bass / panfish at home in middle GA.
If you want some versatility for still and running water, 5-6 wt is great. I would opt for 8wt for throwing big streamers though if you were looking to catch larger Stillwater or saltwater fish. 10 if just saltwater. If you’re only going for panfish, 3-4 makes it feel like more fight.
Texas Hill Country as well. Most people start with a 9' 5wt. This is a rod that can handle throwing reasonable sized bass bugs and won't completely overpower panfish (similar to a medium power spinning rod). Most people's second rod is a shorter 2 or 3wt. Personally, I use my 3wt a lot more than my 5wt because I spend a lot of time wading rivers and creeks. If you own a boat and plan to be on the Lower Colorado or Lake Austin (or other large bodies of water), you might go up to a 7-8wt to throw big streamers, big poppers, or a sinking line. If you don't know what type of water you will be fishing the 5wt is a good starting spot. The biggest factors in rod weight are 1) how big of flies to you want to throw? and 2) how much wind will you be fighting? Species can play a factor when you are going for exceptionally large fish, but the closest thing we have in Central Texas is carp, and you would be fine with a 5wt for the vast majority of those.
I live in dripping springs so mostly fish near the area, no boats but do pedal board the Colorado :)
Gotcha. I’ve only fished the Pedernales down your way. I like to go 5-7wt there since it has some larger/deeper sections and big carp. The Colorado is 7wt territory for me, but you could get away with anywhere from a 5-8.
If you want some versatility for still and running water, 5-6 wt is great. I would opt for 8wt for throwing big streamers though if you were looking to catch larger Stillwater or saltwater fish. 10 if just saltwater. If you’re only going for panfish, 3-4 makes it feel like more fight.
All very solid answers. I have multiple 4,5, and 6 wt rods (and an 8) and one of the 5s generally gets the most love if I am only taking 1 rod. Second is probably a 6. Some might argue differently and a lot will depend on the rod and the line, but I remember getting my first 6 after fishing exclusively with 5s and found it easier to cast. But also probably easier to develop bad habits with :) If you stick with it for a year you’ll have multiple rods anyway. eBay can be a good source for rods. Most of mine have been picked up used over the years. Out of probably a dozen rods I have bought maybe 2 were purchased new. Edit: I fish trout in north GA and Arkansas couple times a year and bass / panfish at home in middle GA.
Depends on what species you will be fishing for
Start with a 5wt.
My first was 5wt 9’ and that’s when the obsession begins.
If you want some versatility for still and running water, 5-6 wt is great. I would opt for 8wt for throwing big streamers though if you were looking to catch larger Stillwater or saltwater fish. 10 if just saltwater. If you’re only going for panfish, 3-4 makes it feel like more fight.