What weight rod do you recommend to beginners in the PNW? (2024 version)

[Hoofer]

12 Wt… it will ensure they give up quickly and don’t add to the stream crowding…. All joking aside, either a 486 or a 690 for a first stick for adults, for kids a 476-486.

Going to second the shorter rod for kids. Or for any beginner, really. (Or for old farts with bad habits wanting accuracy more than distance, really. Ahem.)

 

[TroutStyx]

I see a lot of discussion regarding the rod weight, but not all 5-wts are created equal! You must also factor in the rod's "Action" and the material. A 5-wt "Fast" rod will handle streamers and punch into the wind much better than a "Slow" 6-wt! If it's a beginner, I recommend the 5-wt in a Mod-Fast action so they can cast indicator/nymph rigs, dries, as well as lighter streamers. After they get more experienced, they can get slower action rods (glass or bamboo?) for dry flies and faster action rods (graphite and boron) for windy conditions and streamers. The weight of the rod would be more of a function of the size of the fish and the required casting distance than style of fishing. There are of course exceptions to every rule - if they will be using a full-sink line or a longer sink-tip, they will want to upsize the rod accordingly!

 

[JimTravers¤£a!!Travers]

I'd go with a 9.5. When Bohupowah rose to power in 88, it was all 8.5's. Now you're seeing 9.5's!!!!

 

[RCF]

Lots of discussion on rods weights. Very valid for sure. Also , some discussion on a rod's action. When Loomis IMX came out it was fast action. By today's standards it is moderate-fast action. So many rods are nowadays are fast action to broomsticks.

Moderate action rods are more forgiving when casting. Also they protect the tippet more from breaking.

A slower 'action' rod would be recommended IMHO.