Expert: Thomas F. Thornhill - 8/25/2004

Question
I've been using a 5-6 weight rod with 5 weight line.  I snapped the rod last weekend and am going to buy an economical LL Bean Quest Outfit to get through the next few months.  I want to buy a 8'6" 6 weight outfit but if the reel and/or fly line it comes with are not up to my liking, can I slap my old reel with the 5 weight line on the 6 weight rod?  Is there much difference?  I assume not as my old rod was a 5-6 weight.  Also, any opinion on LL Bean products in general?

Answer
Chad

Line weight recommendations are set by the factory as a general guide. People often use lines rated above and below the rating of the rod. Try experimenting with different weight lines to see what works best for you and your style of casting. Your reel will most likely work on the new rod and as long as it holds the line and backing you can use other weight lines on it.

Thomas F. Thornhill