Does fly size equal hook size?

[harryhh]

I'm guessing that a fly size is basically the hook size. But, I'm wondering if you have a #4 hook with a lot of feathers on it, should you estimate that as a larger size than a #4?

Conversely, a #4 hook with a rather sparse fly, should you estimate that as a smaller size? Or perhaps a sparse fly on a #4 hook is still a number 4.

Thanks,
Harry
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[flygoddess]

It is the hook size. You can have a stubby little fly or one with long feathers or hair, but if tied on a #4 hook that is the reference, I think.
Comes down to a judgement call. If that #4 hook is lightly dressed with material that isn't going to weigh a lot when wet, you could cast it with a 2 wt.
But if that #4 hook is dressed with fur or lead or other weight, you might not want to cast it with smaller than a 5 wt. (Duck and Chuck)
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[harryhh]

Thanks again flygoddess,

So, I'll mainly go by hook size unless there is added weight or a lot of fur and feathers. Then I'll consider the fly to be a bit larger. It might even get out of the range of my 5 wt. outfit.

I think I saw somewhere what size flies can be cast with what size outfit. I'll have to try and look that up. Been reading books and stuff online. Getting over saturated.

After seeing something, I do remember thinking that my 5wt. is a bit small for bass. 8wt. would be better. With spinning gear I'm pretty good at getting a 5lb. bass out of the water quickly with light and ultra-light equipment. So far, with the fly rod, a little bluegill gives me trouble. I keep losing the line from under the finger that is supposed to hold it.
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[flygoddess]

[quote harryhh]Thanks again flygoddess,

So, I'll mainly go by hook size unless there is added weight or a lot of fur and feathers. Then I'll consider the fly to be a bit larger. It might even get out of the range of my 5 wt. outfit.

I think I saw somewhere what size flies can be cast with what size outfit. I'll have to try and look that up. Been reading books and stuff online. Getting over saturated.

After seeing something, I do remember thinking that my 5wt. is a bit small for bass. 8wt. would be better. With spinning gear I'm pretty good at getting a 5lb. bass out of the water quickly with light and ultra-light equipment. So far, with the fly rod, a little bluegill gives me trouble. I keep losing the line from under the finger that is supposed to hold it.[/quote]



You can cast any size fly with any size rod, just some much easier than others.
You can land BIG fish with any size rod. Friend of mine (Lance Egan) was telling me how he went after Carp with a O weight rod. He ended up breaking the O.[]
I fish for Carp size 24" to 36" with a 6 wt.
As for bass, a heavier weight rod would be nice for the vegetation they hide in, but you can make that 5 wt work.

I keep the line under my finger once I have cast. Loosening grip to retrieve line. If a fish runs, I loosen grip and let them go with a little tension.
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