8wt vs 9wt

[Deek]

Just curious what preferences are between 8wt vs 9wt outfits.

[BearsFan]

A 9wt is perfect for fish that are 25-39 lbs that require a lengthy cast in fairly calm conditions.

[Uncle Tommy]

A 9wt is perfect for fish that are 25-39 lbs that require a lengthy cast in fairly calm conditions.

7 is plenty for anything but big Poons (IMO).

[dunfly]

My preference is for 8wt. The swing weight is less than a 9wt, so you are less likely to get tired. 8wts still have plenty of punch to cast big flies in the wind. I go as low as a 6wt if conditions are calm. Anything over a 6wt has enough backbone to land most flats fish unless you are trying to yank them out of the mangroves.

[BearsFan]

Tired from casting a 9wt? Remind me to end it all at age 49.

[John]

I use a 7wt on the flats, I have a 9wt, just never use it!

Biggest fish so far on the 7wt, is a 29" Redfish, it handled it fine, I've caught 28" Snook on a 6wt taht was okay too, but once again I was on a flat not fishing mangroves or docks.

Hard to get tired throwing a fly rod, as I typically only throw at fish rarely blindcast with the long rod.