Which FLY ROD IS BEST - Glass or Graphite - I'll SHOW YOU and MY NYMPHING Rig explained!

In this video, I'll show you WHICH FLY ROD IS BEST for me and walk through how I set up my rig for nymphing. Rather than, TALK about why I prefer graphite, I've pulled several clips from this years trips that SHOW why I go with graphite over glass. At the end of the video, I'll answer another question I get pretty often and fully explain how I set up my nymphing rig! Be sure to check out my other tip videos and some of my destination trips below:
Tips:
How to Nymph: • Euro nymphing is sexy ...
Which indicator is best: • The indicators I use.....
How to approach a small stream: • Fly Fishing Tip - How ...
Colorado: • Fly Fishing a Small St...
Wyoming: • Fly Fishing the most I...
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/ looknfishy
looknfishy.blog...
#flyfishing #fishingtrip #troutfishing

[@jeffbitton1836]

Without a doubt, the best fly-fishing channel on KZbin! Thanks for taking the time to explain the differences and show some incredible water!

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks for the good vibes! Really trying to share vids that actually help...or share how I do it in hopes it might help others! All the questions, comments, feedback...even the constructive feedback is helpful for me. So thank u for helping me!

[@medinaminnows8675]

Dude dude dude!!! Just about to take my first trip to Wyoming, and I live in Colorado I can’t believe the timing of this video!! Thank you I’ve always wanted to know your setup, shot use, indicators used and bam thank you 🙏🏽

[@LooknFishy]

You bet...doing my best to create videos people want and not just what would get views or followers!

[@cyguy8577]

Another great video. I prefer glass 90% of the time, can feel every head shake and makes fighting any fish a lot of fun but to each his own.

[@0074craig]

Hey Drew ,,I Have to say This Video is Awesome ! and all the what your doings and How's while Your out fishing has got to be the best way to out do all the other videos ,,,No Sponsorships and Commercialized Crap Simms or Orvis fake fishing Type of guy ,,,Your Keeping it real and easy to understand Thats what Fly fishing is about ,,,We Love your Videos for just that reason ! I watch em everyday at 4am ,,,before work ,,,Cheers ! Great Video Would like to see more like this one but More Like the Others ! Cheers !

[@blackflycreations]

Hey Drew I don't often comment cuz I watch often on my tv. I just wanted to say thx for putting out amazing content! I look forward to your videos every week! It reminds me of how I need to improve my channel and content. I love a short 3wt for dries etc and I carry a 10ft 3wt for euro but I have the most fun on a 6'6 2wt wen I hit the tiny mtn creeks here in UT. Anyways good stuff take care dude! Steve at Black Fly

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks man, glad to be sharing good vibes!

[@jimgollach6202]

Excellent video drew. I have four grafite rods in different sizes for different conditions and streams. People ask me all the time why so different in rods and leaders. I try to explain why but you do a better job of explaining then I do. Fishermen need to see this video. Excellent information. 👍👍👍.

[@LooknFishy]

I had to do a lot of takes before I got it all the info out clearly...well as clear as I'm capable lol!

[@kgm4368]

kgm Another Great video Drew! A little late to comment but I agree with you completely on the Graphite vs. Glass issue. I have several Orvis Superfines. I use 3 of them quite often, my 8’0” 4wt SF Carbon, 7’6” 3wt. SF Touch and my 7’9” 5wt. SF Far & Fine. They are perfect for throwing delicate dry flies! My reasons for preferring Graphite over Fiberglass are many. 1) Graphite is considerably Lighter. 2) Graphite Rebounds much faster. 3)Graphite gives more support in the butt-section for greater control. 4) Also probably most importantly I have better feel with graphite. I believe there has been a trend in the industry because a couple of companies have re-introduced the old technology of fiberglass for whatever reason (probably cost savings) and others feel they need to follow suit. I did hear from a good source that Orvis my bring back their Superfine Graphite line but until they do one can always buy them on eBay. I’ve looked at Orvis’ Glass rods and was very disappointed for all of the reasons mentioned above. Too heavy, non-responsive and lack of feel. Orvis experimented close to 50 years ago with Fiberglass and after 2 years went exclusively to graphite and of course their split-cane rods.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Exquisite water and beautiful trout, thanks for sharing!

[@LooknFishy]

That was a great time!

[@travisfishwater7734]

I use all tippet. All blood knots. In atleast 3 segments heaviest to lightest ofcourse. And i attach it to the welded loop of the flyline with 50 lb braid tied in a circle to make a loop to loop connection from flyline to braid to tippet (leader, whatever). This setup is super supple and sensitive. Leaders are too thick up top and that coil they can have is nightmare if you can't fix it. Using All tippet in segments is lighter and way more flexible, and much easier to straighten, and as i said, more sensitive, which is obviously critical. Keep up on your knots and it's rock solid.

[@LooknFishy]

Yea, I built my own more before I started using indicators that adjust easily...dorsey and air locks don't work well over knots.

[@jamessprecher7594]

Thanks for this video. Very good, helpful info to a person new to fly fishing as I am. I really enjoy your channel.

[@shawnbaird2015]

Good coverage with great video sampler! Love your BWCA puzzle! Like to see a video of Small mouth fly fishing from MN BWCA!

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u...I'd like to see that myself!

[@mikeboule1967]

which ever fly rod you have the most fun with is the best

[@LooknFishy]

Can't argue with that!

[@hunterfouts9980]

Thanks for making this video!! I asked you on insta to show your nymph setup and here it is! Good luck on your trip

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u and thanks for asking...always nice to create videos that are wanted and possibly helpful!

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

You are a great caster.

[@LooknFishy]

Magic of editing!

[@raywhitehead730]

Got my 2 , rods in the 70's and early 80's. Yep they are the Same ones I fish with every year. It is getting more difficult to troop the stream. But you will find that after a few years you "know" your rod.

[@joshteague8904]

I really like your videos, and I enjoyed the leader set up. I recently just bought my first Orvis set up ever, an 8 1/2 4 wt recon with battenkill click and Paul reel, with hydros trout line. I can’t wait to use it here in the driftless. Temps are still cold here in Wisconsin, but we’re almost there. Thanks for describing the leader and tippet sizes, this lends to set up ideas for me. Take care and tight lines

[@andrewdg90]

Got me a 6'6" #4 underlined with 3wt MPX and it's a killer small stream setup because the rod feels more like a 3. Mainly dry and dry-drop for most of my situations.

[@LooknFishy]

Awesome..did the same thing with my 10ft tfo blue ribbon...it just felt like a 3wt to me.

[@vernonwest7983]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@johnd5643]

Yeah I got a Hardy glass rod for small streams and I love it, but I found myself needing to nymph often enough that it wasn’t working great so I got a small graphite that I normally use now unless I know for sure it’s a top water day.

[@LooknFishy]

Can't have too many, really. Yea, nymphing is why I went graphite first!

[@uni_shadow164]

Well Done Drew!

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u, I know others enjoy the experience of fishing dries on glass but as a tool I still go for the utility of a modern rod!

[@uni_shadow164]

@@LooknFishy Me too.

[@joelpwilson]

Great video, as usual. I find that I almost never use split shot, only in the very deep and fast moving water. Seems like the tungsten beadhead can get me where I need to be most of the time, especially on tandem rigs. Have you found yourself using splitshot less over the years?

[@LooknFishy]

Just depends what part of a run I'm targeting...the drop or short runs and I'll add shot. But not so much if I have time to let the bh get down.

[@peirules154]

I rock a 5 wt since I fish 4” to 24” fish. Size 18 drys to size 6 stimulators. Light to heavy nymph rigs and small streamers. But I picked up a small 3wt glass for small small creeks. And an 8 wt this season for large streamers and sink tip looking for big bulls and browns. I have been eyeing up an echo glass 5wt for drys.

[@LooknFishy]

Yea, got a couple 5wts but they seem to be more back up rods now. Between my 4 which covers all the big water like white and juan and my 3...pretty much covered. Definitely keep a 6 for sink tips, 8, 9 and 10 with both floating and different full grain sinking lines for streamers and salt. I definitely have too many rods lol!

[@peirules154]

I’ve been looking for a 4wt 7.6 as well. Moonshine rods maybe.

[@riverwalker2173]

@@peirules154 Echo River Glass

[@peirules154]

@@riverwalker2173 lol I picked up their 8’6” river glass few months ago!

[@WOScholar]

As always, you share great, useful advice. Thanks for that. Mind if I ask you two questions? 1. What length is your mountain stream 3 weight graphite rod? I’m ready to get one for my next CO trip. 2. Any chance you’d make a video about how you gathered the needed info to legally carry and travel with your handgun in different states? Like you said, some of those streams are super remote, and help is a long way off. Probably closer to bear and moose than you are to cops or medics. It makes total sense to carry. I just want to be safe and legal about it. Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m looking forward to more installments on the truck bed build for the next trip.

[@LooknFishy]

My 3wt is 7.5ft! I search the area before visiting. Most times I can find the applicable gun laws online. If I'm not certain, I'll call the applicable forest service ranger office and ask. My overall attitude is I'd rather reason with the law enforcement officer than a wild animal or anything else I might need protection from.

[@WOScholar]

@@LooknFishy Valid point. Officers can be a little easier to reason with more times than not. I worried that the shorter 3 weight might not do it, but you've shown repeatedly it has the umph to pull the fish out of gnarly situations without issue. I'll look into that. Thanks for answering both questions. See you on the river!

[@canadiangemstones7636]

@@WOScholar Orvis makes a new rod that incorporates a machine gun into the handle. It adds 10 pounds, and is one use only, but when a Black Lives Matter riot breaks out in the woods, you’ll be glad you brought it!

[@paultiplea]

Love glass rods for small streams

[@LooknFishy]

What they were built for! Hoping to grab one soon myself!

[@ericscheffers6740]

Hi Drew, I don't recall in any of your videos which fly line you like to use on your rods, particular the 3 wt for those tight small streams. Can you share your preference with us?

[@LooknFishy]

Not sure I've mentioned it in any video but have in the comments and descriptions some. On my 3wt...orvis pro textured. On my 4wt SA amplitude infinity.

[@David-gld]

I just found your channel. Great vid! What length is your 3 wt in this video? Thanks!

[@Yikes5824]

You've obviously dialed in your setup with great success. That said: 9' 2x + 18" 3x + 15" 4x + 10" 5x = about 12.5' between the fly line and the last fly. On a 7.5' rod on a small stream, how often does your fly line get out past the rod tip to help load your cast?

[@LooknFishy]

Sorry about any confusion....I believe I said, I don't really have a system but start with 9ft 2x, 18" of 3x and 15" of 4x to first fly using a palomar knot with tag to a dropper...that gets you to 11.5ft ish...adding I cut back when I go to 5x. But, this is the leader set up someone asked about for my normal nymphing rig which is my 10ft 4wt, not my 3wt. I was answering 2 questions in one video. Hope that helps. But for sure, I adjust as necessary based on the situation....and fish a 12ft+ leader on my 7.5ft 3wt when needed.

[@rubythroat2258]

Great video. Beautiful scenery and fish:) I fish a lot of similar-sized water... especially those smaller pockets towards the beginign. Quick question: would you have felt undergunned with only a 6' 2wt? I am looking to add one, but worry that I'd be limited on a trip with only a 2wt. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@LooknFishy]

Talk about that in this video, the 3 rods I recommend...kzbin.info/www/bejne/iISYnp6prbFkb5I

[@JoshEthanJohnson]

thanks for the info. helpful to see your rod and leader setup. Next level S**t :)

[@LooknFishy]

Happy to share it!

[@willgunderson5247]

Hi, Drew. Thanks for the helpful video! I'm just wondering why you tie one blood knot and then orvis tippet knots on down your leader? Is it just ease of tying? I'm suspecting the blood knot might have something to do with line diameter discrepancy but I'm just curious. Thanks for making such awesome content, keep it up man!

[@LooknFishy]

Yes like u mentioned...knot strength with different diameter tippet. I tend to do blood knots away from the water with orvis tippet knot as my last knot...b/c I probably won't need to tie many blood knots while fishing...but will replace the tippet knot a few times. With that said, I've been known to, in a hurry and rebuilding, just build everything using the orvis tippet knot.

[@MrMinkey11]

I only fish my orvis glass 3wt rod. Its just the best for dry fly presentation. Not to mention the 25 year warranty no questions asked. Being used in the back country’ puts my mind to rest.

[@LooknFishy]

Love my orvis rods...holding out for 3wt sf glass...dig my sf carbon! Not to mention customer service has been great for the few mix ups I've gotten. Usually just call and explain something was not shipped or wrong product...shows up a few days later!

[@MrBluoct]

🆘What 3 weight rod / reel do you use? 🆘 Have I missed that detail in this or other videos? Great channel and endless real world field conditions and details ! Thanks Just discovered your channel last few days

[@Roberthood1234]

I'm also very interested to hear which 3 weight rod and reel are you using?? Is it the SF Carbon 7'-6" 3 wt???

[@jeremydrouin9975]

Informative video. Do you ever fish a tenkara rod? It can be a productive tool for many types of streams and great for hiking. I fish 3-5wts in Missouri's trout streams, but also use a tenkara rod quite often (especially in the trout slam blue ribbon streams).

[@LooknFishy]

Never have, but heard good things about it. I pretty much just use the same 7.5ft 3wt for everything.

[@jeremydrouin9975]

@@LooknFishy I can't argue with keeping it simple and sticking with what works. More rods = more choices. I bought my first tenkara rod kit in 2014 because it was relatively inexpensive and I wanted to experiment with another method of fly fishing. Now I'm up to four fixed line rods! But I do a lot of nymph and indicator fishing as well, mostly with a 4 or 5 wt. I've been watching a lot of your videos as I plan a late summer/early fall trip to the Iowa Driftless. Keep up the good work!

[@LooknFishy]

Simple is definitely my way!

[@CA-qv2ux]

Question, why so many weights of tippet? Does it make it stronger? Thanks. Really enjoy your videos.

[@LooknFishy]

No, not really...I'd argue adding more knots actually weakens your rig. But I like a 11 to 11.5ft rig and knotless leaders come in 9 or 12ft...so I went with adding on!

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

Great video, thanks Drew! So, at about 5:15 when you nymph that deep run, the water looks like 5-7 feet deep in that hole. At 1.5 to 2x the depth, was your Dorsey set at about 9 feet from your first fly? Was it difficult to cast and land fish? Thanks

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u. I was fishing deep but only 6 or 7ft. 1.5xdepth is a good place to start but I also say, adjust until u hit bottom which is how I ended up at 6 or 7ft. There was a rock or something I kept hitting. If u watch the clip from the original video...notice how close my indi is to my fly line at the beginning and then later. Actually, now I'm thinking this might be an excellent walk thru video! Thank u for the idea!

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

I have trouble when I need to remove shot. I usually just have to re-rig because the shot won’t come off the tippet.

[@LooknFishy]

Hmmm...the egg style removable or yellow box bb style? The bb style...at times I use a shot removal tool...basicly a tooth on a set of my pliers. The egg style, never hard to remove...I just smash my thumb nail in the space. There's a chance u might be crimping it down to tight....my shot will usually slide up and down the leader but the tippet knot keeps it from sliding to my first fly.

[@triumphrider9396]

Hey, Drew. Great video and channel. If you like graphite but want it to load up quicker you could try a heavier line than your rod is weighted for. Might not be good for all situations because then your presentation is not as good, but just something to think about.

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u! Yea, I have talked about over and under lining rods in a video on here...the one from the driftless when I underlined my tfo 4wt. Don't like to over line b/c it kills the presentation. Even tried SA's new creek line in NM at the start of my road trip but switched out b/c it was too front end heavy and I didn't like the presentation.

[@triumphrider9396]

@@LooknFishy I totally agree. I've tried it and always go back because presentation is usually paramount where I fish. If you haven't yet check out the Valles Caldera in NM as a destination. Thanks again for the great content!

[@allcapitols1554]

5:19 One takes off right from the bank

[@ImMobBoss]

Help with a dry fly setup? Do you do leader and then tippet to dry fly? Do you size down tippet when floating dries? Thanks and appreciate the content

[@LooknFishy]

I'd fish a dry in place of the bh nymph...and typically cut there to switch during the day. Keep the nymph set up in my hat ready to go. If I need to down size I add on...rarely hurts to go w/a longer leader for dries...getting separation between fly line and the dry ( since u want the fish to come up) is helpful!

[@deank4603]

No putty! I don't like it either. Doesn't stay on my line and seems to leave a lot of residue if I move it up and down and take it off my line.

[@LooknFishy]

Same here, just never had much luck with it!

[@blackflycreations]

Drew sorry to bug u again but can you share wut rod your 7'6 is? I'd love a short rod w some back bone. Thx again

[@LooknFishy]

No worries man...my 3wt is a 7.5ft. I have 2, 10ft 4wts. My 3wt is the orvis superfine carbon...unfortunately they don't make it any more which is unfortunate b/c I absolutley love it!

[@peirules154]

Glass is better for hook sets not ripping the hook out or launching a little fish.

[@LooknFishy]

Definitely helps protect fine tippet but I don't break off many fish and I fish 6x a ton and 7x some!

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

What are your thoughts on nylon vs fluoro knotless tapered leaders? Thx

[@LooknFishy]

Too expensive for entire leaders but use it pretty often for tippet, especially on educated trout in catch n release areas or when fishing streamers or salt!

[@caseysayre4250]

I'm impressed with your mending. When you do high stick with your 3wt though, do you find the fly line sagging in the guides messes up your drift? I've been considering using a long mono-rig leader (25 ft - 20lb maxima butt section for casting ala troutbitten) for nymphing with my 3wt to fight line sag on short casts in small streams. Is the 7.5 length just a bit short for that much high sticking though?

[@LooknFishy]

No, pretty tight from the eye to indi. Plus, I like some slack, allows for micro movement with micro currents!

[@caseysayre4250]

@@LooknFishy Thanks for the reply. Just one other question. I think I gathered from other comments that the 12ish foot nymphing leader you described in the video was for your 10 ft 4 wt and corresponding deep and wide water. Would you say then for your 3 wt the leader length shrinks down to 8 or 9 ft in general?

[@flyfishdad801]

Different tools for different applications.

[@LooknFishy]

Absolutley!

[@Garybutternuts]

Does your opinion remain the same on graphite vs glass when talking about carp?

[@LooknFishy]

Definitely prefer graphite for carp...they run like crazy so having some backbone to turn them is really helpful. Plus, it helps any time there's even a light wind!

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

Do you use exclusively dry flies on small streams? If so at what point do you start using dry droppers ?

[@LooknFishy]

Nope most of this video goes into that exact question and why I chose graphite over glass lol!

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

@@LooknFishy Many of the streams in this video are decent sized streams. I would not consider them small streams. Do you only fish dry flies in the smallest streams or do you also fish other setups?

[@LooknFishy]

@@newlifeeveryday1821 Oh, see where you're at now. So it kind of depends on the depth and nature of the stream. If the stream is only a 2 to 3ft deep I'll probably do mostly dries...unless I see a big fish and it won't budge. Then I'll go to its level and might keep fishing that way. I will do a dry to emerger that sits just below surface. Ime, if a fish is hungry and the presentation was good they'll probably move 2 ft for a free meal...especially in streams at elevation when the season is short. Some place like the driftless, I'll drop way more often bc the water is typically deeper and it's nearly a 12 month season so fish can be picky and see more anglers! Generally speaking, I do dry/dropper early in the morning when the fish aren't ready to rise to the surface bc there's probably not anything there yet. Or Late in the season when most of the surface activity is over but you'll get an occasional eat. Hope that helps. But I fish dries way more just b/c it's not something I get to do here on the Arkansas tailwaters. We just don't get the surface activity so I like to do something different when I travel!

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

@@LooknFishy thanks

[@MNSkeetFamily]

I use glass for everything….trout, smallies, pike, carp, panfish. Just my personal preference. Not against graphite….just not my jam.

[@wcdunn]

Is that a super fine graphite?

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

Great video. Are you a lefty ?

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u, nope right handed.

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

@@LooknFishy How did you learn to cast from the left side so well ? Did you practice practice and practice ?

[@LooknFishy]

Yep...took some time but now I cast over my left shoulder almost as often as my strong side.

[@daviddurham3052]

What is the advantage of casting left handed vs. back handed with your right hand? Do you feel you have better control?

[@joelhenderson7780]

What rod is your 3wt?

[@LooknFishy]

7.5ft Orvis superfine carbon

[@jonclay1563]

No bamboo?

[@LooknFishy]

Kind of in the glass experience category and not in my budget! But would be cool to own one someday!

[@MrMinkey11]

If you’re not losing flies you’re not fission.

[@LooknFishy]

Haha...why I started tying flies...so I wasn't scared to fish them where the fish are!

[@MrMinkey11]

I can’t walk out of the fly shop without A few more in the cup!!!

[@LooknFishy]

Haha...wish I could help. I'm lucky I'm 300 miles from any shops lol!