What fly weight do I need?
In fly fishing, the rod, line and fish all have to match. A number - the "weight" - ties them together: a 5-weight rod throws a 5-weight line and suits trout; an 8-weight moves big flies and big fish. Pick what you're chasing and get a sensible rod weight, line and leader to start from.
Leader & tippet: 9 ft, 4X-5X tippet
The great all-rounder. If you buy one trout rod, buy a 5-weight.
Golden rule: match the line weight to the rod weight (a 5-weight rod = a 5-weight line). If your casting feels sluggish and hard to load up close, trying a line one size heavier often wakes the rod right up.
⚠️ A starting point, not a prescription. Rod actions, casting styles and local conditions all shift the "right" answer, and line makers label tapers differently - cast a few rods before you buy if you can, and ask a local shop what works on your water. Ranges shown (e.g. 7-8 wt) mean either will serve; go heavier for wind and bigger flies.