The wet fly swing sounds like something one does at the square dance hall. Instead the wet fly swing is an example of the oldest
fly fishing systems. The wet fly swing is most frequently used with streamers, like the Woolly Bugger or Muddler Minnow and sometimes wet flies, like soft hackles or nymphs. Steelheaders and salmon anglers will be using eight or above, and it is going on down for the other game fish. The point is you may need to rig fairly big, as you won't only be fighting the fish, but the present as well, and often times current that is deep. As the take will be deep, you do not need to be forced to set the hook with plenty of slack leader. Depth is of significance, as often this system is employed for fish fibbing deep. If you don't get the depth you would like, than try adding more weight, a bigger fly, or switching lines. I try avoiding a sinking line, as I like the line to lie on the water, for simple control, casting, and naturally, setting that hook. Like many things in
fly fishing you can ask ten different fly anglers a single query and you will get ten different answers. Most steelheaders use at least a 7 weight rod. There that is the end of it, excepting one thing.
A 7 weight, to my mind is a perfect all around steelhead rod, that may work for any steelhead conditions. Therefore before you purchase, consider the fishing you most plan to do. If your favourite river is giant and the fish are big and the present is powerful then 7 weight won't be enormous enough, if the stream is smaller and the fish are in the 6 pound range than 7 weight will be lots.
As for length, the comprehensive shortest rod I might use is nine foot. Find the water you would like, and cast across stream, to a touch downstream. Lowering your rod tip as the fly swings across the current, so that the fly won't have any drag. When the fly has reached the end of its swing. Slowing down the complete casting stroke will be needed, and permit the back cast to absolutely extend. When most other systems turn out to be ineffectual, due to high or cold water. The above article will appear in the Large Y Fly Fishing E-Zine at fly fishing .