Throughout the saltwater fly fishing community a 9 foot 8 weight rod is usually the most commonly recommended starting rod. That is a great choice that will be useful for a wide range of conditions. However, in our Southern California bays and estuaries, the vast majority of fish caught will be less than two pounds in weight and often less than one pound and not as much fun when caught with an 8 weight rod compared to a lighter rod. Trout sized gear will often do quite nicely when pursuing our...