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Best 3 Weight Fly Rods for Slow Sinking

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Fly fishing smaller streams with 3 wt fly rods is a joy. They are light weight and nimble for accurate casting at shorter distances.

There has never been a better time to be in the market for a 3 weight. Rod makers are constantly improving designs and utilizing stronger and lighter materials in their rods.

Best Weight Fly Rods on The Market

Sage PULSE Fly Rod

Sage PULSE Fly Rod
  • Handcrafted on Bainbridge Island, USA
  • Graphite IIIe Technology, Fast action
  • Lichen blank color; Olive thread wraps with Black trim...
  • Weight: 3.25 oz
  • Line Weight: 3-8 WT
  • Material: Graphite/Glass Scrim
  • Reel Seat: Anodized Aluminum

The Sage Fly Fishing 3 weight rod is a versatile low-cost rod. It is ideal for small water fishing while also allowing you to cast out to fish that are 70 feet away.

The rod is built on a Graphite III blank and provides you with an outstanding ergonomic feel. Every single rod is hand-crafted by Sage’s expert craftsmen.

The Sage Pulse provides you with a smooth, crisp, powerful and fast action. The rosewood insert provides you with a very comfortable gripping surface.

Pros

  • New Graphite IIIe Technology blank
  • Crisp, smooth, powerful, fast-action
  • Reasonable accuracy across the board
  • Olive thread wraps with black trim wraps
  • Forgiving enough for any angler
  • Covered by the Sage Lifetime Warranty

Con

  • A little heavier than the Recon

Temple Fork Outfitters Fly Rod

Temple Fork Outfitters Fly Rod
  • Smooth and powerful, medium fast rods
  • Black matte finished blanks, gold logos for style
  • Anodized reel seats with aluminum inserts
  • Weight: 3 oz
  • Line Weight: 3-8 WT
  • Material: Rich Translucent Olive Blanks
  • Reel Seat: Carbon Fiber

The TFO BVK Series Fly Fishing Rod is a lightweight rod that delivers an impressive level of power. The rod is constructed from carbon fiber and features FLOR grade handle grips.

It is also very well priced, providing features and performance to match brands that cost more than double the amount. Designed for both fresh and seawater, the TFO BVK rod is durable and rugged.

Your purchase of this rod comes with a rod sock. The rod is great for long casting but is also ideal for surfcasting. This rod is available from 3 to 12 weight.

Pros

  • Better-than-excellent presentation in a lightweight rod
  • Lighter weight for aggressive power and strength
  • Guides is made with TFO’s exclusive Tactical Series stripping guides and able to withstand vigorous fishing conditions
  • Can be used for both fresh and saltwater
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Flimsy butt

Fenwick AETOS Fly Rod

Fenwick AETOS Fly Rod
  • Fast action
  • Rod length: 7'
  • Graphite blank
  • Weight: 3.44 oz
  • Line Weight: 3-8 WT
  • Material: Carbon flake
  • Reel Seat: Anodized Aluminum

The Fenwick AETOS Fly Rod is a lightweight ultralight rod that provides you with a fast action. This means that the rod flexes at the tip. The soft tip helps with short casts.

You get excellent rod loading with a Fenwick AETOS. You get a surprising amount of power with the rod. The wide guides that come with the rod reduce friction.

The reel seat of the Fenwick AETOS Fly Rod has an aluminum adonized double lock. Your purchase comes with a rod tube with a built-in divider.

Pros

  • Beautiful design and coloring
  • Quality graphite blanks
  • Reliable reel locking system
  • AAA cork grips
  • Hard rod case included

Con

  • Missing high-end componentry

What is a 3 Weight Fly Rod Used For?

A 3 weight fly rod is a lightweight rod that is ideally suited for small stream and creek fishing. In these settings, small flies and more delicate actions are the norm.

Three weight rods are typically used for casting of fewer than 35 feet. Three weight rods also have a slow action. Fly fishing rods are weighted between 1 and 15. They are further grouped as follows:

  • 1-3 weight
  • 4-6 weight
  • 7-8 weight
  • 9-12 weight
  • 13-15 weight

As you can see from these divisions, a three-weight rod sits at the top of the first division. This makes it just under the functionality required for fishing in medium to large streams.

A three weight is a good choice for beginners and those who re going to be sticking to small waterways. However, newbies will also be able to handle a 4 or 5 weight. This slightly larger weight will give them more flexibility to also fish in larger waterways.