T&T 7wt Horizon rod

[FishHawk]

I am thinking of makeing a T&T 7wt Horizon saltwater rod . My question is will this rod be able to cast dry flies as well as the fresh water model? My feeling is that the difference between a saltwater rod and a fresh is the butt strength. I know that the tapers are different. Any advice? I plan to use the rod for light salt water and Western fishing in high winds.
Thanks FishHawk

[JohnMiddleton]

Fishhawk,

I have almost every Horizon model from 10wts down to 4 wts and for my casting style, I find them a joy to cast. I have used the 7wt for Reds/Trout in Florida and have thrown clousers and other lead eye flies with it in some degrees of wind. You will be able to use the rod for drys (larger) but most likely the rod is better suited for floattubing or chucking big streamers......I have used the Horizon Salt 6 wt for big drys and find it very capable. On the other end of the spectrum, it is limited in the salt to protected areas and smaller flies.

John

[josko]

I have a T&T Horizon 7 wt and find it a bit stiff and frankly, too heavy for dry flies. I use it occasionally for streamers but prefer a softer rod for fresh water. I tend to snap off small flies with 5x and lighter tippets. On the other hand, it's an absolute joy for getting gotchas in front of bonefish at 70+'. I've been using it a bit for that lately, and it's an absolute dream flats rod. I haven't been needing anything heavier even though it's been a bit windy.

I'd say even T&T would not recommend it for dry fly fishing.