Walter & Group:-
Dan Mcrimmon asked me about tackle for MCCI candidates to consider for testing. Below is my answer starting with what I have witnessed at the Conclaves.
Gordy
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Dan...
Most common I witnessed were moderately fast 9' 7wt. rods with WF7F lines with long bellies. Some used gray, tan or light green lines which were frankly difficult for us to see in the air when trying to judge the quality of their loops.
That's what Tom White and I have been recommending when we've given our MCCI prep courses. The 7 Wt. systems handle wind a trifle better than the 5 and 6 wts., but the main reason is that the line is just plain easier for both the candidate and the examiners to see during the exam because of its greater diameter. Helps prevent having to have the candidate repeat casts.
My personal favorite has been the Sage XP 9' 7 wt. rod matched to a Scientific Anglers WF7F XXD or "Distance Line" in blaze orange (for contrast) Also the Rio, "Long Cast" line of the same dimentions and color. Because of the long belly and moderate forward taper, these lines help the candidate perform all the tasks very well......from roll casting to distance casts. Works fine for the curve casts, too.
Candidates can do just fine with the new inexpensive rods available from Cabela's, Echo, White River, TFO and others. I emphasize that you do NOT need to break the bank to buy a top of the line rod for the exam. My own take is that it IS worth the extra few dollars for a quality fly line, since that's the heart of the system.
We had trouble getting the SA lines in blaze orange 7 wt., until Bruce Richards agreed to have them make some up for bonefide candidates who can order them on special request.
When candidates ask about recommended reels, I tell them that this is the least important part of the outfit. Ideally, the reel should be light, simple (direct drive). A slight advantage may be had with the large arbor models in that they tend to cause less of a curley, "set" as the line is stored. One inexpensive reel which fits the bill is the graphite composite ECHO brand available at Cabelas.
Our advice on leaders is to use an 8' leader of nylon mono the 1st 4' of which is butt section and the last 4' a multi segment rapidly tapered section to a 6 lb. mono tippet. I use soft mono for my demo's and teaching so my diameters will be greater than for hard mono leaders for the same turnover potential. I use a simple nail knot connection to the fly line.
My customary leader formula is: 4' 30 lb. nylon mono butt section / 1' 20 lb. /1' 15 lb./1' 10lb. /1' 6lb. using blood knots to connect the segments.
A few years ago, Rick Whorwood suggested a practice fly which works fine for demos , teaching, and testing as well. We use about 1 1/2" of a single strand of 3-strand white poly package yarn (Usually available around Christmas in Hallmark stores) tied longitudinally on the shank of a #14 hook. The rest of the shank and bend are clipped off for safety reasons. I tie up a bunch of them before a demo or class. For me, white shows up best on grass or water. Tying it this way makes it cast more like a real fly than yarn tied crosswise.
Dan....I gave you more details than you requested only because I can use this to send out on my Master Study Course.
Gordy