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First Cast Fishing
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft9 photos
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft, photo 2 of 9
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft, photo 3 of 9
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft, photo 4 of 9
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft, photo 5 of 9
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft, photo 6 of 9
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft, photo 7 of 9
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft, photo 8 of 9
  • Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ft, photo 9 of 9

Quick take

A 9-foot 5-weight fly rod with moderate-fast action, made of high-modulus carbon fiber with an extra tip section.

The Drifter II in 5-weight and 9 feet is a carbon fiber fly rod with a moderate-fast action, a good all-round length for trout streams. It has a cork grip, a burl reel seat and an extra tip section, and it travels in a zippered tube. Anglers who want one rod for general trout fishing will find the 5-weight a familiar starting point.

Best for

  • Trout fishing in streams and small rivers
  • Presentations requiring distance and control
  • Intermediate fly anglers

Skip if

  • You fish very small streams
  • You need a slower action for delicate casting

Strengths

  • Extra tip section included as a replacement; no need to abandon the rod if damaged
  • High-modulus carbon fiber is lighter than standard fiberglass
  • Lifetime manufacturer's warranty provides long-term value

Trade-offs

  • Moderate-fast action is less forgiving for beginners
  • 5 wt is limited to smaller fish and lighter flies
  • Four-piece design requires careful assembly but aids portability

Fishing fit

Species
  • Trout
Water
  • Freshwater
Techniques
  • Fly fishing
Skill level
  • Intermediate

Specifications

Specifications
Typefly rod
Weight5 wt
Length9 ft
ActionModerate-fast
MaterialCarbon fiber
Sections4 pieces
GripAAA grade cork

How to choose a color and size

Size

Sizes and when to pick them
OptionsWhen to pick itConditions
6'6, 7'A mid length that suits most casting from the bank or a boat.
  • Bank
  • Boat
3WT- 7'6, 4wt 8'6, 11wt 8'6", 5wt 9', 5WT- 9', 6wt 9', 6wt 9'0", 6WT- 9', 7wt 9', 7WT- 9', 8wt 9', 8WT- 9' and 9 moreThis oneA long rod for long casts, surf and big water.
  • Surf
  • Bank

Which one should I pick?

Versions of this product on this site
VersionRod lengthSuits
Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 3wt, 7'6, Vintage BrownRod length:7.5 ftSuits:—
Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 4wt, 8'6, Vintage BrownRod length:8.5 ftSuits:—
Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5 wt, 9 ftRod length:9 ftSuits:—
Moonshine Rod Company Drifter II Fly Rod, 5wt, 10', Vintage BrownRod length:10 ftSuits:—

Facts

This version's specifications
Rod length9 ft

Updated