I cast a 5 w stiff, It isn't as bad casting as I thought it would be. Alittle tough getting the line up off the water but not bad for I only need 30 feet max typically to dead drift a hole or slot. I use an interesting mend technique taught to me by my brother to get 100 foot drifts with my fly line. I do miss my 8 weight, not as much work to get the weighted fly's out there.