3wt vs 4wt?

Someone posed a question the other day, asking if there really is a difference between a 3wt and 4wt rod, in the same length, and from the same rod series? I have found it to be so. For me, having 3wt and 4wt line weights with rods of the same length is a definite benefit for primarily two reasons:

Wind - I'll rig up my 4wt rod vs the 3wt when there is wind at play. And yes, it makes a difference when casting to a 3-foot wide meandering stream out in the open meadow with banks of tall grass. Much easier to hit the water with a 4wt line when wind is a factor. Or, if I'm fishing upstream in a head wind...yup, it's a 4wt rod I want in my hand.

Power - I'll also rig up the 4wt when strong trout are known to live in a particular stream. The 4wt rod makes a difference when a strong trout is trying to dart into the under cut of the bank, and you need to quickly move him away from there and keep him in calmer waters (and out of a strong current).

When the above two conditions do not apply, I use my 3wt rod. Why? Because a 3wt rod is a whole bunch of fun to fish. My favorite. Managing a tight line with the Leetle Fellers is quite exciting on a 3wt rod. Well, it is for me.

A bit extravagant I know, but I have both 3wt and 4wt rods in same lengths...within the same rod series. It absolutely makes fishing a better experience when I have the option of choosing the best 'line weight' as I move from stream to stream throughout the day.