Greenling on a fly?

So I'm really hoping to hit the north sound for some ling cod action during our stupidly short season.  It was suggested to also try fishing for some greenling in the same area.  I was figuring on trying for some if I catch a keeper ling quickly enough to still have some time left for greenies.

I'd like the challenge of catching the greenling on a fly.  I have 3 different fly rods to choose from.  I have a 5/6wt St Croix two-piece 9' rod with a 5 wt reel and floating line (I have another identical rod/reel that needs fresh line.  That one could get a sinking or intermediate line.)  That one is my fresh water trout setup.  I also have a 6wt four-piece 9' TFO rod with a 6wt reel and intermediate line.  I got that originally for beach fishing for sea-run cutts and cohos/pinks.  Finally I have an 8wt four-piece rod (forget the manufacturer right now) that has 2 tips that let me choose 9'6" or 10' lengths.  The reel I have is outfitted with the Rio Versa-Tip line.  Main line is floating, with 12' or so tips that vary from floating to intermediate to 3 different sink rates.  That one was originally for river steelhead and salmon.

Which of those rods would be most suitable for the greenling?  I was thinking the 5/6wt St Croix's, or the 6wt TFO.  Seems greenlings aren't big enough to justify the 8wt.  BUT, size of rod is really dictated more by the weight of the fly one is casting than the intended weight of the quarry.  And I wasn't sure how heavy of a fly I'd need to get to where the greenies live.  And there's always the chance of a hitch-hiker ling or cabby. 

Which also brings me to flies.  I have a lot of fly tieing stuff, but I'll probably buy a few and see what works and then try to duplicate those patterns.  What might be some good flies to try, and how heavy should they be?

Rory is going to tell you to catch the greenling first.   

i am very interested so post your results. However, I would start with the 8 weight and work down. I have only caught 15-inch Greenling from the bank in BC and I was using a 7 weight with teeny t300 line and unweighted black woolly buggers. I also snagged a two-foot dogfish with the outfit and it did fine but anything lighter could be a problem.

Thanks.  I guess I'll start out with the 8wt then.  I was hoping the 6wt would be preferred as that's the only "saltwater" reel in the bunch.  Guess I'll just have to be particularly careful about washing everything afterwards.

So, for flies, sounds like woolley buggers are one option.  Any other good choices?

Clouser patterns with dumbells maybe?

Stick with the 8wt. You'll need the backbone.

+1