Suggestions on Fly fishing weights

[LightGearMike]

Finprof: Definitely good info thanks

EJS: I really just wanted to make sure i wouldn't make the trout overstruggle to get in and hurt them. So many "experienced" fly guys on the river have been telling me that i'd never be able to play a good size trout on such light gear. mind you my spinning gear for trout is a 4.5' st croix with 2lb on a mitchell 308. I like a challenge but not at the fish's expense

[Ken Lyons]

First of all if you don’t know how to cast a 3 wt is not what I would choose to learn how. If the only issue is learning than an 8 wt is heavy enough for a beginner to feel the weight of the line on the back cast. That final tug after the line has completely unrolled gives you the timing for the forward cast. Find some one that gives lessons. This is a skill that no one learns in a day. A good instructor is worth every penny you pay him. The frustration otherwise could drive you nuts.
There are all kinds of theories and myths in this sport and matching the rod to the size of the fish is one of them. Now your not going to use a 3wt for Bluefish but generally speaking the rod should match the fly. I once caught an 8 pound “Albie” off the beach with an 8 wt while surrounded by a crowd of fishermen amazed that it could be done. Knowing how, thanks Lefty, makes very possible.
The fly was about the size of a bass bug. Don’t worry about that stuff now.

[Capt. Lou]

Most NJ and surrounding state waters a 7.6 or 8' #4 is all u would need with the exception of larger river Delaware or lower Raritan .
The longer rods u describe are easier to cast if thy are tapered correctly but downside is length in tight quarters .
Only ur level of proficiency with the rod will govern ur success in many waters .
As far as taper the 3 weight taper will resemble an standard trout rod taper in spinning rods so it's capable of landing trout upwards of 5#'s easily . The UL taper of the rod will allow up to pressure any big fish quite easily and allow u to C & R without issue .
All this depends on ur overall efficiency with the fly rod n expierance fighting bigger trout .
I would definitely put a DT line on that rod , which would allow it to load quicker in smaller areas , the longer rod length will permit u to roll cast thus avoiding many pitfalls of a standard fly cast .
Make sure ur leaders are consistent tent with this presentation and turn ur flies properly with minor cast strokes .
Many so called #3 weight rods are not , so if U don't know then find an individual that does and make sure the basics are all in order that'll make it easier to start
Good luck !