How To Select the Right Fly Fishing Rod

As fly fishing rods today are made of many different types of material, and come in varying degrees of stiffness and in various rod lengths, choosing a fly fishing rod today can get quite confusing for the novice. The fly fishing rod is one of the most important items of fly fishing equipment, so buying the correct rod is essential. The oldest and most basic fly fishing rod is the traditional bamboo fly rod. A bamboo fly fishing rod may look aesthetically pleasing, but these bamboo rods are more expensive and heavier than the modern fly fishing rod.

1. Rod Materials

Fly fishing rod are manufactured using the following materials:

  • Fiberglass – Commonly used in the less expensive fly rods. These rods are generally used more by beginners, and fiberglass rods are normally more durable than graphite rods. You can use these fly rods for most types of fishing.
  • Graphite – More expensive than fiberglass rods. Rods made of graphite have greater fighting power than fiberglass. Graphite fly fishing rods are lighter than fiberglass rods, and are easier to cast more accurately. Beginner and expert anglers can use these fly fishing rods.

2. Rod Action

Rod action is the amount of stiffness in the rod, and how much the rod will flex when you are casting or are fighting a fish. The action of a fly rod can categorized as:

  • Slow-Action – These rods have the most bend or flexibility. These fly rods can be difficult for beginner anglers to learn to control, but these rods have more accuracy when it comes to short-range casting. Use these fly fishing rods to catch light fish.
  • Medium-Action -These rods bend in the middle of the rod and at the rod tip. Rods in this category are suitable for the novice angler. These fly fishing rods can be used for both short-range and long-range casting.
  • Fast-Action – Beginners find these rods difficult to handle. These rods are quite stiff, and can only flex near the tip of the rod. You can cast longer distances with these rods, and can also handle the bigger fish. These rods do not have the casting accuracy of slow-action rods.

3. Rod Weight

The weight of the fly fishing rod you choose should match the weight of the fly line you intend using. This is not the actual weight of the fly rod itself, but an indication of the fly line weight that the rod has been designed to use most effectively. Fly line weights are categorized 1 to 15, and you choose your fly line weight according to the fish you intend catching:

  • 1 to 3 Weight – Small trout and other small fish using small flies.
  • 4 weight – Small to medium sized trout and other similar sized fish with small to medium flies.
  • 5 or 6 Weight – Medium sized trout, small bass and other similar sized fish using small to large flies.
  • 7 or 8 Weight – Large trout and bass. Large flies and streamers can be used.
  • 9 Weight and Above – Steelhead, salmon, and saltwater fish with saltwater flies.

4. Rod Length

The length of a fly rod determines the action of the rod. Shorter fly fishing rods have a slower action than longer fly rods, but they are better suited to fly fishing in tight confined spaces than longer fly fishing rods. Fly fishing rod length can be categorized as:

  • Short (less than 8 feet) – Use in tight fishing situations where bush, trees or stream size restrict your movement.
  • Medium (8 feet – 9 feet) – Recommended rod length for trout and bass fly fishing. These rods allow you to handle more weight and to cast further.
  • Long (longer than 9 feet) – Ideal choice for longer casting and fishing for big-game fish.

Take a look at the fly fishing rod guide for beginners for more information about fly rods, and how to choose a fly fishing rod.

 

For more information about the sport of fly fishing, take a look at the news feed for Fly Fishing Elite (Feedraider.com).

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