A Guide to Selecting a Fly Fishing Rod

A Guide to Selecting a Fly Fishing Rod

Buying a fly fishing rod today can be quite confusing as fly fishing rods are made from many different types of material, come in different lengths and varying degrees of stiffness. One of the most important items of equipment that you will buy for fly fishing will be your fly fishing rod – selecting the correct fly rod is therefore imperative. The oldest and most basic fly fishing rod is the classic bamboo fly rod. Whilst a bamboo fly rod is a work of art, these rods are heavier and more expensive than the fly rods made today.

1. Rod Materials

Fly fishing rod are manufactured using the following materials:

• Fiberglass – Commonly used in the less expensive fly rods. Fiberglass rods are usually more durable than graphite, and are generally used by beginners. These rods can be used in most fly fishing situations.
• 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. These rods can be used by beginner and expert anglers.

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 fishing rods are the most accurate when it comes to short-range casting, but are difficult for beginners to learn to control. 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. These fly fishing rods are ideal rods for beginner anglers, and can be used for both long-range and short-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. Streamers and larger flies are suitable.
• 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 beginner fly fishing rod guide 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 Feedraider.com news feed for Fly Fishing Elite.