Fly fishing rods today are manufactured from many different types of material. Fly rods also come in many different lengths, and have different degrees of flexibility, which make it confusing when selecting a fly fishing rod. 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 fly fishing rod that is the oldest 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. 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 rods are difficult for beginners to control, but are the most accurate for short-range casting. These rods are used to catch lightweight 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. Rod weight tells you what fly line weight the rod have been designed to most effectively use – rod weight is not the actual physical weight of the rod. 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. They allow you to cast further and can handle more weight.
- 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 Feedraider.com news feed for Fly Fishing Elite.
