Fly Fishing Rods Buying Guide
There's nothing better than hitting the great outdoors 
with your fly fishing rod in hand. The sport , which is an ancient pastime, is the best known way to catch trout and an equally as good way to hook some other types of fish, from bass to carp and snook. So if you're just starting out with this new angling hobby, you're in for days filled with variety and fun. But before you hit the lake, it's best to make sure you have the perfect rod for endless perfect days of fishing . Check out the following guide for tips on how to snag the best gear for you--the ultimate fly fishing rod should catch your attention, hook ,line and sinker!
Evaluate The Rods
When choosing a rod, you'll need to check out three important aspects: material, length and action.
- Common materials used in the construction of fly fishing rods are fibreglass and graphite . Beginners usually opt for fibreglass, as it's an inexpensive option that can stand up to wear and tear (those first few fishing trips can be tricky). Graphite is for a more expert fisherman, as the material is more expensive and lightweight, but allows for more accurate casting.
Action, which is the amount of fly fishing rod flexibility, is an important feature to examine because this will greatly affect how your rod casts and subsequently, how you catch fish! Choose between slow, medium and fast action rods:
- Slow-action fly fishing rods : These rods are capable of reeling in small, lightweight fish. They have the most bend, which often makes them difficult to control (especially if you're a beginner), but they also offer the greatest accuracy if you're only doing short range casting.
- Medium-action fly fishing rods : Work well for beginners because while they are flexible, they do maintain a bit of stiffness that makes them easier to control than the slow-action rods. They bend a bit, both in the middle and at the tip, making them acceptable for short and long-range casting.
- Fast-action fly fishing rods : These bad boys only bend at the tip of the rod and otherwise don't have a lot of give. Thus, they're good for long-distance casting and catching the biggest fish. The downside is they don't help out with accuracy if you're doing more short distance casting, so beginners be wary.
Other Things to Consider
- Make sure you match your rod to your line. Short, lightweight rods should only be used for short casting, and thus, for catching smaller fish. Larger rods can handle longer distances and bigger fish (like salmon, steelhead and saltwater fish).
- Get to know all the pieces and parts of fly fishing rods so you can pick one best suited to your needs.
- Fighting extensions , for example, are extensions behind the reel seat that help you fight larger fish. So, you won't need a heavy fighting extension if you're only looking to bag some small mouth bass.
- Grips are another important feature, as they let you get a good hold on your rod while fighting fish. You can get cigar grips, which is usually made from thin cork and work best with small fish, or half-well and full-well grips, which increase in thickness and can handle more weighty fish.
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