Fly Fishing Rods
Buying a
fly rod is a fairly simple process if you have been fly fishing before. You probably already know what kind of fish you are going after and know a thing or two about what you personally like in a rod; the weight, flex and overall feel. And most likely, you have your favorite fishing hole or spot that you frequent. All these factors will play a part in which rod to buy. This guide should help you wade through the options so that you can find the perfect new rod at a price you can afford.
(From
Dick's Sporting Goods &
Flyfisherman.com)
|- |'''Fishing Type'''
|valign="top" |
'''Fly Size'''
|valign="top" |
'''Line Weight'''
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'''Rod Length'''
|
'''Action '''
|- |valign="top" | Offshore Saltwater/Large Fish
|valign="top" | 1/0-5/0
|valign="top" | 10-14
|valign="top" | 8' to 9'
|Fast
|- |valign="top" | Saltwater Flats
|valign="top" | 2-8
|valign="top" | 6-10
|valign="top" | 8' to 9'
|Medium to Fast
|- |valign="top" | Tarpon/Game Fish
|valign="top" | 3/0-2
|valign="top" | 11-12
|valign="top" | 8' to 9.5'
|Fast
|- |valign="top" | Steelhead/Salmon
|valign="top" | 1/0-8
|valign="top" | 7-9
|valign="top" | 8' to 15'
|Medium to Fast
|- |valign="top" | Bass/Pike
|valign="top" | 3/0-6
|valign="top" | 7-9
|valign="top" | 8' to 9.5'
|Medium to Fast
|- |valign="top" | Trout Lakes
|valign="top" | 2-22
|valign="top" | 4-7
|valign="top" | 9' to 9.5'
|Slow to Medium
|- |valign="top" | Large Trout Rivers
|valign="top" | 4-22
|valign="top" | 5-7
|valign="top" | 8' to 9.5'
|Slow to Medium
|- |valign="top" | Small Trout Rivers
|valign="top" | 6-22
|valign="top" | 3-6
|valign="top" | 7' to 9.5'
|Slow to Medium
|- |valign="top" | Spring Creeks/Delicate Fly Presentation
|valign="top" | 14-26
|valign="top" | 0-4
|valign="top" | 7' to 9'
|Slow
|}
Deciphering the Chart
The chart on the right should help you discern which size rod you'll need for the type of fishing you're planning. Below, learn more about what it all means.
* '''Rod Length'''
** Rod length can be anywhere between 6' and 15'.
** Very short or very long rods are often reserved for specialized fly fishing. For beginners and those needing a more versatile rod, choose a length somewhere between 7' and 12'.
* '''Line Weight'''
** The strength of a line is described as line weight.
** The heavier and stronger the fish, heavier and stronger the line you need.
** A heavier line weight is best for windy conditions, casting for distance, bigger flies and fast currents.
** A lighter line is best for precision casting and delicate presentation.
* '''Composition Materials'''
** Fly rods were originally made with bamboo. Bamboo is still used by some leisurely dry fly fishers. Bamboo rods are hand-made, tend to be very expensive and harder to maintain.
** Manrod'>graphite titanium.
** Beginners might opt for fiberglass since it is cheaper.
** Seasoned anglers may prefer the versatility and strength of a graphite rod despite higher costs.
* '''Action/Flex'''
** The action or flex of a fly rod is measured by where a rod bends. A slow action rod bends closer to the butt of a rod, while a fast action rod will bend closer to the tip.
** When considering how much action you want a rod to have, you'll also want to consider how much power a rod has. The more power is has, the harder it will be to bend.
** Fast action is desirable when fighting large fish or casting in windy conditions, while more action gives a better feel for delicate presentation.
Models and Makes
Below are some of the newest fly fishing rod models for 2006/2007 made by some of the most popular manufacturers. Click on the manufacturer name to see the gamut of each company or check out what the featured products have to offer by clicking on the links for the individual models.
Fly Fishing Glossary
* '''Dry Fly Size''': A
dry fly is a type of lure used to resemble a floating insect on the water's surface. It will vary in size depending on what type and size fish you are trying to catch. This method of fly fishing depends heavily on presentation skills combined with good casting and the proper rod.
* '''Streamer Fly Size''': A
streamer fly, a type of wet fly, is meant to mimic a fish underwater. They might look like drowned or aquatic insects, and again, they vary in size.
* '''Tippets:'''
Tippets attach the leader to the fly and come in varying strengths, which must be chosen in accordance to the type of fish you are trying to catch. The lower the "x" number, the stronger and larger the tippet.
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