Choosing Fly Rod Beginning To End
For a lot of reasons, it is with reluctance that I approach the subject of choosing a fly rod. As previously reported in other articles about fly fishing gear, if you ask 10 people, and you get 10 different opinions. Selecting a fly rod is no different. Fly anglers are picky about their fly rods, and they love their fly rods. To many it is like comparing your spouse to another, the result being if you love your spouse then she is the best. Having said that, we can lay down some truths about the fly rod industry, and then get more specific about the fine art of finding you a partner to share your passion of
Intended Use Of The Fly Rod
The first thought when selecting a fly rod should address how it will be used. Will you be casting for tarpon or small trout on a creek? It will likely be somewhere in between, with several other scenarios thrown in. You first need to think about the size of the water where you will be fishing. Next, what is the size of the fly you intend to cast. Then you need to consider the size of the fish you intend (praying for) to catch. The fly rod size affects both the casting and playing of the fish. Actually if you fish both a smallmouth bass and rainbow trout, you can probably get by with one fly rod. The same for largemouth and steelhead and salmon. This might not give you the best choice for either, but if your budget is like mine this can be a very nice choice for a variety of fishing conditions at the best price..
The Numbers
Fly rod sizes fall into categories by numbers. Unlike flies, where the smaller the number, the larger the fly. Rods are the opposite and go by the larger the number the larger the fly rod. A number 3 rod is a very light rod, used for small trout in small streams. A 12 wt. rod is used for tarpon, stripers and other fish where long distance casting is required with big flies. The most popular all-around rods are in the 5-6 category, in this range you can cover the whole gamut of trout fishing and a good chunk of bass fishing as well. A number 6 rod can also tackle small steelhead and other sea-run fish, but the fisherman must be skilled. Most steelhead fishermen will choose a bigger rod however, in the 7-9 range, and they can also fish salmon with that range as well.
You must also consider length. 9' is by far the most popular length right now. You can cast a 9' long distances and not tire out, and still maintain good control of the drift. If fishing smaller streams and or bushy areas, 9' will frustrate you, because there won't be enough room to maneuver it. Rods commonly go down to 7' and even shorter ones can be found. If you are doing a lot of fishing out of a float tube, longer rods are common place, since you can get more distance with a longer fly rod, and the extra length also helps to keep the fly off the water on the backcast.
Action
This is where it gets even more complicated, since different manufacturers call the action of their fly rods different names. Basically, action can be broken down into slow, moderate and fast. Some of the manufacturers have 4 classifications, but all are based on the same concept. That concept is how much of the rod will bend, when casting.
A fast (or super fast) rod will have only the tip bend, these offer the longest casting distances, they really are great if you are casting in the wind. They allow for tighter casting loops, and are great for shooting head lines, double-hauling casting techniques and are a real treat for the skilled caster. With all of that, they are harder to learn on and therefore not recommended for your first fly rod.
The next level down is medium which is the most popular action being sold today. The medium rods flex further down the length of the rod than the fast action. Mediums are great for beginners, and are also the choice of most experienced anglers who don't own a bunch of rods. The nice part for beginners is they are forgiving as you learn. They provide more accuracy than the super fast. They do not cast as far however, and the wind will be more of a problem with this type rod.
The last level is slow or full bend, often bending all the way to the grip. These fly rods are falling out of favor, which is a shame, because for fishing small creeks they are the best. They don t cast very far, but you don t need that on tiny creeks, but what they do best is absorb the shock, so your tippet doesn't get as stressed, and your chances of snapping off the fly are reduced.
H3>Grips
The choice of grip is most often overlooked when choosing a fly rod. This is a mistake, since the grip is important in the comfort of your fly rod in your hand. Most decent fly rods these days use standard cork as the base material. Full wells grips are the choice if you have large hands, and half wells grips are popular with the lady anglers.
Manufacturers
There are many companies making fly rods, and almost all make great fly rods. With the advent of graphite in the 70s the fly rod industry was revolutionized, and now one need not spend a fortune for a bamboo rod, to enjoy great fly fishing.
Personally, I have fished almost every name brand rod on the market today. Like every other angler I have my favorites but I have to admit the differences are small, and I could probably learn to like any of them, just as well as the ones I own. I currently own fly
One thing I do look for is the lifetime warranty, offered by virtually all major rod makers today. It is in the price of the rod of course, but you must register your rod upon purchase in order to qualify for the lifetime warranty. If you keep your rod for any length of time, you will undoubtedly be glad you have it. It doesn't matter whether you broke your rod tip off fighting a fish, trying to free a snag, or in the car door, most fly rod makers will send you a replacement.
Recommendations
These recommendations are but a starting point. Ask your fellow fly fishermen about their preferences, their likes and dislikes about the equipment they own, have tried. Find out why they dislike them and decide if that is a factor for you. Only then can you be reasonably assured you will nmake the right choice when you pull out your wallet to purchase your first fly rod.