Fly Fishing Rods: Fly fishing rods come in a variety of materials, lengths, and weights. Learn everything you need to know about choosing the best fly rods and preparing for your next fishing trip.




HOW TO SELECT A FLY FISHING ROD

To start fly fishing for bass, trout, panfish, or saltwater fish, you'll need the right fly fishing equipment, starting with a fly fishing rod, which is typically made of graphite, fibreglass, or bamboo. While inexpensive graphite or fibreglass rods may be the best fly fishing rods for beginners learning the sport, keep in mind that you get what you pay for when it comes to fly rods. 

When looking for the best saltwater fly fishing rods, quality and strength are especially important. Saltwater fly fishing rods, unlike freshwater rods, must be able to muscle game fish that are faster, stronger, and able to fight longer than their freshwater counterparts. There are also new "all water rods" that can be used for both freshwater and saltwater adventures.

More expensive fly rods have better materials and craftsmanship, so the more you fly fish, the more you will appreciate the type of performance that the best fly fishing rods can offer. Such high-quality rods can help you become a better caster and, as a result, an angler, so choose wisely.

SELECTING THE ROD LENGTH

The length of the fly rod you choose is critical. If you fly fish small, brush-lined streams, 6- to 8-foot fly rods may be the best fly fishing rods for you. A 9-foot fly rod, on the other hand, makes more sense if you fly fish large rivers with plenty of casting room or saltwater environments. Longer fly fishing rods provide better line control.


SELECTING THE ROD WEIGHT

When you cast a fly, the line provides the weight to deliver the fly. The larger the fly, the more wind resistant and heavy it is, so it requires a larger (heavier) fly line to deliver it. When targeting trout or panfish, small flies are used, and the delicate presentation of the fly is often critical. In this case, most beginners prefer a 5- or 6-weight fly rod because it can cast small flies delicately while also casting relatively large flies to distant targets.

Most people use fly rods ranging from tiny 1-weights to 8-weights to catch trout. For large flies, bass fishermen will mostly use 6- to 10-weight rods. The majority of people begin fly fishing for trout and panfish with a 5-weight. You can upgrade to lighter or heavier fly rods as your fly fishing skills improve.

TEAMING FLY ROD AND FLY LINE

You want a "balanced outfit," which includes a fly fishing rod and fly line that are designed to work together. Manufacturers design fly rods to cast a specific weight of fly line. A 6-weight rod, for example, requires a 6-weight line; a 4-weight outfit requires a 4-weight line, and so on. If you look at a fly rod, this information is printed just above the cork grip.

Manufacturers of fly rods code their rods in a variety of ways and locations. Some fly rods have a butt cap on the end of the rod that displays the rod length and the fly line to which it is matched. Other fly rods indicate the length of the rod and the fly line weights for which the rod is balanced above the cork grip. The fly line and fly rod are usually pre-matched in most beginner rod/reel/line outfits.

FLY RODS: 2-PIECE, 3-PIECE OR 4-PIECE

Because they fly fish close to home, most new anglers start with a two-piece fly rod. 4-piece travel rods may become more important to you as you begin to travel to new fishing locations (they can usually be hand-carried aboard an airplane).

While your casting and fishing abilities are still at the beginner level, a less expensive fly fishing rod and reel may be sufficient. As your skills improve, you'll begin to upgrade your fly tackle, including higher-performance fly reels and fly rods. Good fly fishing equipment is always a better long-term investment and will help you learn faster.


The best approach is to purchase tackle at a fly shop where you can speak with knowledgeable sales staff. Salespeople at fly shops can assist you in putting together the outfit and casting with it. A knowledgeable store clerk should assist you with your initial purchases and assist you in determining which fly rod is best for you and where you will fish.



ALWAYS CHECK YOUR GEAR

Take a few moments when putting your outfit together to ensure the rod is securely assembled and there are no cracks or dings that could weaken it. Make sure your line is not cracked or cut. Check that the fly reel spool is not bent and that it turns freely.