Fly Fishing - Rod FAQs

Choosin the right fly rod can be a daunting task for any fisherman. There are a few things that need to be taken into account when making a choice to ensure that you get the most from your rod. The more expensive rods are not necessarily going to suit you better, ask yourself the following questions before jumping in.

What length of rod should I choose?

You will notice that most rods come in a wide variety of lengths and weights. When fishing small streams and rivers you would usually select a short fly rod, from 7ft to 9ft. These lighter rods cast very light lines and offer a delicate presentation of your fly. Being shorter they are easier to use when there are trees and other obstacles on the riverbank. You will also not be looking to cast long distances. If you are looking to fish small inland stillwaters a rod of between 9ft and 9ft 6inches will suit you best. These rods are capable of casting reasonable distances and can easily cover feeding fish with the correct fly line. They are by far the most popular size. At the far end of the scale you have rods that are between 9ft 6inches to 10ft and longer. Reservoir and boat fisherman uses these rods. They carry heavier lines, cast long distance, they are heavier and more difficult to use.

What weight of rod should I choose?

All rod manufactures print a rating on the butt of the rod. This weight rating tells you what weight line will work best with that particular rod. Using the wrong weight line makes casting difficult or impossible if severely mismatched. Remember it is the rod that does the work, a correctly matched rod and line is a pleasure to use. Ensure that your line matches your fly rod. Just as short rods are used on small waters and long rods on bigger waters, the same applies to the weight rating of the rod. Low ratings form 3-5 are usually on the short lightweight rods. 6-8 on the 9ft and 9ft 6in rods. The long 10ft rods and above usually carry a line of between 8-10. The actual weight of a fly rod also makes a difference to the angler. A heavy rod will make you tire more quickly. The more expensive rods are usually lighter and thinner than cheaper models of the same ATFM rating.

How can I judge the action of the rod?

Each fly rod will have an action of it own. The action can be described as soft, slow, medium, fast, mid action, tip action etc. The action of a rod will make a considerable difference to its feel when casting and when playing a caught fish. The action is a description of how the rod bends under pressure and how it recovers to its original position. Fast action rods generally produce more line speed and can cast greater distances. They can be quite stiff and require a greater degree of timing when casting and care needs to be taken when playing fish to avoid breakage of the tippet. A slower action is more forgiving to bad timing and will not cast as far, its soft action is better for casting closer in as it requires less line out of the rod to create the flex needed to create a good casting technique.

How much will I pay for a rod?

As with almost everything in life, the more you pay the better it gets. However this does not mean that you must buy the best to enjoy the sport. Cheaper rods tend to be slightly thicker and heavier in construction and the fittings (cork handle, Guide rings/snakes/guides and reel seat) are constructed from cheaper materials. As you become familiar with different waters and your casting improves you may well find that your original purchase could be improved upon. However, by now you will have the experience to make a more informed judgement about what suits you personally. Cheaper 'Starter kits' are sold hundreds of times over each year and fishermen are amazed at what you can get for under $150.

Who are the top manufacturers of Fly Fishing Rods?

Orvis, Sage, Scott, Winston, Falcon, Diamondback, and many many others.