The first thought when selecting a fly rod, is it’s most often
intended use. Are you casting for Tarpon or small trout on a
creek?
Choosing a Fly Rod
For many reasons, it is with some trepidation that I approach
this subject. As I have stated in previous articles about fly
fishing gear, you ask 15 people, and you get 15 different
opinions. Choosing a fly rod is no different. In fact it might be
the epitome of that statement. Fly anglers are picky about their
fly rods, and they love their fly rods. To many it is like
comparing spouses, and if you love your spouse then you have the
best one. But having said that we can lay down some truths about
the fly rod industry, and then go into more specifics about the
fine art of finding you a partner with which to share the passion
of fly fishing.
What is it to be used for:
The first thought when selecting a fly rod, is it’s most often
intended use. Are you casting for Tarpon or small trout on a
creek? Most likely somewhere in between, and maybe even several
uses. You first need to think about the size of the water you are
mostly going to be fishing, and then the size of the fly you
intend to cast. After that you need to consider the size of the
fish you intend to catch. The rod size effects both the casting
and the playing of the fish. The nice thing is if you are both a
smallmouth bass and a rainbow trout fisher, you can probably get
by with one rod. The same for Largemouth and Steelhead and
Salmon. You might not get the ultimate choice for either, but
depending on your budget you can get a very nice choice for a
variety of fishing conditions.
THE #’s:
Fly rod sizes are categorized by number’s. Unlike flies, where
the smaller the number, the larger the fly. Rods 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 that need long distance
casting, big flies. The most popular all-around rods are in the
5-6 category, here 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, if the angler is
skilled. Most steelhead angler’s will choose a bigger rod
however, in the 7-9 range, and they can also fish salmon with
that range as well.
The other number to consider is length. 9’ is by far the most
popular length right now. You can cast a 9’ long distances
without getting tired, and have good control of the drift. If
fishing smaller streams and or bushy areas, 9’ will frustrate
you, as there isn’t enough room to maneuver it. Rods commonly go
down to 7’ and even shorter ones can be found. If doing a lot of
fishing out of a float tube, longer rods are common place, as one
can get more distance with a longer rod, and the extra length
helps to keep the fly off the water on the backcast.
Action:
Here it gets even more complicated, as different manufacturers
call the action of their rod different things. But basically
action can be broken down into slow, moderate and fast. Many
manufacturers have 4 classification, but they all are based on
the same concept. And that is how much of the rod will bend, when
casting.
A fast (or super fast) rod will have only the tip bend, they
offer the longest casting distances, they also are great if you
are fishing in the wind. Allowing for tighter casting loops, they
are great for shooting head lines, double-hauling casting
techniques and are a treat for the skilled caster. They are
however, are harder to learn on and therefore not recommended for
one’s first fly rod.
The next level down is medium and is the most popular action
being sold today. They flex further down the rod than the fast
action. Great for beginners, it is also the choice of most
experienced angler’s who don’t own a bunch of rods. For beginners
they are forgiving to learn on, providing more accuracy then the
super fast. They don’t cast as far however, and you will battle
the wind more in this type rod.
The last level is slow or full bend, often bending all the way to
the grip. These rods are dying out, 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, there
fore your chances of snapping off the fly are reduced.
Grips:
The choice of grip is often over looked when choosing a fly rod.
This is a mistake, as 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 material. full wells grips are the choice if
you have large hands, and half wells grips are popular with lady
anglers. They both many ways you can hold the rod, and your hand
seems to naturally find it’s preferred method of holding the rod.
It can also be altered once fatigue sets in, so you can fish
longer without cramps.
Manufacturer’s:
There are many of them, and guess what, the most common names all
make great fly rods. With the advent of graphite in the 70’s the
fly rod industry was revolutionized, and now one must not spend a
fortune for a bamboo rod, to enjoy great fly fishing.
I, personally have fished almost every name brand on the market
today. Like every other angler I have my preferences but I must
admit the differences are nil, and I could probably learn to like
any of them, just as well as the ones I won. I currently own rods
from Scott, LL Bean, Loomis and Cabela’s, and they all have
characteristics I love and some I would like to see improved, and
I am a very happy owner of them all.
I do look for the lifetime warranty, and it offered by virtually
all major rod maker’s today. It is figured into the price of the
rod, and you must register your rod upon purchase to qualify for
it. But if you have your rod for any length of time you will
undoubtedly be glad you have it. Whether you broke your rod tip
off fighting a fish, trying to free a snag, or in the car door,
most rod makers will send you a replacement.
Recommendations:
Realize these are very basic recommendations and use them as a
starting point. But for small streams and brook trout I like 3-4
weight slow action rod. They are still out there, but you may
have to look. For other trout and small mouth bass I like 5-6 wt.
rods and medium action. And for largemouth, salmon, and
steelhead, try a 7-9 weight fast action rod. Look for future
recommendations on Saltwater Fly rods from The Big Y Fly Fishing
E-zine
Cameron Larsen is a retired commercial fly tier and fly fishing
guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Company.
Http://www.bigyflyco.com
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