What You Should Know About Fly Fishing Rods – A Novice Guide

Posted on October 10, 2009
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by Bill Keller

The seasoned angler knows how important the proper fly fishing tackle is to being successful on the water. Beginners to fly fishing may not understand how to spot a quality fly fishing rod though. As you gain experience and advance in the craft of fishing, the rod takes on a completely new level of importance. Then it is time to learn the difference between a plain rod and one that is serious about the business of catching fish.

You should know your fishing environment and your likely catch. You won’t fish in the same place all the time, but you probably have your favorite spot that you return to time after time. The more you fish the same location, the more familiar you become with the waters and type of fish you catch. This can help you determine the type of fly fishing rod to buy.

You need to buy a rod based upon the size of fish you are targeting. Big fish require a heavy rod and light fish need a light rod. Fly fishing rods are rated according to the weight of the line, which is different from the way traditional rods are rated. Fly fishing rods are rated on a scale of 1 through 14. If you are going for the big fish, you should use a 14. Rods with heavier lines are not for beginners though because they are much more difficult to master. It is usually recommended that beginners stick with fly fishing rods rated at 5 or below.

Rod length is the next important consideration. Here, too, you should consider your environment. While rods average in at between 8 and 9 feet, tight conditions make larger rods unwieldy to carry and cast. Shorter rods are also better for children, or others for whom casting larger rods may be a challenge.

You will also need to choose the material your fly fishing rod will be made out of. Fly fishing tackle comes in many different forms. Traditional rods are made from bamboo. Newer rods are made from fiberglass or graphite. What you use is a personal choice. However, graphite rods are recommended and are popular among fly fishermen.

Rods are often described in terms of their action. That is, a rod with a faster action bends more toward its tip, with the degree of the bend decreasing rapidly as it nears the handle. Slower action rods bend throughout their length, with the bend ending much nearer the handle. Each type of action has its relative advantages. As a beginner, and to make the decision less complicated, it is usually best to choose a rod with a moderate action. This tends to both help improve your cast, and to help you determine which type of action fits your style better.

There is no need to spend a lot of money when you are learning about fly fishing. Your fly fishing tackle will grow with you over time as you hone your skills and change your preferences. You will probably own several rods that you accumulate over the years and will enjoy becoming a master of each of them.

Spending lots of money on an expensive rod locks you into that particular rig’s advantages and flaws. When you are first learning something new is your best opportunity to explore it, before habits form and are hard to break. Purchasing an expensive rod may have you feeling trapped and unwilling to branch out. There is much more involved in selecting a good rod, but with these pointers in mind, you can begin your exploration into the exciting world of fly fishing.

Here is an example of a good fly fishing rod. It is the St. Croix Avid Series 4-Piece Fly Rod. This rod versatile, with a new and improved smoother action and a crisp casting stroke with a measure of feel typically reserved for rods twice the price. This fly rod is prices at under $150.

About the Author:
About the author: Bill Keller writes about outdoor activities in North Texas from his blog at TowersOverTexas.com. To shop for Fly Fishing Rods or to read more about Freshwater Fishing Tackle just click on a link.
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