Forums » Hunting, Fishing, and Camping

How to select a fishing rod

    • 144 posts
    August 21, 2010 1:17 PM CDT

    For Rods:

    Manufacturers make fly fishing rods out of fiberglass or graphite. Each has its benefits.

    Fiberglass fly fishing rods: Experts and beginners can use popular fiberglass fly fishing rods in most fishing conditions. The durable material usually stands up to wear better than graphite fly fishing rods.

    Graphite fly fishing rods: More expensive than fiberglass, lightweight graphite fly fishing rods typically allow more accurate casting.

    Next, Determine fly fishing rod flexibility
    Action, the amount of fly fishing rod stiffness or flexibility, comes into play when you cast and when you attempt to reel in a fish.

    Slow -action fly fishing rods: Reel in small lightweight fish with these flexible fly fishing rods. Slow-action fly fishing rods have the most ionbend, making them difficult for beginners to control, but offer the greatest accuracy for short-range casting.

    Medium -action fly fishing rods: Beginners find medium-action fly fishing rods easy to handle. They offer a little flexibility with the rod bending in the middle and at the tip. Use them for short and long-range casting.

    Fast-action fly fishing rods: Stiff fast-action fly fishing rods bend at the end of the rod and do not have a lot of give. They make a good choice for long-distance casting and reeling in large fish. However, they do not offer the accuracy of a short-action rod and beginners often find them difficult to handle.

    Finally, look at fly fishing rod length
    Length also factors into fly fishing rod action. Shorter rods generally have less action than longer fly fishing rods because they generate less torque when casting and reeling. Beginners will want a rod long enough to provide a good casting distance, but short enough to maneuver in the water. Medium-sized fly fishing rods between eight and nine feet provide the action, casting control, and strength you'll need.

    Short fly fishing rods: Use short fly fishing rods measuring less than eight feet in tight fishing situations where trees, bushes, stream size, or other objects will restrict your movement.

    Medium fly fishing rods: Use medium-sized eight or nine-foot fly fishing rods in most fly fishing conditions. They allow for longer casting and can handle more weight than shorter rods.

    Large fly fishing rods: Measuring more than nine feet, large fly fishing rods make the ideal choice for longer casting and pursuing big-game fish.