How Do I Choose a Fly Rod?

Before choosing the best fly fishing rods for you, you must first establish what type of fish you want to catch. The size and length of your fly rod depend on the fish. Larger and heavier fish require sturdier rods. Smaller fish require more accurate and delicate rods that focus on gentleness and precision. Fly rods are made from many different types of materials, too.

Before the evolution of graphite, rods were mostly made from split-cane bamboo. Bamboo rods are still made today as mostly an artisan type rod and are generally $1,000’s. An older Bamboo rod in original condition can fetch $10,000’s at an auction or at a show. But many of today’s modern Fly rods are made from extremely lightweight composite materials like thermoplastic resins, that have high strength-to-weight ratios.

What Is the Best Size Fly Rod For Me?

An easy rule of thumb is, the bigger the fish the bigger the rod.

Fly fishing rods are usually numbered from 1 to 14. The most common fly rod sizes are those between 3 and 9. Smaller rods are perfect for shallow waters and smaller fish, while larger sizes will be great if you plan on fishing for larger fish.

For small stream angling, you may prefer a size 6’ to 7’ fly rod for the better handling, maneuvering, and fishing these sizes provide. Most anglers choose rods that are 7 to 9’, which are adaptable to most fishing circumstances. Spey casting rods for larger river Salmon species are 2 handed and can be as long as 14’.

More recently the evolution of European or Competition fly-fishing has seen the length of smaller 2-4 weight rods become 10’ to 12’.

Size 14 rods are quite rare and normally only used in the open sea for big fish like tuna.

Other Considerations When Choosing a Fly Rod

The Method that You Are Going to Fish

Especially when it comes to fishing for Trout, anglers have four choices to present flies:

• Nymphs imitate the larva or pupa stage of insects living on the bottom of the river.
• Emerging insects are the pre-adult stage and may lie just below the surface of the water.
• Adults or Duns are sitting on the surface waiting for their wings to form so they can fly away, or lie on the water laying eggs.
• The last is what we call Steamer fishing, where we are using flies that imitate smaller trout or other types of smaller forage fish that live in mostly every river or lake that trot inhabit.

Fishing with small dry flies is best with a 3-5 weight rod, whereas fishing Nymphs or steamers might be best with a 5-7 weight rod.

What Flex Rod Do I Need?

Fly rods come in different flex types. These are fast, medium, and slow, which are basically terms that describe how the rod bends and flexes. These will sometimes also be referred to as tip flex (fast), mid-flex (medium), and full-flex (slow). When choosing the right fly rod to get started, some key differences need to be understood before purchasing:

• Tip-flex rod or fast action is designed to start the casting motion with more speed. Therefore, it also helps to cast into the wind easier, cast heavier flies like Streamers, or roll-cast a double Nymph rig that has added weights and a Strike indicator. The one drawback to fast action rods is that there is less sensitivity in the rod, so fighting fish and hook setting can be an issue. When using lighter tippets there is a higher risk of breaking off fish or snapping off flies.
• Mid-Flex rods are often the best rods for someone new to fly-fishing because they are more forgiving. You can achieve all your needs with a Mid-flex rod and they are much easier to learn to cast. They are also more sensitive when fighting fish, in that you are less likely to break off fish, especially when using lighter tippets. While they tend to land the flies on the water more delicately, they can still roll-cast a multiple fly nymph rig fairly easily. When setting the hook, they are less likely to snap off flies. The drawbacks are that they don’t cast as well in windy conditions and are not as effective when casting large Streamers.
• Full-Flex Fly rods have more specific uses in Fly-fishing. Most often, Full-flex rods tend to be on the smaller weight end of the spectrum—1-3 weights. They are usually best when fishing nothing but dry flies and are very good at very delicate presentations. Fiberglass was once a primary component of all fly rods, but the slow action is now geared to more “Creeking Rods”. They are very soft when it comes to using very light tippets.

They can also make a 12-inch Trout feel like a 50-pound Tarpon. Many anglers have at least one “Creeking Rod” in their arsenal once they see the fun in fishing with them.

Fly Fishing Outfitters Offer a Wide Selection of Fly Rods

Your rod should be a pleasure to hold and accurate when casting. Delicacy and finesse are characteristics of the finest fly fishing rods.

We cater to every need, from the best fly fishing rods for beginners to professional rods. Find here your Orvis Fly rods, Redington Fly Rods, Temple Fork Outfitters, Freshwater Fly Rods, and Saltwater Fly Rods. Our brand selection extends from budget-friendly yet quality rods to the Orvis Bamboo Fly Rod, which is perfect for Orvis fly fishing thanks to its exceptional flexibility, balanced touch, and quality finish.

Visit our online shop and find fly fishing rods that have been crafted with perfect craftsmanship and total dedication to the sport.