Fly fishing is part science or art. While it is demanding you can improve your chances by selecting a rod that suits the type of fish you want to catch and your fishing style. This rod becomes part of a balanced system when combined with your fly line, leader and fly. Balance is a key ingredient in selecting a rod to match your reel and line. With that in mind, here are several factors to consider in choosing a fly fishing rod.
This refers to rods stiffness and how it will flex when you put it under stress when you cast or fight a fish. A rods action depends on its design and its material.
Fast action rods
These are stiffer and bend more in the upper third. This allows for longer casts, and crisper casts as well, which helps in windy conditions.
Besides quick, tight-casting strokes, fast-action rods require minimal changes in rod angles to keep this stroke.
Medium-action
Sometimes called moderate-action, these rods fall in the middle, flexing more in the upper half of the rod
They are more limber and offer a good choice for beginners since they are easier to use and can handle many fishing conditions.
Slow-action
These rods are the least stiff so they bend more uniformly throughout the rod. This makes casting more accurate, a plus in close ranges and in making delicate presentations of your fly.
The downside is the adjustments needed in your casting technique if you switch flies.
Intended use
Action weight and length, type of flies, fish, water and your skill level will help determine the rod you need. Here is a brief guide on selecting a rod based on many of these factors.
Materials
Materials affect the rod’s action and hence should fit your skill level and type of fishing. Two most popular materials are: fiber glass and graphite, with graphite including composite rods that add boron for stiffness.
Fiber glass
Today most common material in fly fishing rods, fiber glass is durable, generally less expensive and a good choice for beginners since it can be used in many fishing situations.
Graphite/Compositions
Lighter and better at casting, graphite also handles most fishing situations well so it’s a proven material for beginners to skilled anglers. Graphite also gives you more fighting power in your rod.
Weight and length
A rods weight and length should be matched to the weight of your line. To make this easier rod manufacturers determine the best match based on power and stiffness. For example: a 6-weight rod is designed to cast a 6-weight fly line. Many times, this is describes as 6/9, or a 6-weight, 9-foot rod.
