Fly Fishing Rod

A basic rule of thumb is the bigger the fish, the heavier the equipment needed to catch them and land them.

Another factor to consider is what type of water conditions are you fishing in. There is a big difference between a pristine babbling brook, a large open reservoir and rough oceans. Generally the smaller fish will require lighter tackle and bigger fish heavier gear, like the rule above.

However, sometimes you may need a longer rod for open clearer flats for reaching your target fish species, even though the fish may be small. A shorter rod would be better suited for small creeks, where there isn’t much room for back casts.

Anglers, who have been fly fishing for a while, will normally have a few different fly rods to suit the different conditions and fish.

The weather conditions also play a vital role in selecting your fly rod. Windy areas, like some of Tasmania’s lakes require a heavier rod to help with the wind. The type of fly you use has another bearing on what rod you should use; a big saltwater fly will need a heavier rod to cast the fly easier.

Fly fishing rods have different actions; they can range from slow to fast actions. This is the amount of spring or flex the rod has and it will affect the way the rod feels when casting and how it behaves. For a beginner, a fly rod somewhere in the medium range would be okay to start with.

Fly rods have different sizes, which a number notes the different size rods. The smaller the number on the rod, the smaller the fly rod.

Depending on your local fish and conditions you might select a 3 - to 5 - weight rod for small streams. A 6 - to 7 – weight for big lakes and rivers and an 8 – weight and upwards for saltwater fishing.

Fly lines also follow this guide, so if you had a 5 weight rod, you would use a 5 weight fly line. A 7 weight fly rod is able to cast a 7 weight line, etc. If the fly fishing line is too heavy or light for the rod, the fly fishing rod won’t cast as efficiently.

With the use of modern materials, fly rods have made a big leap in their ability to cast further and smoother. Fly fishing rods were originally made from wood, then split bamboo, to steel, to fibreglass and then to graphite and composite space aged materials we have today.

Your local fly or angling club and fishing shops can also help you choose on the best fly fishing rod suited for you and the fish species that you are targeting.