Fly Rods
Choosing A Fly RodNow before you
run out and buy a fly rod, there are a few things you need to consider. These are some major factors in fly
fishing. The first one is what kind of species of fish you will be fishing for? Is it for fly fishing for pan fish,
brook trout, bass, salmon or fly fishing for marlin? The rule of thumb is the heavier the fish, the heavier the
equipment needed.
The second thing you need to consider is the body of water you intend to fish. Think of the difference between a
babbling brook, a roaring river and salt water fly fishing on a rough day . The differences are not just the motion
of the water, but also the wind, the clearness of the water, the species you are after and the distance you will
need to cast to catch your target fish.
Last, but not least you will need to consider the action of the rod. Fly fishing rods are made to flex; each
different from the other. They can range from slow to fast. In fly fishing it is important to get the feel of the
rod. For a beginner probably a rod somewhere in the medium range would be the best starter.
Anglers who have been fishing for years will usually have several different fly rods. Each rod is designed for a
specific purpose. A number notes the size of the different rods. The larger the number the larger the rod. It also
goes hand in hand with line to be cast. A 3-weight rod is able to cast a 3-weight line, a 7-weight rod is able to
cast a 7-weight line and so on. You will want to remember that the rod is only a continuation of your arm. It is
the line that gets cast not the rod. You will also need to keep in mind the weight of the fly. If the fly is too
heavy the fly line will sag and will not cast well. This a big factor in windy conditions and casting big flies in
saltwater fishing.
Depending on your local fishing conditions you might use a 3 - to 5 - weight rod for streams. A 6 - to 7 –
weight for lakes and big rivers. For saltwater fly fishing a 8 – weight and upwards.
Another feature to consider when purchasing a rod, is the flexibility or the action of the fly rod. With a fast
action rod only about 30 percent of the rod will bend.Where as, with a slow action rod about 90 percent of the rod
will bend. A medium action rod is in the middle. The fly rod will bend about 60 percent. The fast action rod will
cast farther than a slow action rod.The slow action rod will bend much easier than a fast action rod.
Fly rods have made huge transitions over the years. They started out made out of wood, progressed to split
bamboo, to steel, to fiberglass wrapped hallow wooden rods, to the graphite and carbon fiber rods of today. With
the making of the graphite rods came the faster action rods. The fast action rods are lightweight and use more of
the tip to project the fly line. If the line is cast correctly, the rod does all the work for you. It is one of the
main advantages of the fast action rod; the person casting does less work.
Your local fly fishing clubs and sports shops can help you decide what type of fly rod is best suited to your
conditions.
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