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| Buyers Guide to a Fly Rod | |||||||
| Purchasing a Fly Rod: What you need to know.
Introduction:
| Purchasing a fly rod can be a confusing and frustrating experience for the beginner and, in some cases, for the experienced fly-rodder who is expanding out to different fly fishing applications. There are a number of important characteristics to take into account to make the right choice the first time. Application:
| What type of fly fishing are you planning to do? The choices are numerous and in most instances require different gear. Where and how will you be fishing: small stream, large river, pond or lake, the ocean, wading, from a boat, roll casting or long casting, delicate presentation, dry flies, streamers, nymphs, sinking or floating line? As you can see, the possibilities are many. Rod Length:
| Fly rods are available in a variety of lengths, as short as 5-6’ to as long as 15+’ (spey), each with an application in mind. For instance, if your interest is fishing small streams and using dry flies where delicate presentations are required, a rod of 7’ to 8’ at a line wt of 3-5 would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you plan to wade in the ocean surf and require casts of 70 to 100’, a 9’-10’ length at a line wt of 8-10 would be the right choice. The point here is to match the rod length to the angling application and your skill level. Longer, stiffer rods require more skill than shorter, softer rods. Rod/ Line Weight:
| Most fly rod manufacturers print a line weight rating near the cork grip. This rating is an ATFM standard (Association of Fishing Tackle Manufacturers) and is necessary for choosing the correct fly line to use with that rod. Using the wrong weight line will certainly make casting more difficult. Remember that the weight of the fly line loads the rod and makes casting possible. A properly matched rod and line weight is a pleasure to use. Shorter, light weight rods (7’-8’) are typically used with line weights in the #3-5 range and as the rods get longer (9’-10’) and heavier, they will require line weights in the #6-12 range. The longer, heavier rods will require more skill and technique than the shorter, light weight outfits. There are exceptions to these rules. You will find rods of 9 ˝ -10’ at a 5 or 6wt that are used when fishing out of a float tube and rods of 8-8 ˝ ‘at 12wt used for very heavy lifting at the end of a fight in salt water. There are exceptions to these rules. You will find rods of 9 ˝ -10’ at a 5 or 6wt that are used when fishing out of a float tube and rods of 8-8 ˝ ‘at 12wt used for very heavy lifting at the end of a fight in salt water. Rod Action:
| Fly rods are designed to deliver a variety of “actions” for the angling applications. The commonly used terms are: slow, soft, medium- fast, fast, tip- flex, mid- flex, etc. The action of a fly rod can be described as the amount of bend, and where it bends, when under load. The action of a fly rod will impart significant differences when casting and playing a fish. For example, a fast action 9 wt rod will allow for good distance casting by generating significant line speed but be less forgiving when playing a fish (tippet breakage or hooks pull out). Whereas a 4 wt. soft action rod will not cast long distance but will allow for delicate fly presentation and a forgiving flex when setting the hook. The anglers casting ability will need to be better for a fast action rod than that of a slow or soft action fly rod. Remember, the point here is the choice of fly rod is application specific. Price:
| As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. As with any purchase, you need to look closely at what you need and require before you purchase. Less expensive($25.00-$80.00 range) fly rods generally have these characteristics; the rod blank is usually heavier and comprised of the older 1st generation blank material technologies, the butt may not have a high grade cork handle (or not have cork at all), the stripping and snake guides made from less expensive materials that could be subject to corrosion. The same may be true for the reel seat. Manufacturer’s warranty may not cover damage or workmanship (or anything else). As the price increases, the overall quality and performance generally goes up. Many of the top rod builders offer outstanding products and warranties in the $125.00- $250.00 range. You will also find fly rods exceeding $600.00. These fly rods are generally cutting edge in design and materials. Again, choose based on application needs, skill level and of course, what you can afford! Remember a good caster can cast most rods with little effort. Where to Purchase:
| As with any important purchasing decision, buy from a reputable retailer. Check and compare prices, warranties, quality and performance. |