About Fly Fishing Rods

Fly fishing rods are made from a variety of different materials and are available in different lengths, actions and weights.  To be a successful fly fisherman it is important that your fly rod perform well in all fishing locales and water conditions.  Fly fishing rods can be purchased at sporting goods stores and online. 

Models

Fly rods are available in slow-action, medium-action and fast-action models.  Each action is suited to a different type of fly fishing.  Fast-action fly rods flex near the tip of the rod but remain stiff throughout the rest of the rod. These work well for quick, long casts. Medium-action rods are flexible everywhere except near the base of the rod and are a great multipurpose rod.  The medium-action rods are subtle enough for fishing in small streams, but fast enough for long casts on open waters. Slow-action rods are flexible throughout the rod, which slows down the line when you cast.  This allows for accurate casts, perfect when you're fishing for small fish.

Weight

The weight of your rod should match the weight of the fishing line.  Fly fishing rods come in different weights, anywhere from zero to 16.  The weight of a fly rod has less to do with physical weight than it does with how well a rod matches the weight of the line you plan to use.  A five-weight rod may not be much heavier than a three-weight rod but may be firmer and will accommodate a heavier line.  

Length

Fly fishing rods come in lengths that range from seven feet to nine feet.  The length of the rod should match the type of fishing you will be doing.   If you plan on fishing in small streams that have a lot of brush, then a seven-foot rod would be a good choice because it will allow for more controlled, shorter casts.  A nine-foot fly rod works well on large lakes and any time you're using a float tube.  Making long casts will keep your line completely out of the water when you're casting. If you plan on fishing in a variety of different lakes and streams, an eight-foot fly fishing rod will function well in all but the smallest water areas.  

Material

Fishermen claim that bamboo fly rods are the best rods available for fishing small trout.  Bamboo fly rods are expensive and require more maintenance than other rods.  They have limited versatility (slow-action rod), but they have excellent sensitivity and control.  Fiberglass fly rods are inexpensive and very durable, but they are somewhat heavy.  Graphite poles are the most popular kind of pole. Graphite is as strong as fiberglass but weighs much less.  The more expensive the graphite pole, the less it weighs.