There are many things to look for in a fly fishing tackle shop including fast turnaround times and of course bargain offers. And, what's more, the fly fishing tackle shop must also have the best selection. If you plan on visiting an online store then check out Carlsons that though it is a British shop it can nevertheless still provide you with some very interesting online deals.

The selection at this fly fishing tackle store is truly extensive and you can find every last item you can think of. From the fly tying as well Bivvies to different trout fishing flies this is one shop that has it all. Here, you can also shop for trout flies handheld, rods and reels and a wide assortment of accessories including fly lines and boxes as well as game bags and more.

As for rods you can shop at this shop for Grey rods, Reddington and Vision rods as too Sea rods and the entire range of specialist fly fishing rods.

In addition, this store provides you with a wide variety of options in regard to reels that are sometimes made from aluminum or which can also be made from reinforced nylon. The list of accessories available at Carlsons is also exhaustive and hugely impressive.

From sinkants and floatants and conditioner to strike indicators to leader, loops, backing and even fluorocarbon there is plenty to choose from. You can even shop for precision molded fly boxes and the Richard Wheatley Fly box is also readily available here.

A rod case is an essential item of gear and this too can be purchased here. For fewer than twenty dollars you can certainly find a good quality rod case that will help protect your rod and also help you to carry other essential items of tackle in a secure and safe manner.

The right saltwater fly fishing tackle is vital to the success of your endeavors. This means that you have to be well informed about what kind of tackle you should be using because the wrong tackle could mean that you might end up spending all your time with the line in the water but at the end of day you will come up empty-handed. So, learn about things such as the weight of the line, the size and strength of the rod and learn about the right fly fishing reel as well and only then head for the ocean.

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $41.00

LLBean Fly Rod Bag 10ft LL Bean Rod Sock LL Bean Fishing Outdoor Gear US $4.99

Redington Fly Fishing Clark Fork Gear Mesh Vest L XL US $39.95

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $33.00

Fly Fishing Magnetic Net Gear Release With Lanyard US $12.95

LL Bean Fly Tying Kit Plus Fly Fishing Gear US $13.00

Fly Fishing Gear US $60.00

Vintage Rare Walker 77 Fly Fishing Reel Japan Spring Gear Right or Left Hand US $35.00

RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

Vintage 1972 ORVIS Fly Fishing and Fishing Gear Catalog US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL TROUT TACKLE GEAR BAG NEW US $295.00

SIMMS Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt khaki tan green XL X Large gear vented US $4.99

TT6405 TEKK TOAD FROGG TOGGS FLY FISHING WADING JACKET NEOPRENE CUFF RAIN GEAR US $49.99

Fresh Fishing 144pcs Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flys Lures Free Delivery US $25.99

vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

Simms Headwaters Taco Bag Coal Fly Fishing Waders Boots Gear Bag US $29.95

Simms Cascadia Cap Hat Fly Fishing Gear Loden Color US $24.95

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Tackle Shop Article

As the popularity of fly fishing has grown, so has the availability, and choice, of  gear to use for this very enjoyable sport. This means though, that unless you really know what you are looking for, the choice of equipment can be rather overwhelming. The best advice is, just focus on the basics and you'll find the gear you need to truly enjoy your fly fishing. Having said that, as with most things, you get what you pay for. So don't go for the cheapest you can find. If a piece of equipment is relatively inexpensive, find out why before purchasing, or you may find that you've wasted your money.

Basic Gear for Fly Fishing

The Rod

First and foremost, you need the right fishing rod. Without the right rod, the rest of the gear is meaningless. In the beginning, flexible fly fishing rods were made from sturdy wood. Next came treated and reinforced bamboo rods.

Bamboo was a step up from the original wooden rods and increased the quality of the fishing experience. Many anglers still use these and wouldn't swop them for anything else. A good bamboo rod though can be extremely expensive, as many hours work has to go into it's construction. The most recent advance in materials is carbon fiber, or fiberglass.  

Rods made for fly fishing are heavier than the normal fishing rods. Fiberglass gives weight to the rod, while still maintaining flexibility. The additional weight also gives the rod a smooth and clean cast. When selecting your rod, be aware that the smoothness of the cast can vary from rod to rod. You can choose from fast action rods, which are only flexible at the tip, to medium action, which are flexible for around half their length, right to the other end of the scale, slow action rods, which are flexible throughout their length. 

The Fishing Reel

As with the rods, fly fishing reels are larger and heavier than a normal fishing reel. They are also more durable. These reels possess a distinctive design which allows it to work in unison with the rod. This means that the rod and the reel must be compatible with other. This factor is much more important in fly fishing than in normal fishing. So when you decide to purchase your gear, it would be wise to buy the rod and the reel at the same time. It is possible to buy a combination set, where everything is matched for you. If you already have a rod, then take it with you when you buy the reel. That way you can ensure they will work together as one unit.  

The Fly

The most important piece of fly fishing equipment is also the tiniest, the replicated fly. Selecting a fly can be difficult. There is a huge selection of flies from which to choose, and different flies are designed to catch different types of fish. Before you purchase your flies, decide what type of fish you want to catch. Otherwise, instead of the perfect break from stress described above, you'll just get frustrated when you catch nothing.

The Clothes 

Okay, clothes aren't really important in fly fishing, anything comfortable will do although bright colors are not a good idea, as with any kind of hunting, try and blend in with your surroundings. Remember also, that you may be wading out into cold water, so buy yourself a good set of rubber waders. You'll enjoy your fly fishing experience more if you're warm and dry.

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $41.00

LLBean Fly Rod Bag 10ft LL Bean Rod Sock LL Bean Fishing Outdoor Gear US $4.99

Redington Fly Fishing Clark Fork Gear Mesh Vest L XL US $39.95

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $33.00

Fly Fishing Magnetic Net Gear Release With Lanyard US $12.95

LL Bean Fly Tying Kit Plus Fly Fishing Gear US $13.00

Fly Fishing Gear US $60.00

Vintage Rare Walker 77 Fly Fishing Reel Japan Spring Gear Right or Left Hand US $35.00

RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

Vintage 1972 ORVIS Fly Fishing and Fishing Gear Catalog US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL TROUT TACKLE GEAR BAG NEW US $295.00

SIMMS Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt khaki tan green XL X Large gear vented US $4.99

TT6405 TEKK TOAD FROGG TOGGS FLY FISHING WADING JACKET NEOPRENE CUFF RAIN GEAR US $49.99

Fresh Fishing 144pcs Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flys Lures Free Delivery US $25.99

vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

Simms Headwaters Taco Bag Coal Fly Fishing Waders Boots Gear Bag US $29.95

Simms Cascadia Cap Hat Fly Fishing Gear Loden Color US $24.95

How to attach a reel to a rod in fly fishing. Learn about fly fishing gear, supplies, and other equipment in this free video. Expert: Alvin Dedeaux Contact: www.alvindedeaux.com Bio: Alvin Dedeaux has been a fly fishing guide and casting instructor for 12 years, and has been fly fishing for 32 years. Filmmaker: MAKE | MEDIA
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Post from: Fly Fishing

Choosing Fly Fishing Equipment

When fly fishing, it helps out tremendously to have quality equipment.  Although you do not have to have the best of everything to be successful, it certainly helps if you have a rod, reel and line that go well together and made out of high grade materials.  In the last 20 years, fly rods have improved immensely as the fly rod manufactures compete to build the "Best Fly Fishing Rod" on the market as devoted fly fishermen are willing to part with large sums of money in order to have top notch gear.  So the big question is: What is "The Best Fly Fishing Rod".

Any experienced fly fisherman will tell you that there really isn't one specific rod that could be considered the best fly rod.  You see, there are so many different species and different sized fish in the world that there is no way for one rod to be the perfect rod for all fish.  That is exactly why choosing a fly rod is so difficult because there is a huge spectrum of applications and a large number of rod makers trying to build a better rod.  

In your quest to find the best fly fishing rod, there are certain aspects that should be considered.  Size, Action, and quality (price) are the three big ones and what we will cover in this article.

Size

The first thing we need to do is figure out what size of rod you will need.  If you are presenting small dry flies to trout, then you will want a light rod with a delicate presentation.  If you are planning on targeting Rooster Fish in the ocean, then obviously the same rod that you use for trout is probably not going to cut it.  There are different sized rods designed for different sized fish and different situations.  Here is a generic list of rod weights and the fish they are designed to fight.  

2wt    small trout, pan fish
4wt    trout, pan fish
6wt    bass, trout,
8wt    steelhead, bass, saltwater
10wt    salmon, steelhead, tuna, saltwater
12wt     saltwater, dorado, sail fish
14wt    saltwater, sail fish, marlin, shark

Obviously there are extremes in most cases, so your individual fly rod needs may differ a bit.

Action

A Fly rod works by throwing line instead of a lure.   It does so by bending and loading up energy to cast the line back and forth.   That is why fly fishing rods can get quite expensive and why quality is so important.  The "Action" of a rod is the term that signifies at what point the rod bends.  There are 3 main types of rod Action: Slow, Medium, Fast.  A rod can also fall somewhere in between actions and be called a combination of the two such as Medium Fast.  Here is a list of the main action types and how they bend:

•    Fast Action: rod bends mostly at the tip.  Built for high line speed good for long casts, accuracy, wind conditions, and casting large flies. These rods are best suited for experienced casters as they are difficult to learn with.

•    Medium Action: rod bends in the mid section of the rod.  This is the easiest rod to cast but will lack the distance and accuracy of faster action rods.

•    Slow Action: whole rod bends when casting.  Made for small streams and short casts.

While Medium Action rods are easiest to cast, if you are a beginner looking for the best fly rod, then you will probably want to go with a medium fast action as eventually you will want to be able to make those longer cast and through heavier flies.

Quality

Quality and price are synonymous with each other.  You will have a hard time finding one that is not the other.  I will tell you one thing though, while there is a huge difference between a set up and 0 rod, the difference between a 0 and 0 is not near as significant but there still is a difference.  When it comes to all fly fishing gear, you will get what you pay for.  My number one rule of thumb is always go with the best fly fishing rod that you can afford.  Number two would be to make sure all fly rod purchases come with a lifetime warranty.  That way you will make an investment designed to last a lifetime and know that you are buying a quality fly fishing set up.

So, what is the Best Fly Fishing Rod?

To answer this, you will have to look at your situation including when, where, and what you are to be fishing for, as well as your experience level.  A good place to refine your search is at www.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com.  Here you will be able to figure out the size, type, and price range you are after and apply that to figuring out the exact brand, make and model of what is to become your own"Best Fly Fishing Rod".

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $41.00

LLBean Fly Rod Bag 10ft LL Bean Rod Sock LL Bean Fishing Outdoor Gear US $4.99

Redington Fly Fishing Clark Fork Gear Mesh Vest L XL US $39.95

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $33.00

Fly Fishing Magnetic Net Gear Release With Lanyard US $12.95

LL Bean Fly Tying Kit Plus Fly Fishing Gear US $13.00

Fly Fishing Gear US $60.00

Vintage Rare Walker 77 Fly Fishing Reel Japan Spring Gear Right or Left Hand US $35.00

RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

Vintage 1972 ORVIS Fly Fishing and Fishing Gear Catalog US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL TROUT TACKLE GEAR BAG NEW US $295.00

SIMMS Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt khaki tan green XL X Large gear vented US $4.99

TT6405 TEKK TOAD FROGG TOGGS FLY FISHING WADING JACKET NEOPRENE CUFF RAIN GEAR US $49.99

Fresh Fishing 144pcs Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flys Lures Free Delivery US $25.99

vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

Simms Headwaters Taco Bag Coal Fly Fishing Waders Boots Gear Bag US $29.95

Simms Cascadia Cap Hat Fly Fishing Gear Loden Color US $24.95

Question by Tony: beginning fly fishing and need gear?
i have recently become interested in the sport of fly fishing, and need a rod. i am willing to spend a total of $ 115 for the whole set up. I use the rod to catch eastern trout, blue gills, and the occasional bass if possible. If not for only blue gills, and Eastern trout. I am very new and need some advice on what rod to pick. Please leave links to rods and gear thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by AIRFLOW
Search the yahoo search engine on this site for questions relating to fly fishing outfits- there are hundreds, most of them asking the exact same thing as you with the same budget range. Most of them are recent and suggest what line ratings to get and have links to outfits on cabelas, bass pro shops and KMD tackle.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Establishing a carrying pack that can easily hold all your fly fishing gear and supplies isdiscussed in this free video series. Expert: Jim Dowd Contact: www.zoaroutdoor.com Bio: Jim Dowd runs the fishing program at Zoar Outdoor, is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor, Life Member of Trout Unlimited, and co-author of The Deerfield River Guide. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Post from: Fly Fishing

Best Fly Fishing Rod

According to the official Boy Scouts of America Field book, "Fly casting is a skill you can learn in a few minutes, and then spend the rest of your life trying to perfect." This certainly rings true, and it is certain that there are few fishing activities more enjoyable than the noble art of fly-fishing. This article will focus on the "few minutes" part of that quote, and get you on the way to fishing enjoyment with a minimum of fuss.

When fly-fishing, your equipment will consist of a rod 6-10 feet long, a winch reel located below the rod, and the line, which is weighted to be heavier than regular fishing line. When fly-fishing, instead of putting a sinker on the end of your line to carry it out as you cast, fly fishermen use no sinker: the line itself acts as a weight. Don't make the mistake of trying to use your regular fishing gear for fly-fishing: take it from me, you won't get anywhere. The good news is, though, you can get set up for fly-fishing relatively cheaply, and then you can fish as much as you want for the cost of the gas to get to and from your favorite fishing hole.

Now, as you cast, the main difference that you will notice from conventional fishing is that you do not leave the line in the reel: you will actually pay out a little bit of line and hold it in your hand, then release it as you cast. This can look a little silly, but considering the low weight of a fly-fishing rig and the precision required in fly fishing to drop your fly right where you want it, directly over the fish, it is a necessity. So, before you actually cast, swing the rod back and forth over your head a few times, getting a feel for it and feeling the loading energy go from the rod to line and back. As you do this, use the hand that is not holding the pole to feed out the line from the reel and control the length of it. After about half a minute, you will have enough line looping in the air to cast, so swing the rod tip out toward your target, watching the line arc out over the water. Where you put the fly will depend on the current of the water: if it is still, place it right on top of the fish. It is moving, place it a little above the fish and let it float down to them.

Other types of fishing may get you bigger fish, but one thing is true: no other fishing experience in the world can top the satisfaction of expertly casting out a fly and watching a big bass explode out of the water for it. It doesn't matter how many times you see it happen: when that water pops, you'll jump.

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 6 7 £24999 US $31.57

Cabelas Fly Rod Holder By Scotty 267C US $15.95

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 5 6 £24999 US $31.57

old fly rod bamboo US $31.00

Stone Creek Trout Stalker Fly Rod 9 Foot 5 Weight TSO864 4 Brand New US $94.00

Split Bamboo Fly Rod US $75.00

Vintage WRIGHT McGILL DANDY 8A 7 1 2 Fly Rod Tip broke 4A 8 rod case US $.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 7 9 £24999 US $31.57

HELINS FLY ROD FLATFISH F 4 GPL IN CORRECT SLIDE BOX EXCELLENT COND US $8.49

FRED ARBOGAST CO FLY ROD HULA POPPER IN ORIGINAL BUBBLE PACKAGE NIP US $4.99

St Croix Legend Elite Fly Rod 9wt EFW9094 US $250.00

Vintage 8 BAMBOO ANGEL FISH FLY FISHING ROD 3 SECTIONS GREAT LABEL CORK H US $39.99

GRAMPUS JAPANEASE BAMBOO FLY ROD US $95.95

IM6 2 Pc 2wt 6ft 6inch fly Rod Blank Translucent Green by Roger US $13.00

Fast Fly Logic FLP 9 6 7 wt fishing rod flyrod Tube Case Flex Tip Graphite US $129.00

IM6 4 Pc 4wt 11 Ft fly Rod Blank Translucent Reddish Brown by Roger US $14.60

IM6 4 PC 4 WT 9 FT FLY ROD BLANK Purple by Roger US $22.38

IM6 4 PC 5 WT 8 FT FLY ROD BLANK Blue by Roger US $13.00

Harley 03 FLH Fly Wheel Connecting Rod Assembly US $150.00

Vintage Heddon Vicount Custom 85 Fly Fishing Rod w Heddon Reel US $15.51

No matter which saltwater challenges you face-from bonefish to billfish-Sage Xi2 Fly Fishing Rods let you concentrate on the fish instead of your casting. Built with Sages innovative Generation 5 (G5) Technology, Xi2 Fly Rods feel lighter and livelier than other saltwater rods. The Modulus Positioning System (MPS) that they developed for these rods provides a startling level of "line feel" throughout the casting stroke. This enhanced ability to feel the fly rod load allows you to apply power more efficiently; unmistakably the Xi2 Fly Fishing Rod. Click: www.flyfishingoutfitters.com Call: 1.866.672.1959
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Handcrafting a Graphite Fly Rod [VHS]

Alaska River Fishing With A Fly Rod

Fly Me To The Moon

Eagle Claw® 8'6" Pre-Mount Fly Combo
Eagle Claw Pre-Mount Fly Fishing Combo gets you into that river at a LOW price! It's at a "beginner" price, but it performs like a...

Post from: Fly Fishing

Learning To Use A Fly Rod

The Sage company has been producing quality fly fishing gear for many years.  They offer quality, top of the line fly fishing rods, reels, and lines to the beginning and experienced fly fisher.  They take pride in the quality of their equipment producing rods and reels that many fly fishermen use exclusively.

They design and test their hand built gear with one thought in mind:  maximum fishability.  That term was coined by the company to represent the type of performance that will help you cast better, fish more effectively, and have more fun while fly fishing.

Their company offers the fly fisherman all sorts of advice and tips on how to select the right rod for you and what is important to look for in your fly fishing equipment.  Sage rods and reels have long been the choice of many fly fishermen all over the world.

When you are just beginning to get interested in fly fishing, it's easy to get frustrated at the amount of information you need to know.  However, those same frustrations are also felt by experienced fly fishers that provides them with the challenge and excitement that makes the sport so compelling.

As we've said, Sage rods are hand built which makes them quality products.  They manufacture nine different series of rods in a variety of models and sizes for every fishing situation.  They have medium to ultra fast action rods to suit many types of fly fishers.

Their website, which can be found at www.sageflyfish dot com also boasts many new product lines and accessories that all fly fishermen can use.  They carry hats, t-shirts, rod and reel cases, fly lines, and much, much more.  

Their new Z-Axis series of rods has breakthrough technology that is significantly stronger, lighter, and easier to cast.  That makes this new line of rods great for beginners, and also experienced fly fishermen.  They implement their exclusive Generation 5 technology that makes their rods unique and high end.

When you buy a Sage fly fishing rod, you are getting a quality piece of fishing gear.  But that quality doesn't come cheap.  Rods range in price from 0 to 0, but they do come with a guarantee.  Plus, if anything happens to your rod, they offer a rod repair service.

Many sporting goods stores and specialty fishing shops carry Sage fly fishing rods as do many online retailers.  You can go to their website and click on the "Buy" link to find a retailer near you that carries their equipment.

Sage fly fishing equipment is well known in the fly fishing world as a trusted manufacturer of valuable fly fishing gear.  Check them out for the best in the sport!

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $41.00

LLBean Fly Rod Bag 10ft LL Bean Rod Sock LL Bean Fishing Outdoor Gear US $4.99

Redington Fly Fishing Clark Fork Gear Mesh Vest L XL US $39.95

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $33.00

Fly Fishing Magnetic Net Gear Release With Lanyard US $12.95

LL Bean Fly Tying Kit Plus Fly Fishing Gear US $13.00

Fly Fishing Gear US $60.00

Vintage Rare Walker 77 Fly Fishing Reel Japan Spring Gear Right or Left Hand US $35.00

RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

Vintage 1972 ORVIS Fly Fishing and Fishing Gear Catalog US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL TROUT TACKLE GEAR BAG NEW US $295.00

SIMMS Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt khaki tan green XL X Large gear vented US $4.99

TT6405 TEKK TOAD FROGG TOGGS FLY FISHING WADING JACKET NEOPRENE CUFF RAIN GEAR US $49.99

Fresh Fishing 144pcs Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flys Lures Free Delivery US $25.99

vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

Simms Headwaters Taco Bag Coal Fly Fishing Waders Boots Gear Bag US $29.95

Simms Cascadia Cap Hat Fly Fishing Gear Loden Color US $24.95

Redington Clark Fork Mesh Fly Fishing Vest Sage youth Small
The Redington Clark Fork Mesh Vest is not only practical but also comfortable! Redington's fly fishing accessories are designed wi...

Okuma Traditional Black Aluminum 6 Window Fly Box with Hooks
Classic Aluminum fly boxes. Storing your flies in style & tradition...

Crystal River Fly and Spinning Combo Travel Kit
Up the creek without your tackle? NOT with this Travel Fly and Spinning Rod! For the man on the go... who loves fishing along the ...

Guide to Fly Fishing Knots: A Basic Streamside Guide for Fly Fishing Knots, Tippets, and Leader Formulas

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Gear From The Sage Company

There is not any one "fly rod" that is the "best for the money."   Fly rods come in all different sizes that are made for a specific type and size of any particular fish, and/or a certain style that is to be used.  We must also mention price, which varies considerably depending on quality, and quality has gone up a lot in the past 20 years. This discussion is aimed at helping you find the best fly rod for the money, because it is only the best if it is the right size and style for that targeted fish, and of course if you can afford it.

Size

First of all, let's talk about size.  The person that tells you that size doesn't matter is definitely the person that you shouldn't be listening to.  Size is the number one factor that will determine every rod choice that you purchase throughout your life, and, if this is you first fly rod purchase, there are sure to be many more in the future.  It really is that fun, one fish will ultimately lead to another.

There is a size of rod that is made for each fish species and/or targeted size.  The fly rod size is measured by weight (wt), but not the weight you get from a scale.  It is just the term used to signify the size, where a 2wt is considered light gear, and a 12 or 14wt is considered heavy gear.  A 2wt would be a good choice for small trout in a small stream; where as a 14 weight would be used for a Marlin.  Then of course there are all the rods and fish in between.  You will want a rod that is sized for the fish you are after.  If the road is oversized, the fight you experience will not be what it could be.  Worse off, if the rod is undersized, you will struggle for control and risk damage to your gear.  Plus, the faster you can get the fish in, off your hook and back in the water, the better chance it will have at surviving unharmed; also so you can get your fly back in the water after another one.

Here is a list of rod sizes and the fish they are designed for:

                2wt        small trout, pan fish

4wt        trout, pan fish

6wt        bass, trout,

8wt        steelhead, bass, saltwater

10wt      salmon, steelhead, tuna, saltwater

12wt      saltwater, dorado, sail fish

14wt      saltwater, sail fish, marlin, shark

Style

Just like gear fishing, there are different styles that can be used to catch a particular fish.  Traditional style is what most people will enter into the fly fishing world with. There are also methods within this style that will be better suited with very specific rods used to fish a particular type of water.  For the most part though, we will stick with the more general focused rods for this discussion.  There are also Spey Fly Rods.  These require two hands and more advanced casting styles and are usually used for bigger fish such as Salmon and Steelhead in big rivers.  Therefore you will probably be after a traditional rod unless you are specifically targeting a spey rod. 

Price

Over the past couple decades, fly fishing rods have increased in quality and price has followed suit.  Prices range from a cheap trout rod purchased at the store for .00, to a specialty bamboo rod with a price tag of more than 00.00.  Most fish sizes will have a rod to choose from in just about any price range.  Obviously you will get what you pay for, so be sure to keep that in mind.  Most midrange rods offer the best value and will have the quality to stand up to any reasonable request, but you may lack some comfortability when compared to the more expensive rods.  A typical price spread for a midrange rod is 0-0 depending on size.  High end rods will be in the 0 to 0 range and will offer superb feel and sensitivity.  Most midrange rods and, if not all high end rods will come with a lifetime, no questions asked warranty.  It is hard not to take advantage of this by purchasing a low end rod, as sooner or later we all break rods whether it be on fish or your truck door.

Now that you know the size and style of the fly rod you need, the next step is narrowing the results down to a particular rod, which, if you navigate to www.flyfishinggeararsenal.com, they will help you do so.  This site is loaded with useful information and will point you in the right direction to the best fly rod for the money, as well as other gear recommendations that we fly fisherman depend on so much.

Cortland Travel Fly Fishing Outfit Combo 9'0" 5/6 Weight 4-Piece
Rod: 9' 4 piece graphite travel rod with single foot guides. 2 stripping guides. Graphite reel seat. Evergreen color. Reel: Cor...

Redington Crosswater 9062 Combo Fly Rod-2 pc Outfit with Reel 6wt. 9ft.
The Redington Crosswater Series is a favorite for every level of angler, it was completely redesigned in 2007! Whether you're poli...

Wild Water Fly Fishing AX910-090-4 Fly Rod
You get our fantastic AX910-090-4 Series 4 piece fly rod with a rod sock and Wild Water's LIFETIME WARRANTY. This rod is designed ...

Wild Water Fly Fishing AX78-090-4 Fly Rod
You get our fantastic AX78-090-4 Series 4 piece fly rod with a rod sock and Wild Water's LIFETIME WARRANTY. This rod is designed f...

Okuma Guide Select 3-piece Fly Rod (3 wt)
Crafted from Okuma's latest IM-8 graphite, the Guide Select Series of Fly Rods are versatile, moderate-fast rods packed full of fe...

Post from: Fly Fishing

What Is The Best Fly Rod For The Money

A quiet morning, a small moving stream and the fish are biting. If this sounds like something you dream about, you are a fly fisherman at heart. So for those of you that are new to the sport, here is a little fly fishing guide to get you started. Even some of you fly fishing gurus might be able to get a little brush up here!

Fly fishing is alot more then just casting a line and wishing for the best. Many other things must be taken into account, i.e....the fly rod, the fly line, the fly reel, casting, and finally the tackle needed. I hope to cover all of this here in a very short amount of time for you.

The rod: Fly fishing rods come rated like 3-weight or 5-weight. All that means is that the rod will effectively cast that size line. Now this is not a scientific fact, but a 5-weight rod casts 5-weight line better than any other. In discussing fly fishing for beginners, a little experimentation is in order.

A trip to a fly shop will be good for that purpose, but you are going to see another aspect of the rod called "action". "Action" determines how soon the rod begins to bend. This is important to lure presentation as well as in certain conditions.

The line: There are many types of fly fishing line. All of them are designated by letters like "DT" (double taper) or "WFF" (weight forward floating), "WFS" (weight forward sinking) and a few others. Each has it's own applications.

For the most part, a DT or WF line is recommended by most fly fishing guides. Again, with fly fishing for beginners, the line is the most crucial part of your gear. A good line will cast well on the worst pole ever made.

The reel: This element can mean the difference between landing the fish of your dreams or watching your prize fish swim back into the depths from where it came.

Reels can cost anywhere from around to thousands of dollars. The most important part of the reel? A good drag system that is adjustable. Without a drag system on the reel, you run the risk of running the reel out of line and damage can occur.

As a fly fishing guide line, get yourself a decent reel and load it with some GOOD line to match the rod.

Casting: Fly fishing for beginners wouldn't be complete without a word or two on casting. Start by moving the rod back and forth. The cast has two parts; the back cast and the front cast. On the back cast, the line will travel behind you. Then on the front cast, the line will unroll and travel out in front of you.

Practice this front/back casting and watch the line as it travels. Keep the line in a large "C" shape. When you have this down, start to tighten the shape into a "J" shape. This is THE method for fly fishing for beginners and is taught by many fly fishing guides as it is the main cast used in fly fishing.

Flys: This is the most important factor in fly fishing. If you are familiar with the water you are fishing then load up with flies that resemble the natural insects there.

On new rivers or lakes try match the flies you are using to any kind that seems to be on or in the water. Then match that as closely as possible from your fly arsenal.

It is always a good idea to research the water you are going to fish before you fish it, however this is not always possible so sometimes it is best to match the fly to the insects you see around you or ask a local where possible.

Martin Fly Fishing Multiplier 3:1 Ratio Fly Fishing Reel with Disk-Drag
Quick retrieve makes quick work of even the toughest fight, and when an irate 20 lb. steelhead decides he's going to make a run ri...

OKUMA MAGNITUDE ML-7/8 LARGE ARBOR MAGNESIUM FLY REEL
Unbelievably light! the ultra-light Magnitude series by Okuma is one of the world's only magnesium fly reels. This fresh-water...

Waterworks Lamson Konic Fly Reel, K 3.5
Our goal is to bring the best technology in reels to any given price point. We?ve now addressed the important $ 100+ price point wi...

Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reel (Capacity 7-8/100)
Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reels Changing Fly Line is a Snap Machined aluminum diecast frame offers durable, flex-free construction E...

Post from: Fly Fishing

River Fly Fishing

With an industry full of space age terms and space age claims how do you choose the right fly rod for your fishing needs? One that will provide a lifetime of pleasure and performance, but wont cost you a second mortgage.

Todays entry level graphite fly rods in the 0 - 0 range are as good as premium rods of just a generation ago. Like everything else advances in manufacturing and technology have provided the fishing rod manufacturer with new tools and techniques to produce a quality fly rod.

Lets face it most casting is done in streams of about 20’ - 30’ in the spring and less as the season gets along. Fly fishing expert Tom Morgan said, “ During the last forty years most trout have been taken from 20’ to 40’ and I expect the next 50 years will be the same.” Some fly fishing guides go as far as to advocate learning to cast and catch fish at 10’ to 15’.

So with this in mind long casts are not always necessary. Although a good presentation is.

If you are a beginner there are a bewildering number of terms relating to fly rods. Lets take a look at the ones that we will need to get us fly fishing.

Fly Rod Actions

Our choice of rod material will be graphite.

Fast - Tip flex: The top 1/3 of the fly rod flexes under line load. This rod loads very fast and requires quick timing and reflexes.

Medium - Mid flex: The upper ½ of the rod flexes under load. This action is slower and allows a more relaxed casting style. It is a good flex action for the beginner fly fisher. It is a more forgiving and less frustrating rod action to cast when starting out.

Slow - Full flex: This rod flexes from tip to butt. This action produces a slow recovery rate and a slow line speed. In my opinion this action doesn’t produce the power required for a hard hook set.

For our money a Mid flex graphite rod would be a good choice in terms of casting stroke, hook setting power and all around fishing performance.

Remember a good quality entry level rod can be purchased for 0 - 0 and we can assured that we are getting a decent fishing rod with many years of use. One we didn’t have to 2nd mortgage our house or use the kids college fund to purchase. Remember a good rod needs to come with a good warranty. So when you catch a car door it won’t hurt as much. 

line weight and rod length and reels

When we have decided on our type of fly rod we need to decide on our line weight and length of rod. If you are going to fish small streams 15’ across a shorter rod might be in order. But an average 8 ½ foot is about right for most of our fishing needs as length goes. As I think most of our fishing is in the 20 foot to 40 foot range casting range a 8 ½ foot rod gives us good leverage and casting power.

Line weight is somewhat determined by the fish we will be fishing for. But a good all-around weight forward floating 6wt is a good choice and one that you won’t go wrong with on most streams. A weight forward floating line will load our rod quickly and is good for flies from dries to terrestrials and into a moderate wind on our medium action rod.

For a balanced system we ill need a 6wt fly reel for our rod. A good reel can be bought for + after all its basic use is to hold the line. You as the fisher person do 99% of the work. Get a disk drag reel. Any good fly fishing book or store clerk can show you how to put backing and your line on your reel.

This rod will meet 90% of stream fishing needs.

Leaders for fly fishing

So we have decided on a 8 ½ 6wt medium action fly rod and a 6wt disk drag reel. With our 6wt line we are best suited to fish hook sizes 1/0 to 12s and with the correct leader we can push this to 16s and 18s

A good all purpose 9 foot knotless taper leader is our choice. The spring trout fishing here in the North East is a good time to use Blue-winged-olives in sizes 12 to 16 so a 4x leader is our choice. To this we can add a 12 inch 4x tippet and we are set. But remember we can fudge our numbers and use a 3x to 5x tippet to extend our fly sizes with no harm done.

How to fudge and rearrange our gear to suit our fishing is the essence of fly fishing. It is what will take us to the next level.

 Review of setup

So to review we have created a balanced fly fishing system of:

8 ½ foot 6wt medium action graphite fly rod

 6wt disk drag reel

9 foot knotless tapered 4x leader

4x tippet for hook size 10 - 14

This is our basic balanced system for trout fishing in most of the streams we will encounter. We can cast 20 feet to 40 feet with it. Fish fly size 10 - 14 with our tippet. And have a great day of fishing with it. With this outfit we can change-up our tippet and line type and extend our fishing range to meet our fishing needs. The essence of fly fishing is to be as changeable as the streams we fish.

Put your outfit together, tie a piece of yarn to the tippet and practice casting. There are more books and videos on the market about fly fishing then there are fish in all the streams.

Any good book will get you started casting and reading the stream. Take a lesson from a casting instructor. But get out there and fish.

Warranty

As with any purchase a lifetime warranty is a must. Never purchase a fly rod without one. I have caught 2 car doors with mine. Lets not forget the ever elusive ceiling fan. With a good warranty you can get your rod fixed with little or no cost to you.

Martin Caddis Creek Series Fly Fishing Combos
Without sacrificing performance, Martin® offers Caddis Creek™ matched combos as an entry-level outfit perfect for the budget-co...

Eagle Claw 8'6" Fly Rod & Reel Mega Combo 7/8 - w/Creel & 55 Flies w/case!
Eagle Claw 8'6" Fly Rod & Reel Mega Combo - w/Creel & 55 Flies w/case! 2 Pc. fiberglass rod. 7/8 line weight. Eagle Claw FEC-10 Fl...

Okuma S-903-5 Cascade Fly Combo (5wt, 9-Feet)
Cascade factory matched fly combos, are fitted with the proper line, reel, and rod, for a perfect ready to fish fly outfit....

Crystal River Fly and Spinning Combo Travel Kit
Up the creek without your tackle? NOT with this Travel Fly and Spinning Rod! For the man on the go... who loves fishing along the ...

Shakespeare Two-Piece Fly Action Ugly Stik Fly Line Rod, 7-Feet
Ugly Stik Lite Two-piece 7'0" Fly line rod...

Redington Crosswater 9062 Combo Fly Rod-2 pc Outfit with Reel 6wt. 9ft.
The Redington Crosswater Series is a favorite for every level of angler, it was completely redesigned in 2007! Whether you're poli...

Question by bubby420: How much is a vintage phillipson fly rod worth?
I have acquired, from my great-uncle, an 8'6" Phillipson Deluxe fly rod. It is fiberglass. I haven't found much info at all on this model. But it's to my understanding that it is among the first fiberglass fly rods created. I think this rod is from the 1950s It came right after the bamboo era. I always see other various phillipson fly rods listed on ebay selling for hundreds. Is anyone familiar with these Phillipson fly rods? I know they are very reputable.

Best answer:

Answer by Nathan S
Karl White writes the monthly column in Bassmaster magazine called What's It Worth. He handles all kinds of pricing questions for all kind of fishing tackle. I love reading his column every month and he seems to know his stuff. He does field a lot of fly fishing rods and tackle inquiries as well. At the bottom of the page he gives a phone number 405-277-3636 and website www.karlwhite.com. He should be able to help with your item. I'm surprised Just Asking is not all over this one he is the resident fly fishing expert on here.

What do you think? Answer below!

Post from: Fly Fishing

How to choose a fly rod

When traveling any distance at all to go fly fishing, it helps to have a fly rod that packs into a small storage tube.  Trying to do anything with a standard two piece rod is difficult.  When backpacking it catches everything overhead and when flying it is awkward and annoying.  There are many considerations that need to be taken into account when looking for the best travel fly rod from how long do you want it to be during travel, how thick during travel, and how well you want it to fish while fishing.

Travel fly rods can be considered any fly rod that breaks down in to more than two pieces, usually four, but there are some that break down even more.  To choose the best travel fly rod is actually not quite possible because there are many different situations that fly fishing involves, and unfortunately there is no "one size fits all" rod.  Likewise it is important that you buy the right rod as your good experience will depend on it.  The main factors that you will want to take in to account when selecting a travel fly rod are length, diameter, weight, and quality.  To skip this valuable information and to find out exactly what we recommend, make sure to read the last paragraph.

Length

The number one factor to look at when looking for the best travel fly rods is length of the rod tube that it breaks down into.  The most common travel rods bread down into 4 pieces and are 9 feet long.  That makes for 2 feet 3 inches of rod when folded up plus a couple extra inches for the tube, we'll say two and a half feet.  That is much better than a two piece rod at over 4.5 feet.  They do make rods that break down into even more pieces, but with shorter length come other factors such as diameter.  In my own opinion, a 4 piece rod is not only the best travel fly rod, it is the best for all fly fishing.  Besides, unless you only walk out you back door to go fishing, you will have to transport it somewhere.

Diameter

The diameter of the rod tube will be dependent on how many pieces the rod breaks down to.  The more sections of rod the thicker the tube will have to be.  At some point the benefit of the shorter length tube will be overshadowed by the thickness of the tube.  Once a tube gets too thick it gets cumbersome and is actually tougher and more awkward to strap onto you backpack or luggage.  This is another reason why I prefer to stick with a 4 piece rod.

Fly Fishing

With today's fly fishing rods and the great technology that has come about, rods that consist of several pieces actually do not fish much different than two piece rods.  The ferrules are the parts of a rod that that slide into one another.  At one time, ferrules were the week point of the rod and the least amount you had the better.  These days that just is not the case anymore.  There is one downfall to consider with ferrules that we should definitely mention.  When fishing, especially using a lot of power by casting a lot of line or a heavy fly, rod sections tend to spin a little at the ferrules and cause the eyes to not line up.  It is not a big deal because all you have to do to fix it is rotate it back to where the eyes realign,  but it can get annoying sometimes.  

Weight and Quality

When looking for a good travel fly rod, weight is definitely something to take into consideration.  The way to get is rod that is lightweight is to go with a quality rod.  The cheap combo rods are not only a pain to cast, especially learn to cast, but they are made with heavy materials.  On the contrary, a quality rod will be much easier to learn how to cast and will weigh a lot less, which is a good thing not only when traveling, but also when out fishing all day long.

Another reason why it is important to go with a quality rod is the fact that most rods over about 0 will come with a lifetime warranty.  This makes the purchase of a fly rod a lifetime decision so do yourself a favor and go with one you will want forever.  A good rule of thumb is to buy the best rod that you can afford and you will not be disappointed.  And oh yeah, and make sure it is a four piece.
So, What is the Best Travel Fly Rod?

So, What is the Best Travel Fly Rod?

With so many different fish and so many different situations, there is no way to pick out any one particular rod that makes it the best travel fly rod.  First off, I suggest making all fly rod purchases travel rods, meaning four pieces and quality.  If you buy a rod that is designed for the type of fish and fishing and is of high quality and is made up of at least 4 sections, then you have a perfect travel fly rod.  At www.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com we go over all rod weights and give recommendations on fly rods for a wide range of different budgets.  Any of the rods that are promoted at this site are what we consider the "Best Travel Fly Rod" and are what we travel and fish with ourselves.

Okuma SLV Fly Rod (7-8wt)
Crafted from Okuma's latest IM-8 graphite, the SLV Series of Fly Rods are versatile, moderate-fast rods packed full of features....

Martin 3 - Pc. 8' Fly Fishing Kit
Martin Fly Fishing Kit has everything you need to get started. At a great price, too! Perfect for giving fly fishing a try. My gue...

Crystal River Fly Combo Travel Kit
EXEC PK 8' FLY W/REL+ACC...

Shakespeare® 8' Fly Fishing Combo
Shakespeare Fly Fishing Combo, perfectly affordable and COMPLETE to get you into that river! A "beginner" price on a rig for succe...

Redington Crosswater 9092 Combo Fly Rod-2 pc Outfit with reel 9wt. 9ft.
The Redington Crosswater Series is a favorite for every level of angler, it was completely redesigned in 2007! Whether you're poli...

Eagle Claw Pack-It Spin and Fly Rod (4 Piece)
A durable glass construction makes the Eagle Claw® Pack-It rod perfect for the trail, trunk or turbo-prop. It features a 4-piece ...

Post from: Fly Fishing

Best Travel Fly Rod

Fly fishing tackle is not generally suited for, say, shark fishing and vice versa.

Rods for fly fishing differ from other kinds of rod. They are thinner and more flexible. Probably the most noticeable difference between fly rods and other rods is their lack of a butt section. This deliberate omission, which gives fly fishing rods their distinct look, is designed to prevent interference with the casting movements.

An important element of your fly fishing tackle is the line. Unlike traditional fishing tackle set ups where the weight of the lure pulls the line out, the fly is generally of very little weight so relies on the weight of the line to unfurl to its target. Because of this, fly fishing line is much heavier than its regular fishing counterpart.

Compared to traditional fishing reels, the fly fishing reel (a Centrepin Reel) is a simple piece of tackle. Acting mainly as a storage device for the line, they have few other functions. Earlier examples of fly reels had no drag mechanism, slowing of the fish was done by simply "palming the rim". In recent years, fly fishing reels have evolved somewhat, employing disc drag mechanisms, though they still remain relatively simple devices.

Every successful fly angler has an arsenal of artificial flies to lure his catch. Flies come in hundreds of different varieties. With colourful names such as Nymphs, Zonkers, Buzzers, Wooly buggers and other exotic names, you may be confused.

Flies are made from a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials, such as, to name a few, hair, mylar and rubber. They are designed to have the appearance and behaviour of the prey of the target fish. This could be, as the name suggests, flies or anything else the fish like to feed on, such as worms, insects, vegetation, even mammals and birds! The fly acts in the same way as bait in more traditional forms of fishing. It is attached to a hook, which hooks the fish when it makes a move at the bait.

Flies are generally very affordable, individual flies costing in the region of 50p – £2 (you can buy in bulk and get them even cheaper). There is however a huge number of people who get great joy from making and fishing their own flies.

Another sometimes overlooked element to fly fishing tackle is clothing. We are not blessed with the best weather in the UK so it is important that you are comfortable for your time fishing. If you go out for your first day of fly fishing and find yourself shivering all day, the chances are you won’t want to go again so a warm set of waterproof clothing is of the utmost importance.

You should also invest in a decent set of waders. Because of the limitation on casting distance with no weight on the end of the line, you are often required to wade out a little to be able to reach the target fish.

Fly Fishing Vest US $24.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 5 6 £24999 US $31.57

VINTAGE TAICO JAPAN FLY FISHING REEL US $7.00

Fly Fishing Learn to Angle Like the Pro’s eBook on CD US $2.49

VINTAGE BRIGGS 1950s REEL CO FLY FISHING MODEL 2 PROVIDENCE RI FINEST QUALITY US $7.00

Irideus Roe Head Spawning Streamer Fly Fishing Flies Trout Flies Steelhead fly US $6.99

Leftys Little Tips 200 Innovative Ideas for Improving Your Fly Fishing US $10.00

DECORATIVE FISHING CREEL WICKER FLY FISH HANGING BASKET MILITARY BELT HANDLE US $5.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 7 9 £24999 US $31.57

Vintage Hardy Perfect fly fishing reel 3 1 8 RHW patent line guard lovely US $478.59

VINTAGE EDWARDS MFGCO No40 CHICAGO ILL FLY FISHING REEL US $10.00

FLY FISHING REEL PFLUEGER MEDALIST US $18.49

FLY FISHING FLYS US $10.00

Vintage 8 BAMBOO ANGEL FISH FLY FISHING ROD 3 SECTIONS GREAT LABEL CORK H US $39.99

Vintage PFLUEGER MEDALIST 1495 FLY FISHING REEL BAKELITE HANDLE MADE in AKRON US $9.99

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Tackle ? The Basics