Choosing Fly Fishing Equipment

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.

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $39.99

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $47.00

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

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $56.00

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

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 $34.00

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

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

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

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

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

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

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

Fishpond Fly Fishing Cloudburst Gear Boat Bag Blue US $86.00

American Girl Fly Fishing Outfit and Gear Retired in 2002 US $29.99

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

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

Best Fly Fishing Rod

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".

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $39.99

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $47.00

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

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $56.00

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

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 $34.00

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

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

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

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

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

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

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

Fishpond Fly Fishing Cloudburst Gear Boat Bag Blue US $86.00

American Girl Fly Fishing Outfit and Gear Retired in 2002 US $29.99

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

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

Learning To Use A Fly 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.

NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice US $13.99

HANGING WOODEN DOOR BEADS BEADED CURTAIN ROOM DIVIDER DRAGON FLY DESIGN WITH ROD US $24.85

FISH TREMBLE Warning Sign fishing fisherman signs gift rod reel lures fly bass US $7.95

Tuttles Devil Bug with Card Fly Rod Special Size 3 Mint US $12.95

1 BRAND NEW 5 6 GRAPHITE FLY ROD 98 US $75.00

1 NEW GRAPHITE 98 9 10 QUALITY FLY ROD US $85.00

1 NEW GRAPHITE 98 7 8 QUALITY FLY ROD US $80.00

Fishing Lure Fly Rod Flat Fish US $7.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 6 7 £24999 US $31.73

FOLK ART FLY ROD WOODEN BOBBERS US $9.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 5 6 £24999 US $31.73

G Loomis Fly Rod Sock Bag GL3 SR6010 2 32 Long US $3.03

LIGHTLY USED Temple Fork Outfitters 6wt 9 4pc Professional Series Fly Rod US $61.00

Sage 589 5 fly fishing rod in metal tube line 5 length US $204.48

Orvis Madison Bamboo Flyrod Fly Fishing Vintage rod and tube US $260.00

New Split Bamboo Fly Rod 70 4 With 2 Piece 2 Tips US $113.00

New Split Bamboo Fly Rod 66 3 With 2 Piece 2 Tips US $122.50

New Split Bamboo Fly Rod 76 5 With 2 Piece 2 Tips US $113.00

New Split Bamboo Fly Rod 80 6 With 2 Piece 2 Tips US $96.00

New Split Bamboo Fly Rod 69 4 With 2 Piece 2 Tips US $96.00

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...

Fly Fishing Gear From The Sage Company

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!

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $39.99

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $47.00

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

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $56.00

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

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 $34.00

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

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

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

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

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

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

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

Fishpond Fly Fishing Cloudburst Gear Boat Bag Blue US $86.00

American Girl Fly Fishing Outfit and Gear Retired in 2002 US $29.99

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

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

What Is The Best Fly Rod For The Money

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...

River Fly Fishing

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...

How to choose a fly rod

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!

Best Travel 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 ...

Fly fishing is a completely different breed of fishing, employing different tactics and different tackle.

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.

CASTING FLY REEL FISHING ENHANCED 6 5 LINE BF800B 116G US $15.67

Irideus Butte Waterproof fly fishing box Nymph Flies Trout Fly Box Steelhead Fly US $9.99

Swimmer Sculpin Articulated Stone Fly Fishing Flies 2 Fly Hooks Trout Flies US $9.99

GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 BRAND NEW us1 US $.99

NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice US $13.99

reel us bf 800 GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 u21s1 US $.99

Irideus Fly Fishing 7 Compartment Line lure hook Storage Wallet Kayak Fishing US $9.99

FLY FISHING FLY TYING KRYSTAL FLASH 14 COLOURS US $43.23

4 Fly Fishing Perch Streamer Musky Pike bass Saltwater US $9.99

Irideus Fly Box 3 Feather Fly Tackle Box Fishing Lure Holder Trout Flies Bead US $14.01

Irideus Seat Holder Hook Holder Drift Boat Fly Fishing Fly Holder Kayak Fishing US $9.99

100 Flyfishing flies Box A US $64.00

100 Flyfishing flies Box B US $64.00

LOOK YUENGLING BREWERY BEER SIGN FLYFISHING BACKPACK TACKLE BOXES NEW NR US $12.62

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07

Many people that are passionate about fly fishing will notice that there are several other ways to enjoy fly fishing without ever getting near the water. Some people enjoy tying their own flies while others like to build their own fly fishing rods. Both offer great alternatives when fly fishing itself may not be a possibility.

One great example of a time when building your own fly fishing rod is particularly satisfying is on a rainy day. If you had intended to get up on a particular day to head to your favorite river to do some fly fishing only to find out that the weather has wrecked your plans you can chose to spend your day building a new fly fishing rod instead.

This allows you to enjoy one of your favorite hobbies even when the weather is not cooperating. It is also a great way to build your fly fishing rod collection. Before you know it your collection will include antique fly fishing rods and your own home made ones too.

Different Ways to Learn How to Build Your Own Fly Fishing Rod

One popular way that fly fishermen learn to build their own fly fishing rods is by taking a class. These classes are typically conducted by skilled craftsmen who are particularly passionate about both rod making and fly fishing.

They will typically have a wealth of knowledge regarding best techniques for building your own fly fishing rod as well as great recommendations for which tools work best to build them. The classroom environment is also a great place to meet other fly fisherman looking to branch out into this new hobby as well.

Another great way to help you learn to build a fly fishing rod is by instructional book. Several books have been published over the years that will give you the general procedure that you will use to build a fly fishing rod.

When looking for a good book to use, make sure that there are plenty of pictures and diagrams that you can work off of. Also it will be a good idea to choose an instructional book that covers all of the different tools that you may need when you build your fly fishing rod.

While it certainly might not be the easiest way to go about it, many people like to tinker and experiment on their own. Take a fly fishing rod that you particularly like and try to construct something similar to it.

Local hardware stores and fishing stores will likely have all of the parts you need to get started. The process of experimenting on your own might yield some pretty impressive results. It might also take you several tries to master a particular technique so make sure you do not give up right away.

CASTING FLY REEL FISHING ENHANCED 6 5 LINE BF800B 116G US $15.67

Irideus Butte Waterproof fly fishing box Nymph Flies Trout Fly Box Steelhead Fly US $9.99

Swimmer Sculpin Articulated Stone Fly Fishing Flies 2 Fly Hooks Trout Flies US $9.99

GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 BRAND NEW us1 US $.99

NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice US $13.99

reel us bf 800 GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 u21s1 US $.99

Irideus Fly Fishing 7 Compartment Line lure hook Storage Wallet Kayak Fishing US $9.99

FLY FISHING FLY TYING KRYSTAL FLASH 14 COLOURS US $43.23

4 Fly Fishing Perch Streamer Musky Pike bass Saltwater US $9.99

Irideus Fly Box 3 Feather Fly Tackle Box Fishing Lure Holder Trout Flies Bead US $14.01

Irideus Seat Holder Hook Holder Drift Boat Fly Fishing Fly Holder Kayak Fishing US $9.99

100 Flyfishing flies Box A US $64.00

100 Flyfishing flies Box B US $64.00

LOOK YUENGLING BREWERY BEER SIGN FLYFISHING BACKPACK TACKLE BOXES NEW NR US $12.62

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07

To catch fish one has to use a fly fishing rod which is a part of the angling tackle. A fishing line is attached to a flexible long rod or pole at one end and the other end has a fishing hook attached to it. This fishing hook has the bait on it with which to lure the fish. Fishing rods come in different sizes, the length of the rod depends on how far you want to throw the bait and also on the kind of fish you are planning to catch. The rods vary from 2 to 16 feet in length and the longer rods have a better mechanical Fishing rods differ in length and in action.

What is a fly fishing rod?
Fly fishing rods which are used to throw a fly are very flexible, thin and long. The fly is generally secured on with foam, fur, feathers, or any other lightweight stuff. A fly rod utilizes the load of the fly line for throwing. A “leader” is normally secured to the fly line at one end, and the fly is tied to the other end. To decide on the size of the rod, you would have to consider the kind of fish that you are planning to catch, the weather conditions at the time when you are fishing and what the line weighs. If you are using a large or heavy line, you could go in for flies of a bigger size or weight. The fly rods are accessible in several varying line sizes ranging from O to 16. The smallest size is used for trout and pan fish which are fresh water fish and the larger ones are used for salt water fish.

There are usually no handles or butt sections on fly fishing rods. This prevents obstruction while casting the fly. A spey rod has a lengthier handle on the rear side but is also a fly rod of a different size. The spey rod is used for catching fish in saltwater, or in big rivers to haul salmon or steel head fish.

Rod flexibility or stiffness in the rod
Action is the quantity of flexibility that the rod provides or rigidity of the rod. For smaller fish that weigh less, you would require a slow-action fly fishing rod which would have the maximum amount of flexibility. Though these are very accurate in casting, they are not very easy for beginners to handle. Beginners could use a medium range fly fishing rod which would be much easier to control. The more flexible rods would bend more at the tip and in the middle. These rods are for use in long range or short range casting. For the bigger fish it is better to use fishing rods that are stiff and very stiff and have a fast-action. This again is not easy for a fresher in the fishing game to handle as they are not very accurate. Fly fishing rods can be picked up off the shelf from many marketing agencies, but custom built rods are a popular past time amongst fly fisherman.

CASTING FLY REEL FISHING ENHANCED 6 5 LINE BF800B 116G US $15.67

Irideus Butte Waterproof fly fishing box Nymph Flies Trout Fly Box Steelhead Fly US $9.99

Swimmer Sculpin Articulated Stone Fly Fishing Flies 2 Fly Hooks Trout Flies US $9.99

GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 BRAND NEW us1 US $.99

NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice US $13.99

reel us bf 800 GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 u21s1 US $.99

Irideus Fly Fishing 7 Compartment Line lure hook Storage Wallet Kayak Fishing US $9.99

FLY FISHING FLY TYING KRYSTAL FLASH 14 COLOURS US $43.23

4 Fly Fishing Perch Streamer Musky Pike bass Saltwater US $9.99

Irideus Fly Box 3 Feather Fly Tackle Box Fishing Lure Holder Trout Flies Bead US $14.01

Irideus Seat Holder Hook Holder Drift Boat Fly Fishing Fly Holder Kayak Fishing US $9.99

100 Flyfishing flies Box A US $64.00

100 Flyfishing flies Box B US $64.00

LOOK YUENGLING BREWERY BEER SIGN FLYFISHING BACKPACK TACKLE BOXES NEW NR US $12.62

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07

When you choose a fly fishing rod, you will have to use an industry standard system that specifies weight. Fly fishing rods are not weighed in grams. Instead, a 1 to 14 number system is used. It’s quite easy to determine the optimum weight of your rod by basing it on the size and species of fish that you plan to catch.

A basic guide that will assist you in choosing the proper fly rod is: Lower weight, small fish; higher weight, larger fish. Secondary factors include personal preference and weather conditions. Light fly rods do not cast well if the wind is strong.

Species and Weight Guide

• Weight 1to 3 – pan fish, small trout and other small fish species.

• Weight 4 – small fish species of all kinds.

• Weight 5 to 6 – small bass and medium-sized trout.

• Weight 7 to 8 – large bass, large trout, steelhead and salmon.

• Weight 9 to 14 – muskie, tarpon, large salmon and large saltwater fish species.

Always choose a line and reel that have the identical rod weight that you have chosen.

Beginners should use a 3 to 5 weight rod when fishing streams. If you are fishing for bass, a 5 to 6 weight rod is best. Saltwater species and freshwater salmon require a rod that is 7 to 8 weight.

Length

Common lengths for fly fishing rods are 7, 8 and 9 feet. Use short rods for short casts in areas that are surrounded by brush, trees or shrubs. If fishing in an open area where longer casts are possible, choose a longer fly fishing rod. If you plan to fish in lakes or rivers, choose a rod of 4 to 6 weight that is 8 to 9 feet long and use a medium action rod for the best results.

CASTING FLY REEL FISHING ENHANCED 6 5 LINE BF800B 116G US $15.67

Irideus Butte Waterproof fly fishing box Nymph Flies Trout Fly Box Steelhead Fly US $9.99

Swimmer Sculpin Articulated Stone Fly Fishing Flies 2 Fly Hooks Trout Flies US $9.99

GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 BRAND NEW us1 US $.99

NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice US $13.99

reel us bf 800 GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 u21s1 US $.99

Irideus Fly Fishing 7 Compartment Line lure hook Storage Wallet Kayak Fishing US $9.99

FLY FISHING FLY TYING KRYSTAL FLASH 14 COLOURS US $43.23

4 Fly Fishing Perch Streamer Musky Pike bass Saltwater US $9.99

Irideus Fly Box 3 Feather Fly Tackle Box Fishing Lure Holder Trout Flies Bead US $14.01

Irideus Seat Holder Hook Holder Drift Boat Fly Fishing Fly Holder Kayak Fishing US $9.99

100 Flyfishing flies Box A US $64.00

100 Flyfishing flies Box B US $64.00

LOOK YUENGLING BREWERY BEER SIGN FLYFISHING BACKPACK TACKLE BOXES NEW NR US $12.62

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07

Some people refer to fly fishing as an art. It is graceful to watch and quite amazing to see expert anglers dancing the fly on the water. In order to partake in this angling dance you need the proper fly fishing rod-reel combo. Fly fishing rod-reel combos can be purchased as a set or one can pair up their own.

There are several different types of fly-fishing reels; small, medium, and large arbors. The size of the arbor relates to how much line your reel uses per crank of the rod. Qualities to look for in your fly fishing reel are if they are made of a high quality aluminum, designed for precision, have a smooth drag with instant line release, waterproof and corrosion free. You can purchase fly fishing reels now for left or right-handed anglers and some companies offer reels that have been ergonomically designed for the avid angler to avoid undo stress on the anglers' wrist.

There are three basic fly fishing actions used, slow, medium and fast. Slow action rods are great with smaller fish and are extremely bendable. They are great for accuracy but can be difficult to control for a novice angler. The slow action rods are best for short-range casting. For novice anglers, the medium action rod is better. They still have the flexibility needed in the middle and tip of the rod and are great for any range casting.

The fast action fly fishing rods do not offer much bend except in the tip. They are better suited for long-range casting and bigger fish. Rod length is also significant in your choice. Short rods measure less then eight feet, have less action, and are a good choice for smaller creeks or streams. Medium rods range between eight and nine feet and are universal as far as cast lengths and water types. Large fly fishing rods measure over nine feet and are best suited for larger fish and bodies of water.

Fly-fishing rods are made out of fiberglass or graphite. Graphite is the more expensive of the two but due to their lightweight in nature, allow for better accuracy. Fiberglass is universal in use but actually holds up longer then the graphite. The rod material ultimately is more of a personal preference. The anglers grip on the rod is important in relation to the size of game. The Cigar grip works well for smaller fish. Half-Well grips are generally on medium rods and work well for medium sized fish. The Full-Well grips you will find on large rods for large game fish.

Your fly fishing rod and reel combo does not have to be expensive to be effective. In pairing up your own set, make sure your reel balances out your rod; large reel requires a large rod. By matching up your rod, to your reel to the intended target, you cannot go wrong.

CASTING FLY REEL FISHING ENHANCED 6 5 LINE BF800B 116G US $15.67

Irideus Butte Waterproof fly fishing box Nymph Flies Trout Fly Box Steelhead Fly US $9.99

Swimmer Sculpin Articulated Stone Fly Fishing Flies 2 Fly Hooks Trout Flies US $9.99

GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 BRAND NEW us1 US $.99

NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice US $13.99

reel us bf 800 GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 u21s1 US $.99

Irideus Fly Fishing 7 Compartment Line lure hook Storage Wallet Kayak Fishing US $9.99

FLY FISHING FLY TYING KRYSTAL FLASH 14 COLOURS US $43.23

4 Fly Fishing Perch Streamer Musky Pike bass Saltwater US $9.99

Irideus Fly Box 3 Feather Fly Tackle Box Fishing Lure Holder Trout Flies Bead US $14.01

Irideus Seat Holder Hook Holder Drift Boat Fly Fishing Fly Holder Kayak Fishing US $9.99

100 Flyfishing flies Box A US $64.00

100 Flyfishing flies Box B US $64.00

LOOK YUENGLING BREWERY BEER SIGN FLYFISHING BACKPACK TACKLE BOXES NEW NR US $12.62

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07

In view of the wide research done in fly fishing the number of fly fishing rod types in the market are quite large and you have a great choice and brand names. The first aspect you have to consider is the weight and duty for which you are purchasing the fishing rod. They are generally available in gradations from 1 to 9 depending on their weight. Lower the numbers lower the weight and so on. The cast line is directly proportional to the fly rod weight and this is an important parameter.

Significant features of a Fly Fishing Rod

The topic of choosing the most appropriate fishing rod that you can use in fly fishing can be quite complicated and you need to logically understand the various features that are to be considered in the course of your choice. It is imperative to have the basic date on what the fishing rod is being used for in terms of the fish species and the waters where you will sport for those kinds of fish. Finally one needs to stipulate the amount worth spending for all this gear in order to satisfy one\'s craving for this sport.

The Fishing Rod

The most important feature of the fishing rod is its flexural characteristics. It is designated as slow to fast and you should try to understand this concept before purchasing a rod. The amateurs who have just started fly fishing need to begin with medium or medium-fast action rods and graduate on to more sophisticated construction as you gain more experience. It invariably depends on the aptitude of the angler and only a general guide line can be given since the feel and strength control of casting vary from person to person.

What is your Fish?

The type of fish is all important to determine the quality of your fishing rod. Remember that the general maxim is to equate the weight of the fish to the weight of the fishing rod. Mostly it is useful to use light to medium heavy fishing gear for many common fish. Always consult an expert or information on the Internet on the data pertaining to fish and fishing rod relationship.

Fishing Location and your Fishing Rod

The fishing rods depend also on the waters that you encounter for the particular species of fish. The dynamics of the ponds, lakes or rivers ascertain the weight of the casting rod and so does the climatic conditions at different times of the year. Mild conditions and medium fish require light to medium heavy fishing rods whilst severe climatic variations or high water current needs heavier varieties.

Cost is always important!

Quality and cost never blend and one must find a good relationship by generalization technique. The common or let us say popular St. Croix Fly Fishing rod is quite suitable for most of the angler\'s needs. If you have more to spend then go in for the more expensive rods that will give you additional features and efficiency. It is your passion for trout that will determine your attraction to a particular fly fishing rod!

CASTING FLY REEL FISHING ENHANCED 6 5 LINE BF800B 116G US $15.67

Irideus Butte Waterproof fly fishing box Nymph Flies Trout Fly Box Steelhead Fly US $9.99

Swimmer Sculpin Articulated Stone Fly Fishing Flies 2 Fly Hooks Trout Flies US $9.99

GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 BRAND NEW us1 US $.99

NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice US $13.99

reel us bf 800 GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 u21s1 US $.99

Irideus Fly Fishing 7 Compartment Line lure hook Storage Wallet Kayak Fishing US $9.99

FLY FISHING FLY TYING KRYSTAL FLASH 14 COLOURS US $43.23

4 Fly Fishing Perch Streamer Musky Pike bass Saltwater US $9.99

Irideus Fly Box 3 Feather Fly Tackle Box Fishing Lure Holder Trout Flies Bead US $14.01

Irideus Seat Holder Hook Holder Drift Boat Fly Fishing Fly Holder Kayak Fishing US $9.99

100 Flyfishing flies Box A US $64.00

100 Flyfishing flies Box B US $64.00

LOOK YUENGLING BREWERY BEER SIGN FLYFISHING BACKPACK TACKLE BOXES NEW NR US $12.62

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07

Fly fishing is a tricky way of catching fish. Before you visit a store to buy a fly rod, take these things into consideration. These are very important factors in fly fishing, so read carefully. The first thing to keep in mind is the kind of fish you will be catching. In general, the heavier the fish, the heavier the equipment will be needed.

The second factor you need to think about is the body of water you plan to fish. For example, is it going to be a babbling brook, and a roaring river? The motion of the water is not the only thing to pay attention to. You also need to consider the clearness of the water, the wind and the distance you will need to cast to catch your fish.

Finally, you must take into account the action of the fly fishing rods. They are made to flex; and they do it in different ways. They can be slow or fast. It is crucial to get the feel of the rod. If you are a beginner, a rod somewhere in the medium range would be the best option.

Experienced anglers, who have been enjoying fishing for many years, typically have quite a few different fly rods. Each rod is designed to do a particular job. The size of the different rods is represented by a number. The larger the number the larger the rod. It also represents the line to be cast. For instance, a 3-weight rod can cast a 3-weight line.

Always keep in mind that the rod is just a continuation of your arm. It is the line that gets cast not the rod. You also need to take into account the weight of the fly. If the fly is too heavy the line will sag and will not cast as desired.

An additional feature to care about when buying a rod is the flexibility or the action of the rod. If you get a fast action rod, expect that only about 30% of the rod will bend. On the other hand, a slow action rod will bend about 90%. A medium action will bend about 60%. The slow action rod bends much easier than a fast action rod. However, the fast action rod casts farther than a slow action rod.  

Today's best fly rods are made of the graphite. The introduction of the graphite enables the production of the faster action rods. These rods are not heavy and use more of the tip to project the fly line. The rod will do all the work for you if the line is cast properly. It is one of the biggest benefits of the fast action rod - the fisherman casting does less work.

In the end. Never buy a rod that you have not cast first.

CASTING FLY REEL FISHING ENHANCED 6 5 LINE BF800B 116G US $15.67

Irideus Butte Waterproof fly fishing box Nymph Flies Trout Fly Box Steelhead Fly US $9.99

Swimmer Sculpin Articulated Stone Fly Fishing Flies 2 Fly Hooks Trout Flies US $9.99

GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 BRAND NEW us1 US $.99

NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice US $13.99

reel us bf 800 GOLD FLY FISHING REELS BF800 u21s1 US $.99

Irideus Fly Fishing 7 Compartment Line lure hook Storage Wallet Kayak Fishing US $9.99

FLY FISHING FLY TYING KRYSTAL FLASH 14 COLOURS US $43.23

4 Fly Fishing Perch Streamer Musky Pike bass Saltwater US $9.99

Irideus Fly Box 3 Feather Fly Tackle Box Fishing Lure Holder Trout Flies Bead US $14.01

Irideus Seat Holder Hook Holder Drift Boat Fly Fishing Fly Holder Kayak Fishing US $9.99

100 Flyfishing flies Box A US $64.00

100 Flyfishing flies Box B US $64.00

LOOK YUENGLING BREWERY BEER SIGN FLYFISHING BACKPACK TACKLE BOXES NEW NR US $12.62

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07