Choosing the Right Fly Fishing Rod

When choosing a new fly rod, you will not only need to consider the type of fishing you will be doing, but the size of the fish you expect to catch as well. To some extent, price and performance will depend on the material the rod is made from. Fiberglass fly rods are usually more durable and less expensive than those made from graphite, but graphite rods are lighter and can be easier to cast which can improve accuracy.

When angling for smaller fish in waters where most of the casts will be short, a flexible, slow action fly rod with a lot of bend should prove useful. A short fly rod of eight feet or less is particularly useful for an experienced fisherman able fish in tight areas such as under trees or bushes.

Perhaps best for beginners, a medium action fly rod between eight and ten feet can provide better strength. Along with more strength, the medium length fly rod is a good middle ground for beginners to develop their accuracy with better controlled casts.

For casting long range and catching larger fish, a fast action rod is better despite lacking the same accuracy of lighter rods. If you're after larger fish or you need longer casts because you're fishing a large body of water, a fly rod longer than ten feet is recommended. Once you gain more control on the distance and accuracy of your casts, you can try a more flexible, long fly rod to further improve your casting efficiency.

After purchasing a new fly fishing rod, why not give it a test run. Use a dummy fly without a hook and try out your casting in an open area to get a feel for.