In the sport of fly fishing, the rod is one of the most important pieces of equipment. Fly rods come in various shapes and sizes, and the one you choose depends a lot on how you intend to use the rod.
Fly fishing rods are rated in terms of the net weight they can handle (designated by nwt). That means if you are fishing for fish up to 8lbs in waters, you should use an 8nwt rod. The higher the number, the bigger fish the rod will be able to handle.
Some rods are multi-rated (ie 8-10 nwt). These rods are good because they can handle a variety of situations, but you will sacrifice flexibility in rod performance. A multi-rating rod is good for beginning fly anglers because of its ability to adapt to various fishing scenarios.
The rods are made from three different materials: fiberglass, graphite, and bamboo. Fiberglass rods are the best choice for beginners. They are durable and considerably less expensive than the alternatives. Most fly fishing rods are made of fiberglass.
Graphite shafts are a bit more expensive, but are lighter than fiberglass. They are better at casting than other rods and can handle many types of fishing situations. Graphite rods are strong so they will give you more combat weight when trying to finish your catch.
Bamboo rods were the first rods used in the sport of fly fishing. Nowadays, bamboo poles are quite expensive, but they are incredibly strong and durable. These rods are suitable for a smooth, slow casting style associated with slow, leisurely fishing. Bamboo poles are very elegant, but they can be difficult to handle in certain situations, so they are not a good choice for beginners.
The length of your rod also makes a difference depending on what type of fishing spot you are at. Poles less than 8 feet long are good for narrow, narrow spots and areas with overhanging trees. Eight to nine foot rods are ideal for trout and bass fishing in open areas where you can get casting distance. Anything nine feet or more is for open water and long distance casting. You can also use a nine foot or longer rod to fish from a float.
Give some thought to your fly fishing rod. While it’s not the only piece of gear that matters, it may be the only piece of gear that can help you bring in a monster fish or baby fish. Think about what you want to accomplish on your fishing expedition and choose a rod that will help you achieve your goal.