£550.00
Fly rods and line weights are typically written as Nwt where the n is a number. For example, you can have 8wt, 9wt, etc. All rods are matched to fly lines according to weight. So if you have an 8wt rod, you’ll need an 8wt fly line although you can safely go one number above or below the weight if need be.
It is important to use the correct fly line with the appropriate rod weight or it will significantly affect your casting performance. It can also warp the rod.
Some rods are multi-rated (7-8wt, 7-8-9wt, etc.). The advantage to a rod like this is that you have a variety of fly lines that you can use with the same rod. The disadvantage is that you will be sacrificing flexibility in the rod itself.
Selecting a fly rod depends a lot on what type of fish you will want to catch. Some rods are better suited for smaller fish and bigger fish. Here is an idea of the weight of rod you will need for certain situations:
1-3 Weight: delicate presentations with small flies, designed for trout or pan fish on small to moderate size waters.
4-6 Weight: trout, pan fish, and small bass, 4wt is for delicate presentation, 5wt is good for trout on spring-fed creeks or bigger rivers, 6wt is best on big waters or in windy conditions.
7-8 Weight: give extra power to land smallmouth bass, steelhead, and bigger trout in rivers or reservoirs; work best with bigger flies; good for steelhead, redfish, snook, or light salmon fishing.
9-10 Weight: good for larger flies and catching salmon and pike; also work good in saltwater with medium-sized fish.
There are basically two types of materials that rods can be made of: Fibreglass and graphite. There are advantages to either type of material.
Fibreglass rods are durable and generally less expensive. This is the most common type of material fly rods are made of. Fibreglass rods are a good choice for beginners because they can be used for a variety of fishing situations.
Graphite or composition rods are lighter and better at casting. These rods can also handle many type of fishing situations, so it’s also a good choice for beginners as well as experienced fishermen. Graphite, however, will give you more fighting weight with your rod when it comes to landing your fish.
You can also use a bamboo rod which is what the earliest fly fishing rods were made of. Bamboo rods can be quite expensive. These rods offer grace, form, and strength. They demand a slow or soft casting style that is suited to slow, leisurely fishing. Beginners should shy away from bamboo rods because they can be a bit difficult to control in certain situations.
Rod lengths can have an effect on casting action. In general, longer rods give more action while shorter rods are geared for tighter situations such as narrow streams. Consider the following guidelines:
Less than 8 foot: These are short rods and are good for fishing tight areas such as narrow streams with overhanging trees or small ponds with lots of bushes.
8 – 9 feet: These lengths are good for trout fishing. The longer length will give more casting range and improve line control.
9 feet and longer: This length is designed for long casts and better ability to manage line. This size rod is good for open waters and fishing from float tubes.
If you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with a pre-packaged kit. These types of rods will give you a better chance of landing a fish and lead to your enjoyment of the sport. Look for a 5-6 weight rod and reel in an 8 or 9 foot length. This type of kit will allow you to fish in all sorts of situations.
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