Best Fly Fishing Rod: Things You Need to Know Before You Buy a Fly Rod
Fly fishing is a hobby that has seen huge advancements with technology throughout the years. While the fish and flies are still the same, the advances in the fly rods, reels and fly lines have improved tremendously, especially in the last 30 years. As the popularity of fly fishing has increased exponentially, the competition to produce the best fly Fishing Rods has heated up with many manufactures competing to produce the next best fly fishing rods. It takes time on the water to develop a feel for what a person will like the most, so to speed up the process, below is a quick guide to ensure you start you fly fishing career the right way with the right gear, starting with a fly rod.
Fly Fishing Rod Basics: Fly fishing rods vary from standard fishing rods in that with a fly rod you are casting the line compared to a standard rod that casts the lure. It takes much less to build a rod that casts a weighted lure than it does to cast an almost weightless line that is designed to lay on the water with maximum delicacy. Therefore, a fly rod of any quality will be a bit more expensive than your standard fishing rod. In fact, for a person just starting out bait fishing, a cheap rod will work just fine. It is quite the opposite with fly fishing rods. A quality made rod will enhance your experience tremendously when compared to a superstore combo pack where you get a complete setup, including rod, reel, line, tippet, and even flies, for under $50.00. If you are expecting to continue to fly fish, that will be money well wasted.
Materials: Throughout the years, fly rods have seen many changes in the materials that are used to construct them.
· Bamboo has been a longtime favorite for its action and nostalgia, but is expensive and not typically the best pick for someone’s first fly fishing rod.
· Fiberglass, though strong with lots of action, is heavy and almost nonexistent in the fly fishing world these days.
· Graphite: The best bet for a first fly rod, as well as the top pick for experienced anglers, are rods made out of a type of graphite. Graphite rods are light and can be designed to put the flex where it is needed, which change depending on the situations an angler plans to put themselves into.
Weight: The size of line that a rod is designed to cast is known as the weight (wt) of the rod. This also signifies the size of fish you will most likely be targeting where the lower the weight of rod, the smaller the fish you will be after. For example, a 4 wt rod is ideal for dry fly trout fishing, where as a 10 wt rod is designed to cast big flies at big fish such as King Salmon. Follow the link below at the end of this article to see what weight rod will be best designed for the type of fly fishing and size of fish you will most likely be encountering.
Length: With different types of fish, in many different types of areas throughout the world, different length of rods must be developed to handle the varying conditions one may find themselves in. For trout in small streams with lots of brush and trees, a six or seven foot rod may be ideal, while on a big river fishing for steelhead a 14 foot spey rod might be the best option. For most situations though, a 9 foot rod will be the most popular and most versatile in the most situations that a beginner will encounter.
Rod Sections: Most fly rods will be able to be broke down for times when not in use and for travel, much like standard rods. Due to the length of the rods though, a rod that breaks down into two pieces is still going to be long and not travel all that well, especially if you are to be backpacking or flying with your rod. That is why it is advised to go with a rod that breaks down into 4 pieces. The connections for the sections, called ferrels, are so well made these days that you will not know it is 4 sections.
About the Author
A fly rod is the first and also the most important item in a list of things that will be needed to get into this hobby. Once you decide on a rod, you will then need to choose a line and reel to go with it. To ensure you get your money’s worth and the “Best Fly Fishing Rod” setup that you will be able to use for a lifetime, make sure to go to www.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com where we will be able to specify a certain fly rod designed for the situations you will be dealing with and tailored to your budget.
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Vintage H.L.Leonard “Fairy Catskill” 8ft 3/2 Bamboo Fly-Fishing Rod and $4,995.00 |
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Vintage H.L.Leonard “Baby Catskill” 38H, 7ft 2.4 oz Bamboo Fly-Fishing Rod $2,950.00 |
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Vintage H.L.Leonard “Baby Catskill” 37H 6ft 1.9oz Bamboo Fly-Fishing Rod $2,690.00 |
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Vintage H.L.Leonard #38-1/2- 7.5ft 3.4oz Bamboo Fly-Fishing Rod $2,250.00 |
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Schliske Bamboo 7032 7′ 3wt 2/1 Brookie Split Cane Fly Fishing Rod USA $1,899.00 |
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Schliske Bamboo 7642 7’6″ 4wt 2/1 Bear River Split Cane Fly Fishing Rod USA $1,899.00 |
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RITZ PPP Pezon et Michel split cane fly fishing rod bamboo silk line reel 4#5 $1,556.99 |
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Schliske Bamboo 7952 7’9″ 5wt 2/1 Rio Grande Split Cane Fly Fishing Rod USA $1,399.00 |
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Schliske Bamboo 7952 7’9″ 5wt 2/1 Rattlesnake Split Cane Fly Fishing Rod USA $1,299.00 |
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Schliske Bamboo 7652 7’6″ 5wt 2/2 Finespot Split Cane Fly Fishing Rod USA $1,299.00 |
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VINTAGE ERNIE WUESTHOFF 6920 9 FT 18-12 BAMBOO SURF FLY FISHING ROD MINTY $1,241.00 |
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BAMBOO FLY ROD FLY FISHING ROD NICE! $1,000.00 |
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E. F. Payne, Fly Fishing, Bamboo Rod $999.00 |
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Vintage H. L. Leonard 7ft Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod and Union Fly Reel $500.00 |
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Vintage Orvis Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod and Spin Combination $500.00 |
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Orvis Impregnated battenkill Vintage Bamboo fly fishing rod w/ case 9′ 3 pc MORE $445.00 |
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8′ Hardy Fiberglass Glass Fly Fishing Rod Bamboo Feel $425.00 |
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7’6″ Hardy Fiberglass Glass Fly Fishing Rod Bamboo Feel $395.00 |
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7′ Hardy Fiberglass Glass Fly Fishing Rod Bamboo Feel $375.00 |
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Vintage Strong 7′ Split Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod 6 Section 2 Tips #3302 Sport Mint $349.99 |
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Bamboo Fishing Rods (4) Shakespeare- Wooden Box and Fly Tying Accessories $349.00 |
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6′ Hardy Fiberglass Glass Fly Fishing Rod Bamboo Action $349.00 |
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french split cane fly fishing rod bamboo 7’9 p for silk line reel #3-4 $346.17 |
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Orvis Batenkill Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod Orvis Impregnate EXC Condition $339.99 |
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Vintage Orvis Impregnated Superlight Bamboo Fly Fishing Spinning Rod & Case $325.00 |
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5′ Hardy Fiberglass Glass Fly Fishing Rod Bamboo Action $325.00 |
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Vintage Bamboo Granger ‘Victory’ Fishing Fly Rod Flyrod – Good Condition! Rare! $288.88 |
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King Fisher Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod 8 1/2′ (431) $225.00 |
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Sharpes’ Scottie Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod #5-6, 8′ 5″ 2 piece $225.00 |
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ANTIQUE BAMBOO FLY FISHING POLE ROD WITH CARRYING CASE VINTAGE ANGLER GEAR $209.99 |
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Original Paul Hightower Custom Made Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod / Pole $208.26 |
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Vintage Ebisu Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod in Wood Box $200.00 |
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Vintage Montague 9ft Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod W/ Canvas Pouch 3 Piece W/ Extra Tip $199.99 |
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Vintage Utica N.Y Fishing Fly Rod Bamboo 5′ Two Piece Built by Horrocks-Ibbotson $199.99 |
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VINTAGE SOUTH BEND MODEL NO.323 9 FOOT FLY FISHING BAMBOO ROD *EXCELLENT W/CASE* $170.00 |
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Fly tying bench / desk —( keywords fishing trout bamboo vise station rod reel) $155.00 |
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Vintage 1 Heddon # 14 Heddon Bamboo Fly Fishing rod with sheath & tube $150.00 |
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Montaque Rapidan Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod / with case & ITICA Reel $150.00 |
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SOUTH BEND 4 PC BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD 57-9′ $139.00 |
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Vintage South Bend #255 9ft Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod 4 Piece In Case $129.99 |
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Lot Bamboo Fly Fishing Poles Rods Montague Pfleuger Progress No 1774 Vintage $125.00 |
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VINTAGE JAPANESE JAPAN SAKURAI & CO SPLIT BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD IN BOX $119.99 |
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Montague Highland Model Bamboo Fly-Fishing Rod $115.00 |
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SPLIT BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD BY MONTAGUE RAPIDAN $110.00 |
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SPLIT BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD BY MONTAGUE RAPIDAN $110.00 |
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Very Old Vintage Bamboo Fishing Flyrod Noris Corona Fly Rod Antique 3 piece $100.00 |
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HEDDON BLUE WATERS FLY FISHING ROD BAMBOO #10 9 FT. 4 PIECE $99.99 |
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Vintage Ebisu Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod New in Original Wooden Box $99.99 |
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2 Vintage Split Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods/Poles w/Canvas Case $97.26 |
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Building A Bamboo Fly Rod How-to Guide Book Fly Fishing $95.00 |
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Vintage Montague Split Bamboo Genuine Tonkin,1FLF Flash Fly Fishing Rod,9′ & cas $95.00 |
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A Master’s Guide to Building A Bamboo Fly Rod by Everett Garrison Fishing 1st ed $92.95 |
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BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD 2 TIPS vintage $89.00 |
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Vintage Lyon & Coulson Split Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod Deluex #2 Pole Lots of Photo $89.00 |
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Vintage Globe Split Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod Set Original In Box & Unused $79.99 |
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Vintage King Fisher Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod and Deer Hair Lures $79.00 |
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RARE VINTAGE LEWIS RODS BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD 12FT 3PC NICE BEST OFFER***** $75.00 |
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Vintage Fly Fishing Rod REPLACEMENT TIPS Bamboo 2-Piece $51.00 |
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VINTAGE FERRULE ROD BUILDING CANE BAMBOO FLY FISHING ORIGINAL LOT 40 PIECES USED $50.00 |
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Fly Rods Galore Book Split Bamboo Fishing Rod Making $49.99 |
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Fly Rods Galore Book Split Bamboo Fishing Rod Making $49.99 |
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Antique Empire Tackle Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod $49.95 |
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1920s Hardy Bros. The New Zealand 4Pc Split Cane Fly Fishing Salmon Rod Bamboo $49.32 |
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hexagonal split bamboo fly fishing rod Vintage Wright and McGill $49.00 |
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VINTAGE ARAI SPLIT BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD POLE HOOKS FLIES FLOAT CASE BOX BEAUTY $46.18 |
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VINTAGE FLAMED WOLVERINE SPLIT BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD EXCELLENT $42.08 |
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Old Pflueger SAL-TROUT 1554 Fly Reel Box Vintage Fishing for Bamboo Rod $42.07 |
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Vintage MANTAUGE Split Switch Bamboo 8’8” Fly Rod 3 Piece Antique Fishing LOOK $39.99 |
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Vintage Wooden Bamboo Fishing Fly Rod Arai Made In Japan $39.95 |
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JAMES HEDDON’S SONS TONKIN CANE BAMBOO SPLIT FLY FISHING ROD #17 8 1/2′ w/TUBE $38.33 |
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Old Pflueger Progress 1783 Fly Reel Box Vintage Fishing for Bamboo Rod $37.82 |
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Old Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod 5wt. 9ft. 3pc.Glen Evans inc. Caldwell Idaho $37.00 |
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Very Nice 8’ 3/1 5 wt Vintage Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod $35.99 |
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VINTAGE 8 FT 1940′s MONTAGUE BAMBOO FLY FISHING FLYROD ROD SPORTS FISH 2pc OLD $34.55 |
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2 (Two) Vintage Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod Pole 12′ 7″ and 13′ 7″ $29.99 |
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HANDCRAFTING BAMBOO FLY FISHING RODS – CATTANACH – EX IN THE DUST JACKET $29.99 |
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Vintage Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod Crafting Book 1843-1960 $28.99 |
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Vintage Cane Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod Ref Book Winston ++ $26.95 |
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Bamboo Fly Rod Magazine. Volume 1, Issue 1 1998. Fly fishing. Walton Powell $25.89 |
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Early Congress Fishing Tackle S-B H Co. Bamboo Fly Rod – 8 ½’ – 3 Pc w/ 2 Tips $24.99 |
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Vintage Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod $24.99 |
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ANTIQUE – ONE OF A KIND BAMBOO/CANE FLY FISHING POLE AND REEL.1 PIECE ROD 11’9″ $24.99 |
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Bamboo Fly Rod Suite: Reflections on Fishing And the Geography of Grace by… $24.95 |
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FISHING BAMBOO: One Man’s Love Affair with Bamboo Fly Rods $24.78 |
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VINTAGE JC HIGGINS GENUINE TONKIN SPLIT BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD $23.95 |
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Constructing Bamboo Cane Fly Rods Book Fishing Pole $22.50 |
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Constructing Bamboo Cane Fly Rods Book Fishing Pole $22.50 |
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Handcrafting Bamboo Fly Rods book Fishing How-to DIY ++ $22.45 |
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Vintage Montague Rapidan Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod with 2 Tips 8’6″ w/ Cloth Bag $21.39 |
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VINTAGE SHAKESPEARE 3-PC BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD 8.5′ MODEL A13057 WITH SOCK~TUBE $20.50 |
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2 Vintage NEW Bamboo J&T Scotchline 10′ Fly Fishing Poles Pole Rod Rods $19.99 |
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Bamboo Fly Rod Suite: Reflections on Fishing and the Ge $19.53 |
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vintage fly fishing rod reel combo johnson model 40 bamboo spincaster pole 6ft $19.50 |
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ANTIQUE HORROCKS IBBOTSON 5 PCS SPLIT BAMBOO FLY FISHING ROD 96″LONG 8ft w/TUBE $19.00 |
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Ultimate Fly Fishing Library CD – Rod Building,Bamboo,Fly Tying,Cast (28 Books) $18.99 |
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Vtg 1976 Fall Orvis Catalog Bamboo Battenkill Fly Rod Reel Tying Fishing Hunting $17.00 |
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Vtg 1979 Fall Orvis Catalog Bamboo Battenkill Fly Rod Reel Tying Fishing Hunting $17.00 |
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! FAST 2DAY UPS ! COM BAMBOO FLY ROD SUITE REFLECTIONS ON FISHING AND THE $16.69 |
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1921 – 22 AD Japanese Calcutta Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods Poles Store Display Stand $14.99 |
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1924 25 ad Horrocks Ibbotson Split Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod Hand Made $14.99 |