Fishing Fly Rod
Welcome to
Fishing Fly Rod.net
So you want to fish with a fly rod.
A fishing fly rod is not as common or popular as the standard cast and retrieve rod. However, there is a different kind of excitement in catching a fish with a fly rod. Fly-fishing for native trout on a stream in the middle of nowhere can lead to one of the most exciting, rewarding experiences of a lifetime. That is exactly why a select few of us opt to go against the grain.
Fly rods are typically longer, thinner, and more flexible than usual fishing rods, and are designed for casting the fly. They use heavier line to support the weight of fishing lures.
There are several types of rods available, taking into account differing factors such as weight, length, action, material, sections, color and various stream conditions and characteristics. There are plenty of rod makers also, giving you a multitude of choices when it comes to picking the right rod for yourself, whether you are a novice, intermediate or a grizzled old angler that knows how to lie with the best of them. You may even discover that you need two or more rods to satisfy your fly-fishing desires.
Fly Rod Materials: There are three basic types of fly rods: fiberglass, graphite, and bamboo.
Fiberglass has historically been the most popular, being the least expensive. They’re also quite indestructible, being able to withstand heat, cold, water, and the sun. They can boast of being extremely lightweight but still strong. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll snag a fish that will break a fiberglass fly rod, although you can step on one the wrong way and snap it in two! Fiberglass fly rods are often referred to as “hollow glass” rods, because of the way they are manufactured. They used to be the rod of choice, but now they’re difficult to find, except perhaps at your local department store, or in people’s garages and attics!
Graphite fly rods, the “newest kids” on the block, have replaced fiberglass as the most popular fly rod today, despite the fact that you’ll pay more for a graphite rod than for a fiberglass rod. Their growth in popularity stems from the fact that graphite fly rods are the most versatile type, and are lighter in weight, more sensitive, and have a faster response than a bamboo or fiberglass rod. The user will be less fatigued at the end of the day when using a lighter weight graphite rod. Graphite rods are also more forgiving to beginner casters, allowing anglers to cast longer and more accurately than when using fiberglass rods.
Additionally new types of graphite are always being introduced. The major difference between various forms of graphite is the weight; some graphite is heavier than other graphite. You’ll find that the lighter the graphite is, the more expensive the fly rod is!
However, buy the more expensive graphite rod, and you won’t be sorry. Spending the money upfront to get a good fly rod will likely mean that you will be much happier with it from the start, so you won’t need to replace it soon. Besides being lighter to use, a more expensive graphite fly rod has higher quality detail, such as reel seats, guides and wrappings, which the less expensive models leave off all together. A quality rod will last a long time.
Split Bamboo fly rods were one of the very first fly rods ever manufactured, and are considered to be the “traditional” fly rod. The fact that they are still in use is a strong indication about how well they perform.
It is true that bamboo rods are a bit heavier, but this can actually be advantageous, since this additional weight allows for very smooth casting. Though they can be quite expensive, split bamboo rods have an aesthetic advantage over glass and graphite, in that they are made of an organic material that blends in somewhat with its surroundings.
Despite the fact that bamboo fly rods are quite a bit heavier than today’s lightweight graphite and glass fly rods, and the fact that you’ll pay more for bamboo, they are still considered by some to be the finest fly rods on the market today. Many fly fishermen swear by them, saying they are the best type of fly fishing rod that you can use.
Cork and foam are the standard for handle construction. 
Are you looking for a fly rod for a traveler or businessman? Amazingly enough, manufacturers have come up with a style of fly rod poles that fold up or breakdown enough to fit into a briefcase or suitcase. A 7 or 8 piece fly rod makes for a great travel or pack rod, or if you are hiking or backpacking any significant distance to the stream you plan to fish. The downside is that it takes a little time to assemble all the sections so that the guides are all lined up. The largest selling rods come in 4 sections for obvious reasons. Just add a pair of chest waders, and you’re all set!
For beginners, the basic rod and some bait will do. During this time, the type of material used and the features it has is not important. What matters is getting the feel of it and having fun. When the person is comfortable and ready to move on to the next level, then one can invest in other more complex, and more expensive, pieces of fishing equipment.
There is no age limit for anyone to start fishing. Kids of all ages will enjoy and appreciate the chance to try a new type of fishing, so don’t be afraid to treat your youngster to a day by your side in the middle of the stream. Fishing takes a lot of practice before being able to excel at it. Becoming an expert at fishing won’t happen in one day, but don’t let that discourage your youngster. Make sure he or she has an enjoyable time.
When considering what kind of fly rod to purchase for the kids for fishing in your local pond or to accompany you on a “real” fishing experience, a fiberglass fly rod will do nicely.
Choosing the correct fishing fly rod will definitely enhance your angling experience and greatly increase your chance of reeling in your fish. If you are new to fly fishing and still unsure about picking your first fly rod, I recommend a graphite rod with medium action, with an 8 foot length, and a weight of 4-6.
Fishing is about being with nature. I highly recommend fly-fishing as an alternative to standard fishing. There is nothing like the feeling of having that lunker pulling hard while you stand in the middle of the river or along the lakeshore.
Here’s to your best fly fishing experience ever!
