Thoughts on Choosing the Right Fly Rod
Let’s
face it, one of the more exciting things about fly fishing is getting a new rod. There's
nothing like pulling out a brand new stick and fishing it for the first time. If
you’re a bird hunter, it’s similar to getting a new shotgun. Or getting a new
software program that just fits your needs. Like the computer game though, it has gotten a
bit confusing. There are just so many different rod actions, weights, lengths, and models.
So how do you know which one is right for you?
This is not an easy question to answer in a single article. Suffice it to say that no one rod can handle all fly fishing situations. However, you have to start somewhere so in the sections that follow we mirror the procedure used by the High Country Flies staff when helping customers choose the right rod for them.
When it comes to $$$, the rod is #1
People looking to outfit themselves for fly fishing often wonder where their hard earned money is best spent. Like I said earlier, with all the variables out there, choosing the right rod can be a "reel" brain twister. For most trout fishing, your money is best spent on:
- First-- the rod
- Second--the line(s)
- Third--the reel
Reels are more important than a lot of people give credence to, but putting your emphasis on rod and line is what enables you to deliver a fly to a fish effectively. In the last fifteen years, rod design and technology has gone through the roof. At High Country Flies we try to find the best performing rods at price levels that our customers have told us are important to them. While it is true that with dollars comes performance, don’t be misled into thinking that just because a rod is more expensive, that it is the better choice. Not necessarily. You want to find a rod that matches your particular fishing and casting style.
Having said that, if you are wondering whether to spend your limited funds on a reel or a rod, put your money in the rod. Without question, it’s your most important tool.
Is this going to be your primary rod?
If the answer is yes, you will want it to be well rounded. It will need to handle everything from small dries to nymphs, as well as larger streamers. Rods in the 5 or 6-weight range, with a length of 8 ½ - 9 feet are considered good choices for an all-around trout rod. Thanks to modern graphite, rod companies can build longer rods (9’) that are incredibly light, with every kind of action under the sun.
It is now possible to get good rods in almost all price ranges. It’s not hard to find a rod "that’s pretty darn good for the money."
What are you going to use the rod for?
If, for example, you plan to fish for bonefish or Northwest steelhead, the rod du jour in most cases would be an 8-weight in a 3 or 4-piece travel rod. Why a travel rod? It’s because most of us don’t live on a saltwater flat nor have that great steelhead run outside our back door. We are going to have to travel to get to the places where this kind of rod is most useful. Most airlines frown on 2-piecers, and the last thing you want is to show up at an exotic fishing destination without your gun. With today’s technology, there is no disadvantage to multi-piece rods. A well-designed 3, 4, or 5-piece rod will feel the same as its 2-piece counterpart. The trade off is that it will cost more. In some cases, rods will only be offered as a 3 or 4-piece.
To continue our example, a bonefish rod and a steelhead rod, while perhaps both 8-weights, will have quite different actions. A bonefish rod is more than likely to be a pretty fast action rod. When bonefishing, you don’t have the luxury of false casting. One must present the fly and present it now. So you’ll need a rod to deal with these situations. Something in the order of an 8’ 9" to 9’ faster action 8-weight rod is the norm.
For Northwest steelheading, conditions are a little different. First of all you are making thousands of casts a day. Of primary concern is casting distance and line control. Controlling the fly through it’s swing is the essence of steelheading. Every cast is pushing you to the hilt. Sinking lines are the norm. You must be prepared for big fish and big wind. So what do we need? A good choice would be a powerful medium-fast action rod, with more length, somewhere in the 9’ 6" to 10’ arena. We give up fighting ability in length for line control and casting distance. Shorter rods have more fighting ability, but don’t mend or cast as well as longer rods.
In short, whether the primary use of your rod will be for trout, bonefish, steelhead, or whatever, there is a rod designed to match the unique conditions encountered when angling for each type of fish.
Where will you usually be using the rod?
Now lets say you want a 4-weight fly rod for East Coast trout fishing. A 7 ½’ length rod might be a good call. However, it would not be the tool of choice for the Rockies. In the East we are dealing with mostly smaller flies, smaller rivers and little wind. I know there are exceptions, but this is generally true. In the Rockies we have big rivers, wind, and large flies. You would be better off with a little more gun, and that’s what you’ll get with a longer rod. The most popular length for western trout fishing is 9’. If you were trying to cover both East and West, maybe a somewhat crisp 8 ½’ rod would be a good compromise.
As with different types of fish, there are unique conditions found in different parts of the US and the world. Again, you’ll want to find a rod which is designed with those unique regional conditions in mind.
We, of course, have our own opinions on what makes a superior fly rod and have chosen to represent certain manufacturers accordingly. To understand what separates the best from the rest read What makes a superior fly rod manufacturer.
As always, feel free to contact High Country Flies at 866-733-7210 with any questions that you may have.
--Howard Cole
Co-owner
High Country Flies
