Flyfish Fanatic

How do you choose a fly rod?

There are many ways to choose the right rod. For the beginner this can be a daunting task, as they do not know what to look for. I will write a little about what to watch for, but you will need to do some research into the rods after you have taken a look at them at the shop.

First, Figure out what you will be fishing for. You will need to think about what you will be fishing for, if you will be concentrating on small streams, you may want to go with a 1-3wt rod, if you are going to be targeting fish in rivers and lakes that range in size from 1-6lbs you may want to look at buying a 4-6wt rod. If larger fish such as Salmon, Steelhead, and larger trout, you may want a 7-9wt rod.

Second, Get a price range in your head. This is important as when you go into a store you can buy a rod for as little as $50, but you can also spend $700. Get a budget in mind before heading out to the store.

Third, Go to the store, pick up a few rods, get a feel for them. You will need to make sure the rod feels good in your hand as you will be holding it for hours at a time. Most fishing stores will allow you to take the rod ouside and cast it with a older line. This will give you some Idea of the feel of the rod while casting. This is also important because you will be many hundreds of casts throughout a day of fishing. Write down the names and model’s of the rods that felt the best, and were in your price range.
Fourth, Walk away. Yes I said walk away, go home, go online and check out the websites of the rods you have chosen. Check out their warranty, where they are made etc…

Fifth, Narrow down you choices to two rods, go back to the store and ask to cast the two rods one more time. Check out the construction of the rod. Look at how the cork has been machined, how the guides have been wrapped, and the quality of the finish. The quality of the finish does not mean that it is a good, or a bad rod, but if the finish is poor then I would wonder what other shortcuts the manufacturer took.

I hope this helps you a bit. One other suggestion that I can make, is to go to a fly fishing forum, become a member and ask the question of what rods other prefer. Tell them that you have narrowed the choice to two rods, and that you are asking for their opinion of your choices. Most Fly Fishers are willing to share their knowledge, so don’t be shy.

Tight lines & Fun Times.

Rick Passek (The Flyfish Fanatic™)

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