Choosing A Rod

Choosing a Rod

Now before you run out and buy a fly rod, there are a few things you need to consider. These are some major factors in fly fishing that must be weighed. The first one is the kind of fish you will be going after. The rule of thumb is the heavier the fish, the heavier the equipment needed.

The second thing you need to consider is the body of water you intend to fish. Think of the difference between a babbling brook, and a roaring river. The differences are not just the motion of the water, but also the wind, the clearness of the water is, and the distance you will need to cast to catch your target fish.

Last, but not least you will need to consider the action of the rod. Fly fishing rods are made to flex; each different from the other. They can range from slow to fast. In fly fishing it is important to get the feel of the rod. For a beginner, probably a rod somewhere in the medium range would be the best starter.

Anglers who have been fishing for years will usually have several different fly rods. Each rod is designed for a specific purpose. A number notes the size of the different rods. The larger the number the larger the rod. It also goes hand in hand with line to be cast. A 3-weight rod is able to cast a 3-weight line, and so on. You will want to remember that the rod is only a continuation of your arm. It is the line that gets cast not the rod. You will also need to keep in mind the weight of the fly. If the fly is too heavy the fly line will sag and will not cast well.

Another feature to consider when purchasing a rod, is the flexibility or the action of the fly rod. With a fast action rod only about 30 percent of the rod will bend. Where as, with a slow action rod about 90 percent of the rod will bend. A medium action rod is in the middle, this fly rod will bend about 60 percent. The fast action rod will cast farther than a slow action rod. The slow action rod will bend much easier than a fast action rod.

Fly rods have made huge transitions over the years. They started out made out of wood, progressed to split bamboo, to steel, to fiberglass wrapped hallow wooden rods, to the graphite rods of today. With the making of the graphite rods came the faster action rods. The fast action rods are lightweight and use more of the tip to project the fly line. If the line is cast correctly, the rod does all the work for you. It is one of the main advantages of the fast action rod; the person casting does less work.

One of the most important things to remember is NEVER buy a rod that you have not cast first.

EXTREME BASS FISHING