Understanding Modern Fly Rods

A fly rod like other fishing rods consist of the blank or shaft, handle, reel seat and line guides.

Fiberglass used to be the standard fly rod material for many years but since the early 1970's graphite fly rods have steadily gained in popularity and taken over as the rod of choice.

Graphite rod blanks are a hollow tapered tube made from graphite fibers and a hard resin matrix. The fibers give the rod it's stiffness and flex while the resin holds it together.

The system of rating graphite's tensile strength is called the modulus rating. The higher the number, the stronger the rod and the less it will bend. The increased strength also allows manufacturers to make rods with a smaller diameter that weigh less. Graphite rods range from 33- to 64-million modulus.

Modern graphite fishing rods are both stronger and lighter than fiberglass. This also makes them more sensitive to lighter strikes. The only downside is they are a bit more brittle. Fiberglass fishing rods are heavier and more durable.

Due to their length, fly rods breakdown into multiple pieces and are connected by ferrules. Most commonly they come in 2 pieces although 4 piece rods are very popular, especially if you plan to travel with them.

Fly rods come in assorted sizes and are measured in length, line weight and action. It is important that they fit both you and what you're fishing for. The most common lengths are 7' to 9-1/2'.

The line weight ranges from 1 through 12 with 12 being the heaviest. You can find the length, weight and action written on the blank just above the handle.

The action of the fly rod describes the stiffness or flex action. A fast action rod flexes mostly at the upper 1/4 of the blank. Medium action flexes half way down the rod and a slow action flexes all the way to the handle.

Fast action fly rods generate higher line speed for greater distance while slower actions gives you greater control.

For beginners I would recommend a 8' to 9', 6 weight rod with a medium action. A 5 weight is a good trout rod while a 7 weight is better for casting heavier wind-resistant flies for bass.

Fly rod handles are made of cork for comfort and durability, with the reel seat at the end of the rod. Fly rods 7 weight and higher have a fighting butt at the end to give you more leverage when fighting the big ones.

Quality guides are important because the line needs to flow effortlessly through them in order to achieve any distance or accuracy in your cast. The harder the guides, the less chance there is for wear damage causing unwanted friction against your line.

The different types are double foot, single foot and snake guides. The latter being the most common. Lightweight chrome guides are the norm with higher end rods using even lighter and harder titanium guides.

There is much that goes into making a high quality fly fishing rod and I have only covered the basics. Starting out you won't need to spend $700 on a top end fly rod but don't go too cheap either. Lower end fly fishing rods tend to have too much wobble that make it harder to learn to cast well.

Ross Flystart Rod & Reel Outfit

The Essence FS Fly Fishing Outfits are complete outfits. Simply tie on a fly and you are ready to fish! All of the products included with these outfits are top quality. In fact, they are the same high quality Ross products that are sold individually, but when purchased together as part of a complete outfit, you save money!
Fishing Gear Tips and Advice Store

R. L. Winston Ascent Rod

The new Ascent series is the ideal way for entry level or intermediate anglers to become part of the Winston family. While these are the least expensive fly rods Winston sells, they offer exceptional quality and performance for the price. Thanks to a smooth, very fast action, all five are easy to cast and a delight to fish with. Designed in Twin Bridges, Montana, these four-piece rods have a beautiful champagne/russet metallic finish and quality reel seat components. Like all Winstons, Ascent rods have an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. RiverBum

Sage Flight

Through a further application of the analysis and construction methods developed for our G5 Technology, we've completely updated our FLi Series with a range of even lighter, smoother fly rods. Introducing the all-new Flight Series. Now you'll be able to generate high line speed and feel the rod load more precisely for improved power transfer and efficiency. In fishing situations, that means you will instinctively cast better without having to think about it. We've said it before and we'll say it again with more emphasis: These are simply great fly rods. RiverBum