The seasoned angler knows how important the proper fly fishing tackle is to being successful on the water. Beginners to fly fishing may not understand how to spot a quality fly fishing rod though. As you gain experience and advance in the craft of fishing, the rod takes on a completely new level of importance. Then it is time to learn the difference between a plain rod and one that is serious about the business of catching fish.
It is good to become familiar with one fishing area so you understand the environment. Obviously that does not mean you should not fish in new rivers and streams, but when you fish the same spot on a regular basis, you can become a master of that location. You learn about the water and the type of fish that you are likely to catch. This information helps you determine the type of fly fishing rod you should buy.
You need to buy a rod based upon the size of fish you are targeting. Big fish require a heavy rod and light fish need a light rod. Fly fishing rods are rated according to the weight of the line, which is different from the way traditional rods are rated. Fly fishing rods are rated on a scale of 1 through 14. If you are going for the big fish, you should use a 14. Rods with heavier lines are not for beginners though because they are much more difficult to master. It is usually recommended that beginners stick with fly fishing rods rated at 5 or below.
The length of the fly fishing rod is another consideration. The average rod length is about eight to nine feet. The environment you are fishing in may require a shorter rod. In fact, some people may have difficulty manipulating and casting a rod that is too long. Children especially do better when fly fishing with a shorter rod.
You will also need to choose the material your fly fishing rod will be made out of. Fly fishing tackle comes in many different forms. Traditional rods are made from bamboo. Newer rods are made from fiberglass or graphite. What you use is a personal choice. However, graphite rods are recommended and are popular among fly fishermen.
Over time, you will find that you develop your own fly fishing style. Once your know your style, you can select the type of rod that suits you best from among the fast action or slow action fly fishing rods. Each of these has their advantages and the difference lies in the way the rod bends. Fast action rods have the most bend towards the tip of the rod whereas slow action rods have a more evenly distributed bend over the entire length of the rod. Most fishermen do well with a fly fishing rod that has moderate action as this gives you more control over your cast.
Perhaps the best advice for your first somewhat serious purchase, however, is to not invest much until you are more sure of yourself. Nothing says that the next rod you purchase must be your last, or indeed your only, rod. It is one of several that you will own over the years as you hone your craft, discovering your preferences and style.
If you buy expensive fly fishing tackle when you are a beginner, you may feel obligated to stick with it even if it has disadvantages and does not work well with your style of fly fishing. You may even develop bad habits that will be difficult to break simply because you are forcing yourself to use the wrong rod. Do not spend a lot of money on a rod if it will make you feel trapped into getting your money's worth out of it. You can certainly learn fly fishing techniques with less expensive rods that are designed with beginners in mind.
Here is an example of a good fly fishing rod. It is the St. Croix Avid Series 4-Piece Fly Rod. This rod versatile, with a new and improved smoother action and a crisp casting stroke with a measure of feel typically reserved for rods twice the price. This fly rod is prices at under $150.
It is good to become familiar with one fishing area so you understand the environment. Obviously that does not mean you should not fish in new rivers and streams, but when you fish the same spot on a regular basis, you can become a master of that location. You learn about the water and the type of fish that you are likely to catch. This information helps you determine the type of fly fishing rod you should buy.
You need to buy a rod based upon the size of fish you are targeting. Big fish require a heavy rod and light fish need a light rod. Fly fishing rods are rated according to the weight of the line, which is different from the way traditional rods are rated. Fly fishing rods are rated on a scale of 1 through 14. If you are going for the big fish, you should use a 14. Rods with heavier lines are not for beginners though because they are much more difficult to master. It is usually recommended that beginners stick with fly fishing rods rated at 5 or below.
The length of the fly fishing rod is another consideration. The average rod length is about eight to nine feet. The environment you are fishing in may require a shorter rod. In fact, some people may have difficulty manipulating and casting a rod that is too long. Children especially do better when fly fishing with a shorter rod.
You will also need to choose the material your fly fishing rod will be made out of. Fly fishing tackle comes in many different forms. Traditional rods are made from bamboo. Newer rods are made from fiberglass or graphite. What you use is a personal choice. However, graphite rods are recommended and are popular among fly fishermen.
Over time, you will find that you develop your own fly fishing style. Once your know your style, you can select the type of rod that suits you best from among the fast action or slow action fly fishing rods. Each of these has their advantages and the difference lies in the way the rod bends. Fast action rods have the most bend towards the tip of the rod whereas slow action rods have a more evenly distributed bend over the entire length of the rod. Most fishermen do well with a fly fishing rod that has moderate action as this gives you more control over your cast.
Perhaps the best advice for your first somewhat serious purchase, however, is to not invest much until you are more sure of yourself. Nothing says that the next rod you purchase must be your last, or indeed your only, rod. It is one of several that you will own over the years as you hone your craft, discovering your preferences and style.
If you buy expensive fly fishing tackle when you are a beginner, you may feel obligated to stick with it even if it has disadvantages and does not work well with your style of fly fishing. You may even develop bad habits that will be difficult to break simply because you are forcing yourself to use the wrong rod. Do not spend a lot of money on a rod if it will make you feel trapped into getting your money's worth out of it. You can certainly learn fly fishing techniques with less expensive rods that are designed with beginners in mind.
Here is an example of a good fly fishing rod. It is the St. Croix Avid Series 4-Piece Fly Rod. This rod versatile, with a new and improved smoother action and a crisp casting stroke with a measure of feel typically reserved for rods twice the price. This fly rod is prices at under $150.
About the Author:
Author Bill Keller writes about outdoor activities in North Texas from his blog at TowersOverTexas.com. To shop for Fly Fishing Rods or to see more articles about Freshwater Fishing Gear just click on a link.
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