Fly Fishing Rod Buyers Guide

Find a fly fishing rod you'll love and use by looking at the materials, action, and length.

Fly Fishing Rod Materials

Manufacturers make fly fishing rods out of fiberglass or graphite. Each has its benefits.

Fiberglass fly fishing rods: Experts and beginners can use popular fiberglass fly fishing rods in most fishing conditions. The durable material usually stands up to wear better than graphite fly fishing rods.

Graphite fly fishing rods: More expensive than fiberglass, lightweight graphite fly fishing rods typically allow more accurate casting.

Determine Fly Fishing Rod Flexibility

The action, is the amount of rod stiffness or flexibility, which comes into play when you cast and when you attempt to reel in a fish. The action is usually defined by three categories.

Slow-action fly fishing rods: Reel in small lightweight fish with these flexible fly fishing rods. Slow-action fly fishing rods have the most bend, making them difficult for beginners to control, but offer the greatest accuracy for short-range casting.

Medium-action fly fishing rods: Beginners find medium-action fly fishing rods easy to handle. They offer a little flexibility with the rod bending in the middle and at the tip. Use them for short and long-range casting.

Fast-action fly fishing rods: Stiff fast-action fly fishing rods bend at the end of the rod and do not have a lot of give. They make a good choice for long-distance casting and reeling in large fish. However, they do not offer the accuracy of a short-action rod and beginners often find them difficult to handle.

Look at Fly Fishing Rod Length

Length also factors into rod action. Shorter rods generally have less action than longer rods because they generate less torque when casting and reeling. Beginners will want a rod long enough to provide a good casting distance, but short enough to maneuver in the water. Medium-sized rods between eight and nine feet provide the action, casting control, and strength you'll need.

Short fly fishing rods: Use short fly fishing rods measuring less than eight feet in tight fishing situations where trees, bushes, stream size, or other objects will restrict your movement.

Medium fly fishing rods: Use medium-sized eight or nine-foot fly fishing rods in most fly fishing conditions. They allow for longer casting and can handle more weight than shorter rods.

Large fly fishing rods: Measuring more than nine feet, large fly fishing rods make the ideal choice for longer casting and pursuing big-game fish.

New fly fishermen should look for an eight or nine foot rod made of graphite or fiberglass with medium action.