Sorting Through the Fly Fishing Rods on the Market can be Confusing.

Some basic information on fly fishing rods will help you make the right choice. Selecting the correct fly rod is the first step in having a great fly fishing experience. The correct rod will be matched to the type of fishing you do as well as your casting style.

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What do I need in a fly fishing rod?

Different fishing conditions call for different types of casting. Standing in a large spring creek or slow moving water makes it easy to spook fish. A long range, soft presentation is a must. Delicate, accurate casts are important in these conditions.

If you're fishing big fast water or fighting a stiff wind, you need to have enough power to turn over long leaders and a variety of fly sizes. When fly fishing Wyoming, the ability to punch a big steamer or heavy nymph into the wind is a necessity.

When selecting fly fishing rods you will want to pick a rod that can do both. You will want to be able to make delicate, precise casts to rising fish. You'll also want to have enough backbone in your fly rod to punch a big wooly bugger into a strong wind, so you can tempt that trophy trout.

What weight fly rod should I use?

One of the first things to consider when selecting a fly fishing rod is the line weight. It is important to match the fly rod to the line that you will be casting. For most trout fishing conditions, I have found that a 5 weight rod does a good job. It is also very important to Make sure that your line is matched up to your rod properly. If your line doesn't match your fly rod you will have a hard time casting and get tired and frustrated.

What is the best length for my fly fishing rods?

The length of your rod is best determined by the type of fishing that you do most of the time. For example, most of my fishing is done on big wide rivers or lakes. That's why I use a 9ft fly rod. The extra length makes it easier to make long casts across the river. The length is also a big help when fishing from a float tube or boat.

If you use lighter lines on small streams or where accuracy is the key to success, a 7 to 8 foot rod will be a good choice. These shorter rods are best suited to fishing spring creeks and small streams where a delicate and accurate presentation is important.

The fly fishing rods that are the most versatile length will be 8 1/2 feet long. This length will be at home on any type of water. It will enhance middle and long range casting but still be effective at short distances.

A 9 foot or longer rod can effectively cast at any distance and provide better line control. The longer rod is best for medium and big rivers and when fishing from a boat or float tube. The extra length will make mending and long casts much less of a work out.

Moderate action, fast action, how do I choose?

Selecting the proper action to match your casting stroke will make a difference when you're on the water. If you are just getting started with fly fishing, a moderate action or mid flex rod will be more forgiving. This type of fly rod will load easily and is better suited to slower, open casting strokes but conforms well to all casting styles.

A full flex rod is usually found in the lighter weights. This type of action is best suited to very light tippets, delicate presentations and close range casting.

The fast action or tip flex rod is more suited to fly fishers with a quicker shorter casting stroke. Stiffer in the butt section for fighting big fish and light in the tip. This will help with tight loops and faster line speeds. This type of fly rod is a good choice if you're a long liner.

Orvis has designed a way to assign a number to the action of their fly fishing rods. The beauty of this numerical system is that once you find an action that suites your casting style, you can match that number with any other rod, so that it will cast perfectly for you.

Let's say you have a 5 weight that you just love. Now you're looking for an 8 weight for some steelhead fishing that will be as effortless to cast as your 5 weight. Instead of having to try several different rods, you simply go to the rack and select a rod with the same flex index. This is a nice feature that can help with fly rod selection in the future.

A word about quality

Your fly rod is the main tool in your fly fishing arsenal. I don't recommend skimping on your fly fishing rod. A good quality rod will last a lifetime under normal conditions. High quality rods, in most cases offer 25 year to lifetime guaranties. Even if you stick your rod tip in the ceiling fan or slam it in the car door, you can get it replaced hassle free.

Quality fly fishing rods don't have to cost you a fortune. Yes, you can spend up to $1000 on a fly rod if you want. You can also buy a good quality rod with a guaranty between 200 and 400 dollars. One thing is certain, a quality fly rod will make your time on the stream more enjoyable and more productive.

In summary

Now you have an idea of what you should look for in a fly rod. You know what kind of fishing you'll be doing most of the time. You know what kinds of water you'll be casting on.

You have the information to determine the best length and action to suite you fishing style and ability. And you know that quality has it's benefits

If you're selecting your first rod, I recommend that you visit a fly shop and ask for advice. See if you can actually cast some of the rods to see for yourself how they feel. Doing your homework may take some time but it will be time well spent when it comes to buying fly fishing rods.