Helping The Beginner Choose A Fly Fishing Rod
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.
First, know your catch. Familiarize yourself with the waters in which you plan to fish, and with the size of the catch you’re likely to bring home. This knowledge will influence many of the qualities which you search for in a fly rod.
For instance, the size of your catch determines how heavy of a rod you should purchase. Lighter fish require a lighter rod, while larger fish of course require something heavier. Fly rods are not rated by pounds test, as is true with more traditional rods, but rather by the weight of their line, on a scale of 1 to 14. While a heavier line can help catch larger fish, it is also unwieldy and not suitable for beginners for whom 5 is often recommended.
Rod length is another thing to think about. The environment you are fishing in may determine the length of your rod. Most fly fishing rods are around eight or nine feet in length. This length may be too unwieldy for some to cast or transport. Children may be more successful with shorter rods too.
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.
Rods are often described in terms of their action. That is, a rod with a faster action bends more toward its tip, with the degree of the bend decreasing rapidly as it nears the handle. Slower action rods bend throughout their length, with the bend ending much nearer the handle. Each type of action has its relative advantages. As a beginner, and to make the decision less complicated, it is usually best to choose a rod with a moderate action. This tends to both help improve your cast, and to help you determine which type of action fits your style better.
There is no need to spend a lot of money when you are learning about fly fishing. Your fly fishing tackle will grow with you over time as you hone your skills and change your preferences. You will probably own several rods that you accumulate over the years and will enjoy becoming a master of each of them.
Spending lots of money on an expensive rod locks you into that particular rig’s advantages and flaws. When you are first learning something new is your best opportunity to explore it, before habits form and are hard to break. Purchasing an expensive rod may have you feeling trapped and unwilling to branch out. There is much more involved in selecting a good rod, but with these pointers in mind, you can begin your exploration into the exciting world of fly fishing.
A great example of the fly fishing rod is the “White River Fly Shop Classic Fly Rod.” This classic rod is smooth casting with a medium-fast action and is priced at under $100. Its IM-7 graphite blanks are made of high-quality components such as Fuji Hardloy stripping guides and a beautiful rosewood reel seat.
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