Fishing Rod Topics

Fishing Rods

Fly Fishing Rods

Choosing the right fly fishing rod for the type of fishing you do can make a world of difference in performance.

Rod Action and Purchasing A Fly-Fishing Rod

Fly-fishing can often times seem intimidating, especially to bait fishermen who are considering trying something new. Going from a spinning or baitcasting rod to a fly-fishing setup may seem intimidating at first, yet purchasing a new fly-fishing rod does not have to be difficult. You just need to keep in mind the key element of rod action and you will be able to make the right decision on a fishing rod that will suit your style and type of fishing.

Rod action is broken down into three basic types. Slow, medium, or fast action rods all have a purpose and knowing the difference when you are choosing a fly-fishing rod is important. Determining the action of the rod will help you to understand how it will handle under the stress of casting and more importantly when you have a fish on the line.

A stiff rod (slow action) is manufactured that way so it will bend throughout the length of the rod without flex. That is to say that the fly-fishing rod will bend in a uniform manner, which helps to make casting more accurate. This is especially an important consideration if you are going to be fishing in tight quarters and have the need to present your fly in a more delicate fashion.

Fishing rods that have medium flexibility (medium action), in the upper half portion of the rod near the tip, are considered to be a solid choice for beginning fly-fishermen. They are easy to handle and quite frankly can be used in multiple fishing scenarios. This is a plus, as most beginners do not wish to purchase a number of rods until they are sure of that fly-fishing is something they will enjoy.

Choosing a rod that is stiffer that has more bend in the tip portion of the pole (fast action), say the upper third part, will give the fly fisherman control for long and clean casts. This is great where winds are up and the water is running fast. Also a fast action rod can mean that there are fewer changes in angles.

While there are other elements to a fly-fishing rod like material and weight, knowing the action of a rod will help you get set for the type of water and fishing you will be doing. Understanding your fishing equipment will help you make good choices when purchasing and good choices when you are fishing.