Are you interested in fly-fishing? There is a lot to know before sinking your money into a setup you may or may not need.
Terms and Basics
For those just venturing into the sport, trying to sift through the different options can be bewildering. For example, does “weight (wt)” refer to how heavy the rod is or how heavy a fish it is capable of landing?
Fly-fishing gear is incredibly specialized by design. With thousands of fish species and, equally, thousands of places to fish for them, gear manufacturers have adapted their features to meet as many individual needs as possible.
A fly rod has three main purposes:
- Casting. Like a spin rod, a fly rod enables you to cast with power and accuracy. For a fisher with good fly-casting skills, a quality fly rod allows the fly and line to cast smoothly, which avoids scaring the fish.
- Line Control. Once the fly hits the water, the fly rod’s next function is to provide line control, providing you with control over the line that is out of the water.
- Striking and Landing Fish. A fly rod is used to set the hook on a fish and land it. The rod needs to be not only strong but flexible too, since it will be put under great pressure at times.
Choosing a Type of Fly-Fishing
In selecting a fly-fishing combo, beginners need to consider what attracted them to the sport. Some develop an interest after watching a program about fly-fishing on TV, while others are introduced to the sport by their friends.
Using this as a starting point, beginners need to try to identify what type of fishing appeals to them most, since this will guide their choice of rod and reel. For example, shore fishing in saltwater would require an 8-wt., 10-ft. rod to provide sufficient torque to get the fly out into the breakers, while trout fishing in a small stream would only require a 5-wt., 9-ft. fly rod, at most.
There is a multitude of different setups on the market today, starting anywhere from a 4-wt., 7-ft. up to a 9-wt., 11-ft. To the beginner, this may not seem like a huge difference, but in reality, just a 1-foot difference in rod length can be a game-changer. For example, trying to fish on a small river with a large rod could well result in the line becoming ensnared in foliage as you swing. When fishing on a small river, such as one where you can easily cast onto the opposite bank, a 5-wt., 9-ft. rod would be more appropriate.
Fly Rod Action and Composition
For beginners, the concept of fly rod action can be confusing. “Action” is simply used to describe how flexible the fishing rod is.
Fly rods come in three types:
- Tip-Flex Fly Rods. These are great for long casts and fishing on windy days. However, they are inappropriate for short casts and can be challenging for beginners to master,
- Mid-Flex or Medium-Action Fly Rods. One of the most versatile types of rods, mid-flex can perform in a variety of conditions, and they are easier to master than tip-flex fly rods.
- Full-Flex or Slow-Action Fly Rods. These rods are incredibly flexible, making them easy to cast with perfect presentation. They are suitable for beginners, although they lack the utility of medium-action fly rods.
Fly rod composition is another important aspect to consider. While fiberglass fly rods are still available, they are becoming something of a rarity, as graphite is becoming an increasingly popular choice.
Another consideration is how many pieces the rod comes in. Anglers who travel frequently to fish will want a travel rod that breaks down into several pieces.
Conclusion
Although selecting your first fly rod combo may seem daunting, many manufacturers offer full fly-fishing combos for beginners including loading the reel with backing line. Look online – Amazon, Cabela’s, Orvis and other retailers will all have full sets. Basically, getting you ready with only the need for you to practice and then fish.
A great beginner fly-fishing combo works in a range of different settings so you can discover what you like best. A winning combo enables beginner anglers to test different techniques without limiting their options.