Information on Fly Rod and Reels

Fly fishing rods and reels are available in different sizes and styles to fit a variety of fishing applications. Rods and reels can be purchased for a specific purpose, but the majority of rods and reels fit a diverse profile and can be used for several species of fish. The rod and reel are designed to match, and reels that balance a rod are ideal for casting. Heavy reels on light rods will make casting difficult as will light reels on heavy rods.

  1. Rod Action

    • The action of the fly rod is one of the most important factors. Beginning anglers will find the medium action rods as the best choice, but fast action rods are built for making quick casts and long casts while a stiff rod can handle heavy flies and cast through a hard wind. The typical fly rod for trout fishing has a medium-fast action that can handle weight when needed but is also capable of making delicate dry fly presentations. The fast action is also used for fishing small streams with dry flies. Saltwater fly fisherman prefer an ultra-fast action rod for making long casts, and bass fisherman use stiff rods for casting large flies and pulling fish out of weed beds and away from tangles.

    Rod Weight

    • The weight of a fly rod is used to coordinate with the reel and the fly line. A five-weight rod will use a reel designed to hold 4-6 weight lines, and it will cast a five-weight line. The reel will balance the rod, and the line will load while being cast rather than over- or under-load. Some anglers do prefer to fish a line one weight heavier for advanced casting techniques, but a matching line is the more common choice. Rods come in weights from 0-14 with a few exceptions, and the weight of the rod is chosen based on the typical size of the fish, average distance cast, and weight of the flies being used. Trout fisherman will use rods between 0-7 weights, but a 5 or 6 weight is capable of performing the majority of trout fishing tasks. Bass and other warm water species typically use 6-9 weight rods, and saltwater fisherman use 7-14 weight rods for large, powerful game fish.

    Rod Length

    • Fly rods are available in different lengths for various fishing applications. Short rods between 6-8 feet are used for fishing small streams whereas 8-10 foot rods are used for larger rivers and lakes. Nine feet is the standard rod length for fly fishing because of the casting ability, moderate reach, and fighting power. Longer rods are used for specialized nymph fishing techniques and large saltwater game fish.

    Reel Size and Drag

    • The size of the fly reel must correspond with the weight of the fly rod. The reel also must have the ability to hold the fly fishing line and backing. Small stream reels are light and will hold a small amount of backing and the fly line. The small reels do not need an advanced drag system because the fish will be small. Large game fish require large arbor reels that can hold a generous amount of backing and the fly line. The large arbor must not add weight to the reel or the balance will be lost. The reel must also have an adjustable drag for fighting strong fish. Before purchasing a reel, put it on your rod and make several test casts to feel the balance.

    Expert Insight

    • The number of rods and reels available can be overwhelming for beginning anglers. Combination deals with the rod, reel, and fly line are an excellent option and will reduce the calculating required to find the perfect fit. Also begin with a medium-fast action rod before buying specialized rods and reels. Once you have developed a foundation of casting technique, the rod and reel market will begin to make sense.