Is fly fishing for you--Choosing a rod & reel
October 11th 2007 23:44
Many of the same principles that apply to picking out a rod for freshwater fishing will apply to choosing a fly rod. Like many fishing items, price is not necessarily an indication of quality. It pays to shop around and remember that if you order a rod on the internet, what looks like a bargain may not be such a great buy after the shipping and handling are added into the price. AND they guys at cheaprods.com can't tell you how they're biting at the creek down at the end of the road!
Most fly rods are around 7-9 ft. long (6.5-7.5 m.) and made from graphite or a graphite composite. When a lot of people think of fly fishing they think of bamboo rods. Those bamboo rods are still around but, the good ones are going to be expensive! You can spend as much on other materials so you have to decide what you want.
Most fly rods are around 7-9 ft. long (6.5-7.5 m.) and made from graphite or a graphite composite. When a lot of people think of fly fishing they think of bamboo rods. Those bamboo rods are still around but, the good ones are going to be expensive! You can spend as much on other materials so you have to decide what you want.
Fly rods are rated by weight ranging from 00 up to around 12 or so. You may find higher numbers but, you can rest assured that these are for big game. Generally speaking, the smaller the number, the lighter the rod and therefore, the intended target is smaller.
Some people pick out their fly rod based on length thinking, "I'll get a big one and then I can cast a long way!" That line of thinking may doom you before you hit the water. If you're new to fly fishing, a longer rod may make it more difficult to learn to cast. Aside from that, you also have storage and transportation problems associated with longer rods.
The ferrules or where the sections of a longer rod are joined together can be another reason for concern. Your rod should bend in a continuous curve when stressed. As quality goes down, ferrules can result in "flat" spots in the curve. That's not to say that all ferrules are bad. How would you like to have a one piece 10 ft. rod? However, flat spots are something you have to watch out for in less expensive rods.
For some people, reels for their fly rod are almost an afterthought--something used to store extra line. One can easily understand such thinking. Unlike spin or bait cast fishing, the fly fishing reel sometimes falls by the wayside. Line is stripped from the supply and then controlled through the cast by your fingers. Then, upon retrieval, line is again held manually--this time loosely against the rod's handle while it is pulled through your fingers with the other hand. This supply is usually adequate for trout sized fish but, larger fish may take all the line you have stripped and begin taking line from the reel. Simply put--larger fish require larger reels!
Going after larger fish makes the reel much more important. Large salmon or saltwater species can take over 100 yards of line in a matter of seconds. If such action is anticipated make sure you have a reel that is up to the task. Some of the cheap reels on the market today are fine for trout but fall apart under the stresses of large fish. Also, remember that saltwater is very corrosive so make sure you have a good aluminum reel if you plan to be around the shore!
Now that you have a rod and reel. You'll need some line. I don't want you making the same mistakes I did so, check back tomorrow because this is getting long!
For some people, reels for their fly rod are almost an afterthought--something used to store extra line. One can easily understand such thinking. Unlike spin or bait cast fishing, the fly fishing reel sometimes falls by the wayside. Line is stripped from the supply and then controlled through the cast by your fingers. Then, upon retrieval, line is again held manually--this time loosely against the rod's handle while it is pulled through your fingers with the other hand. This supply is usually adequate for trout sized fish but, larger fish may take all the line you have stripped and begin taking line from the reel. Simply put--larger fish require larger reels!
Going after larger fish makes the reel much more important. Large salmon or saltwater species can take over 100 yards of line in a matter of seconds. If such action is anticipated make sure you have a reel that is up to the task. Some of the cheap reels on the market today are fine for trout but fall apart under the stresses of large fish. Also, remember that saltwater is very corrosive so make sure you have a good aluminum reel if you plan to be around the shore!
Now that you have a rod and reel. You'll need some line. I don't want you making the same mistakes I did so, check back tomorrow because this is getting long!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
* Images from Wikipedia
| 35 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Maybe I should do a post on unrealistic catching of tyres in movies? I will quote you as my expert. Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
*S* I only give quotes if it leads to a T.V. show. BUT, if I can do one of those cool BBC documentaries that they import to the States I'll work cheap!