Most experts will assure you that tying flies for fishing is a delicate art. They spend hours collecting the right materials and tying the perfect flies for casting. While you may not want to spend your spare time learning how to make this kind of artwork, you'll appreciate their skill when tying one onto your fly fishing rod.
Fly fishing rods are usually made from one of two materials: graphite or fiberglass. Fiberglass fly fishing rods are popular with fisherman of all skill levels. These are durable and usually last longer than graphite rods do. Graphite fly fishing rods cost more, but weigh less and usually allow fishermen to cast more accurately.
Rod action
Choose a fly fishing rod with slow, medium, or fast action. Action describes how stiff or flexible a rod is, and is important in casting and reeling in a catch. Many experienced fishermen prefer a fly fishing rod with slow action because these are the most flexible and accurate. These are good for a smaller catch. Slow-action rods are generally hard for a beginner to use, however.
Beginning fishermen usually prefer a mediumaction fly fishing rod, because these are somewhat, but not overly, flexible. In comparison, a fast action rod is very stiff. These can be used for a larger catch, or for casting long distances. A fast action fly fishing rod, however, is usually pretty hard for a beginner to use.
Length
Length is another factor in the action of a fly fishing rod. Usually, longer rods have more action. Beginning casters will want to look for a rod of medium length. This will give them a good casting range, but keep the rod controlled in the water.
A short fly fishing rod is useful for fishing in areas with a lot of trees or bushes that make casting harder. Rods that are considered to be short are less than eight feet long. Medium-length rods are between eight and nine feet in length, and can be used in most situations. A large fly fishing rod is more than nine foot long and is best for large catches or longer casting ranges.
Experienced fishermen will want to choose their rods based on the action speed they need as well as casting range. In most circumstances, beginning fly fishermen will want to use a rod that is between eight and nine feet in length, and offers medium action. Most beginners will also find a fiberglass rod easier to handle than a graphite fly fishing rod.
How big is the catch?
Trying to decide what size of fly fishing rod to use for a particular catch? The line weight should match the reel weight, as well as the casting length and size of the flies. Usually, small flies are used with short fly fishing rods with a #1-3 line weight.
Fishermen who are planning to fish for larger trout or bass will want to use large flies with long rods, and #7-8 line weight. For very large fish, like salmon or steelhead, or for saltwater fishing, fly fishermen will want to use long casting rods with saltwater flies and #9 or greater line weight.
Fly fishing lingo
Some fly fishing rods have a stiff end that provides added strength and can be used for leverage when reeling in a big fish. This end is referred to as the butt plate, and rods with reels that use a line weight between one and six will have this feature.
Larger rods that use a line weight greater than seven will have a fighting extension. This is situated at the back of the rod's reel seat and can be used in reeling in bigger fish.
A reel seat is designed to hold the reel in its proper place so that the line will align with the guides on the rod. Some reel seats are called up-locking, which means that these are placed between the reel and the rod's end. In contrast, a down-locking reel seat is placed at the rod's end. Fighting a fish is often harder with down-locking seats.
A few rods using a sliding band reel seat. These consist of two sliding bands placed at the reel's base. They do not like. These are used mostly on smaller, lightweight fly fishing rods.
The grip is the point at which the fly fishing rod is held. This is also known as the cork. Smaller, lightweight rods usually feature cigar grips. These grips are slightly wider at the center.
In comparison, a half-well grip is flared at one of the ends. This provides a better hold on the rod, and is used on medium-length rods. A half-well grip also helps fly fishermen cast farther. A full-well grip is usually used on heavy fly fishing rods, and is thicker than other grips. This provides an optimal grip when reeling in a large catch.
The guide is the last important part of a fly fishing rod. Guides are used to keep the fishing line from getting tangles. The stripping guide is the first. The next group of guides is the snake guides, and the top guide is known as the tip-top guide.
These guides help to keep the line from getting tangled, and keep it close to the rod while casting. They also help to determine the direction the line goes when it is cast.
If you're a patient, calm person who enjoys the outdoors, try your hand at fly fishing. It's the perfect way to relax and catch your next meal - without spending a fortune!