Helping The Beginner Choose A Fly Fishing Rod

Any serious hobbyist or professional fly fisherman knows that their rod is a tool, selected to meet whatever challenges their environment and catch may send. Yet, for the casual hobbyist hoping to take the craft of fishing more seriously, the qualities that transform a plain rod into an extraordinary one aren't obvious. If you're hoping to purchase a quality rod for fly fishing but aren't sure where to begin, here are a few pointers to help.

You should know your fishing environment and your likely catch. You won't fish in the same place all the time, but you probably have your favorite spot that you return to time after time. The more you fish the same location, the more familiar you become with the waters and type of fish you catch. This can help you determine the type of fly fishing rod to buy.

You need to buy a rod based upon the size of fish you are targeting. Big fish require a heavy rod and light fish need a light rod. Fly fishing rods are rated according to the weight of the line, which is different from the way traditional rods are rated. Fly fishing rods are rated on a scale of 1 through 14. If you are going for the big fish, you should use a 14. Rods with heavier lines are not for beginners though because they are much more difficult to master. It is usually recommended that beginners stick with fly fishing rods rated at 5 or below.

Rod length is another thing to think about. The environment you are fishing in may determine the length of your rod. Most fly fishing rods are around eight or nine feet in length. This length may be too unwieldy for some to cast or transport. Children may be more successful with shorter rods too.

Fly fishing tackle is constructed from various materials. Rods are made from graphite, fiberglass and bamboo. Which one you choose may just be a matter of personal preference. If you are not sure which one to choose, you cannot go wrong with a graphite fly fishing rod.

Over time, you will find that you develop your own fly fishing style. Once your know your style, you can select the type of rod that suits you best from among the fast action or slow action fly fishing rods. Each of these has their advantages and the difference lies in the way the rod bends. Fast action rods have the most bend towards the tip of the rod whereas slow action rods have a more evenly distributed bend over the entire length of the rod. Most fishermen do well with a fly fishing rod that has moderate action as this gives you more control over your cast.

There is no need to spend a lot of money when you are learning about fly fishing. Your fly fishing tackle will grow with you over time as you hone your skills and change your preferences. You will probably own several rods that you accumulate over the years and will enjoy becoming a master of each of them.

Be careful about buying expensive fly fishing tackle when you are just learning the craft. Just because a rod is expensive does not mean it will suit you well. If you spend a lot of money on a rod, you may feel obligated to continue using it even if causes you to develop bad habits or is a disadvantage to you. Stick with rods that are lower in price and designed with beginners in mind. These help you develop your own style and are inexpensive enough that you won't feel bad about replacing them with something different as you advance.

Here is an example of a good fly fishing rod. It is the St. Croix Avid Series 4-Piece Fly Rod. This rod versatile, with a new and improved smoother action and a crisp casting stroke with a measure of feel typically reserved for rods twice the price. This fly rod is prices at under $150.