Thursday, October 1, 2009

Freshwater Fishing Gear Buyers Guide - Fly Fishing Rod

By Bill Keller

The seasoned angler knows how important the proper fly fishing tackle is to being successful on the water. Beginners to fly fishing may not understand how to spot a quality fly fishing rod though. As you gain experience and advance in the craft of fishing, the rod takes on a completely new level of importance. Then it is time to learn the difference between a plain rod and one that is serious about the business of catching fish.

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.

The length of the fly fishing rod is another consideration. The average rod length is about eight to nine feet. The environment you are fishing in may require a shorter rod. In fact, some people may have difficulty manipulating and casting a rod that is too long. Children especially do better when fly fishing with a shorter rod.

Another quality important to your purchase is the rod's material. Rods are often constructed of graphite, with fiberglass and more traditional materials such as bamboo. For your first semi-serious rod, graphite is an excellent choice that makes the decision slightly less complicated.

Rods are often described in terms of their action. That is, a rod with a faster action bends more toward its tip, with the degree of the bend decreasing rapidly as it nears the handle. Slower action rods bend throughout their length, with the bend ending much nearer the handle. Each type of action has its relative advantages. As a beginner, and to make the decision less complicated, it is usually best to choose a rod with a moderate action. This tends to both help improve your cast, and to help you determine which type of action fits your style better.

Perhaps the best advice for your first somewhat serious purchase, however, is to not invest much until you are more sure of yourself. Nothing says that the next rod you purchase must be your last, or indeed your only, rod. It is one of several that you will own over the years as you hone your craft, discovering your preferences and style.

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.

The G.Loomis Xperience Fly Rod is an example of a great fly fishing rod for you to consider. This is a high-performance, high-value travel fly rods that is made with the same high-modulus graphite found in more expensive top shelf rods. This rod is prices at about $285.

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