What Is The Best Fly Rod For The Money
There is not any one “fly rod” that is the “best for the money.” Fly rods come in all different sizes that are made for a specific type and size of any particular fish, and/or a certain style that is to be used. We must also mention price, which varies considerably depending on quality, and quality has gone up a lot in the past 20 years. This discussion is aimed at helping you find the best fly rod for the money, because it is only the best if it is the right size and style for that targeted fish, and of course if you can afford it.
Size
First of all, let’s talk about size. The person that tells you that size doesn’t matter is definitely the person that you shouldn’t be listening to. Size is the number one factor that will determine every rod choice that you purchase throughout your life, and, if this is you first fly rod purchase, there are sure to be many more in the future. It really is that fun, one fish will ultimately lead to another.
There is a size of rod that is made for each fish species and/or targeted size. The fly rod size is measured by weight (wt), but not the weight you get from a scale. It is just the term used to signify the size, where a 2wt is considered light gear, and a 12 or 14wt is considered heavy gear. A 2wt would be a good choice for small trout in a small stream; where as a 14 weight would be used for a Marlin. Then of course there are all the rods and fish in between. You will want a rod that is sized for the fish you are after. If the road is oversized, the fight you experience will not be what it could be. Worse off, if the rod is undersized, you will struggle for control and risk damage to your gear. Plus, the faster you can get the fish in, off your hook and back in the water, the better chance it will have at surviving unharmed; also so you can get your fly back in the water after another one.
Here is a list of rod sizes and the fish they are designed for:
2wt small trout, pan fish
4wt trout, pan fish
6wt bass, trout,
8wt steelhead, bass, saltwater
10wt salmon, steelhead, tuna, saltwater
12wt saltwater, dorado, sail fish
14wt saltwater, sail fish, marlin, shark
Style
Just like gear fishing, there are different styles that can be used to catch a particular fish. Traditional style is what most people will enter into the fly fishing world with. There are also methods within this style that will be better suited with very specific rods used to fish a particular type of water. For the most part though, we will stick with the more general focused rods for this discussion. There are also Spey Fly Rods. These require two hands and more advanced casting styles and are usually used for bigger fish such as Salmon and Steelhead in big rivers. Therefore you will probably be after a traditional rod unless you are specifically targeting a spey rod.
Price
Over the past couple decades, fly fishing rods have increased in quality and price has followed suit. Prices range from a cheap trout rod purchased at the store for $50.00, to a specialty bamboo rod with a price tag of more than $2000.00. Most fish sizes will have a rod to choose from in just about any price range. Obviously you will get what you pay for, so be sure to keep that in mind. Most midrange rods offer the best value and will have the quality to stand up to any reasonable request, but you may lack some comfortability when compared to the more expensive rods. A typical price spread for a midrange rod is $200-$400 depending on size. High end rods will be in the $500 to $800 range and will offer superb feel and sensitivity. Most midrange rods and, if not all high end rods will come with a lifetime, no questions asked warranty. It is hard not to take advantage of this by purchasing a low end rod, as sooner or later we all break rods whether it be on fish or your truck door.
Now that you know the size and style of the fly rod you need, the next step is narrowing the results down to a particular rod, which, if you navigate to www.flyfishinggeararsenal.com, they will help you do so. This site is loaded with useful information and will point you in the right direction to the best fly rod for the money, as well as other gear recommendations that we fly fisherman depend on so much.
About the Author
Chris Jackson lives in the Northwest with his wife and young daughter. He enjoys most outdoor activities including fly fishing, hiking, archery, and quaility family and freind time in the great outdoors
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