Freshwater Fishing Tackle Beginners Guide – Fly Fishing Rod
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.
It is good to become familiar with one fishing area so you understand the environment. Obviously that does not mean you should not fish in new rivers and streams, but when you fish the same spot on a regular basis, you can become a master of that location. You learn about the water and the type of fish that you are likely to catch. This information helps you determine the type of fly fishing rod you should buy.
For instance, the size of your catch determines how heavy of a rod you should purchase. Lighter fish require a lighter rod, while larger fish of course require something heavier. Fly rods are not rated by pounds test, as is true with more traditional rods, but rather by the weight of their line, on a scale of 1 to 14. While a heavier line can help catch larger fish, it is also unwieldy and not suitable for beginners for whom 5 is often recommended.
Rod length is the next important consideration. Here, too, you should consider your environment. While rods average in at between 8 and 9 feet, tight conditions make larger rods unwieldy to carry and cast. Shorter rods are also better for children, or others for whom casting larger rods may be a challenge.
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.
Furthermore, fly fishing rods are designed in three different styles, fast action, medium action, and slow action. The fast action rod has the most bend at its tip and the least amount of bend towards the hand. Slow action rods distribute the bend more evenly over the length of the rod. Experience is the only way you will learn what your fishing style is and what type of rod will work best for you. However, for most, moderate action rods will suffice as this type of rod will help you develop your cast and discover your particular style.
Remember that your fly fishing skills will grow over time and your fly fishing tackle will grow with you. For that reason, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money when you are starting out. Once you have mastered one rod, you can move on to another. As your fishing style stabilizes or your preferences change, you will find yourself buying more fly fishing rods over the years.
If you buy expensive fly fishing tackle when you are a beginner, you may feel obligated to stick with it even if it has disadvantages and does not work well with your style of fly fishing. You may even develop bad habits that will be difficult to break simply because you are forcing yourself to use the wrong rod. Do not spend a lot of money on a rod if it will make you feel trapped into getting your money’s worth out of it. You can certainly learn fly fishing techniques with less expensive rods that are designed with beginners in mind.
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.
