I fell in love with the 5-weight fly rod many years ago. Its versatility to match almost any fishing situation paired with its sensitivity had me a first cast.
But in all seriousness, the 5-weight fly rod category rocks. Almost every major fly rod brand makes a 5-weight because of its flexibility.
We reviewed (and ranked) the best seven 5 weights on the market using a variety of methods. We kept in mind affordability, castability, and overall comfort, and sourced some stories from other fishermen (and women).
Give this guide a read before you buy a 5-weight fly rod.
Disclaimer: Read this at your own risk. You might end up purchasing a 5-weight fly rod even if you didn’t plan on it. Yes, they are that good.
What Is a 5-Weight Fly Rod?
The 5-weight fly rod is my favorite weight. It’s a great in-between rod for most occasions. It’s a good rod for tossing midges to small stream trout and lugging poppers to bass in a pond. It’s the best of both worlds when it comes to power and finesse.
A cast from a 5-weight fly rod lands lightly while still having the power to cast a moderately sized Clouser minnow.
It’s a popular rod to overline with a 6-weight fly line but I usually stick with a 5-weight fly line.
Common 5-Weight Fly Rod Lengths
9-foot 5-weight
The 9-foot fly rod is by far the most popular length in most weights. The 5 weight is seldom found in lengths less than 9 feet (mostly due to demand). A 5-weight lends itself better to fishing situations where you need to make a cast (sometimes with a heavy fly) and you need to mend the line.
A longer 9-foot rod makes mending line and line management much easier than shorter rods. Anything longer than a 9-foot gets harder to overhand cast with a single hand.
Several rod manufacturers make an 8-foot 6-inch rod. There is not much difference in the fishing. Honestly, there are not many pros or cons comparing those two lengths (they are too similar).
11-foot 5-weight (aka a switch rod)
The 11-foot 5-weight is a popular switch fly rod. A switch fly rod is the in-between rod of a spey rod and a single-handed rod. A 9-foot rod is a single-handed rod.
A switch rod is short enough that you can cast it with a single hand (it’s not easy, but it can be done) and long enough that you can cast it with two hands (when needed).
The real benefit is the extra length allows you to do spey casts which are roll casts on steroids. Instead of throwing the fly line behind you, you use the line in the water to load the rod and throw the line out. It’s a special form of fishing often found near steelhead fisheries.
Features of the Best 5-Weight Rods
Recovery
Recovery refers to the speed with which the rod returns to its original position after casting. This factor is important because it affects the accuracy and distance of a fly cast. A rod with a faster recovery will produce a crisper, more accurate cast with minimal effort. Additionally, a fast recovery rod will enable the angler to cast farther distances with ease.
The materials of a fly rod greatly affect its recovery rate. Graphite and fiberglass rods tend to be much faster than bamboo rods, due to their lightweight and flexible characteristics.
Accuracy of Cast
The accuracy of a cast is essential when it comes to effective fly fishing. Casting accuracy is determined by the type of rod you use and the techniques used when casting. A good fly rod will have a comfortable grip, be well-balanced, and provide more accuracy when casting. The flex of the rod must be suitable for the type of fish you are fishing for to ensure an accurate cast.
Rod Flex
Fly rods vary in flexibility, with some models designed for delicate presentations and others designed for distance casting. The flexibility of a rod determines the amount of power it can store when casting. Softer or slower action rods are typically designed to perform short delicate casts, while faster rod actions allow you to cast at greater distances. For the best accuracy when casting, choose the rod with the action that best suits the size and speed of the fish you are trying to catch.
Choose the Right Line
The type of fly line is just as important as the rod when it comes to accuracy. The weight of the line must match the weight of the fly rod to properly load the rod for an efficient cast.
Identifying the right balance
Fly fishing rods come in a variety of sizes and weights, and the right balance is important for efficient casting. The right balance helps to ensure that the rod has enough power to cast effectively, while also providing the flexibility and comfort to use it without feeling too fatigued. Proper balance also helps to reduce line tangles and other casting problems.
Longer rods are better for longer casts, and shorter rods can provide a more accurate presentation. It is also important to choose a rod with a length that is comfortable to cast.
Best 5-Weight Fly Rods
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Thomas & Thomas Lotic Series Fly Rod
The Thomas & Thomas Lotic Series Fiberglass Fly Rods are a range of rods designed to give the angler an incredibly smooth and powerful casting experience. Featuring a blend of graphite and fiberglass composite materials, these rods are designed to deliver greater strength and flex than traditional glass rods.
The strong mid-flex construction allows for accurate and precise casting, while the flared-tip design helps reduce rod distortion when looping tight casts. The fast action tapers also help provide plenty of power for long casts, making these rods perfect for targeting larger species. The rods come in a variety of sizes ranging from 7 to 11 feet, so anglers have plenty of options when it comes to size.
Additionally, each Lotic Series rod features machined aluminum componentry for improved durability and performance.
Benefits
The Thomas & Thomas Lotic Series Fiberglass Fly Rods offer a range of benefits to anglers looking for an excellent casting experience. These rods provide plenty of power, yet still, maintain a smooth and accurate casting style. The combination of graphite and fiberglass materials makes them lightweight and strong, enabling them to handle larger species without sacrificing accuracy. The fast action tapers make it easy to generate long casts, while the flared tip helps to reduce rod distortion. Furthermore, the machined aluminum components provide increased durability, which is important when out on the water.
Recommendation
Overall, the Thomas & Thomas Lotic Series Fiberglass Fly Rods are a great choice for anglers looking for plenty of power in a lightweight and reliable package. The blend of graphite and fiberglass materials helps to make these rods lightweight yet still robust, while the fast action tapers and flared tips allow for accurate and precise casting. The included machined aluminum components also make the rods more durable, allowing anglers to enjoy the continuous performance when out on the water. Whether targeting smaller or larger species, these rods provide excellent performance and value.
Temple Fork Outfitters Pro 2 Fly Rod
Fly fishing rods are an important part of the fly fishing experience. The Temple Fork Outfitters Pro 2 Fly Fishing Rod offers anglers a combination of quality and performance. This 4-piece rod is designed with a tapered blank design that delivers superior casting performance and accuracy.
The FUJI reel seat and FUJI guides are both durable and dependable, ensuring a smooth flow of line while casting. The engraved hook keeper prevents loose hooks from tangling the line and adds to the overall heritage of the rod. Additionally, the rod is backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring the rod will last for years to come.
And TFO rods come with a lifetime warranty. Rest assured your rod is protected no matter if the break is your fault or not.
With its combination of quality and performance, the Temple Fork Outfitters Pro 2 Fly Fishing Rod provides exceptional value for the money.
Sage 586-4 Trout LL Fly Rod
The Sage 586-4 Trout LL Rod is one of the finest fly fishing rods available. This rod is designed with a fast-action, 4-piece design, offering extreme accuracy and power. It boasts a 4-weight line and is perfect for tight-lining smaller streams and streams with light vegetation.
The rod has a cork handle and a fighting butt, giving excellent grip and comfort. The reel seat is made from anodized aluminum with a handy hook keeper. Additionally, it comes with an aluminum rod tube and rod sock for easy storage and transport.
The Sage 586-4 Trout LL comes in an 8-foot 6-inch fly rod.
Redington Fly Fishing Classic Trout Fly Rod
The Redington Fly Fishing Classic Trout Rod is an excellent choice for the beginner or the experienced angler. This rod is perfectly suited for a variety of fishing techniques, from dry flies to streamers and nymphs.
The Classic Trout offers immense sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel even the lightest of strikes. The action is slow, making it easier for anglers to work with the rod and make more accurate casts. It is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for long fishing days.
The Classic Trout is shock-absorbent, reducing the strain on your body and helping you stay comfortable for longer periods of time. The rod also comes with an attractive black finish and a pink grip, offering a unique style in the water. This rod is an outstanding choice for anglers of all levels.
Features
The Redington Fly Fishing Classic Trout Rod is a versatile rod that can be used for a variety of trout fishing techniques. The rod is light and easy to handle, making casting and working with the rod easily. The Classic Trout offers tremendous sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel even the lightest of strikes. The action is slow, helping anglers make more precise casts.
It is also shock-absorbent, reducing the strain on your body and giving you the ability to fish for longer periods of time. Furthermore, the rod comes with an attractive black finish and a pink grip, offering a unique style in the water.
Durability
The Redington Fly Fishing Classic Trout Rod is incredibly durable and can withstand a variety of conditions. The rod features an anodized aluminum reel seat and medium-fast action, providing strength and flexibility. Additionally, the rod is corrosion-resistant and can withstand long periods in saltwater. This rod is made from a high-grade graphite material, ensuring the rod will last for many years.
Recommendation
The Redington Fly Fishing Classic Trout Rod is an excellent choice for the beginner or experienced angler. The rod offers immense sensitivity, making it easier to feel lighter strikes, as well as slow action which helps with accuracy. The rod is also lightweight, shock-absorbent, and durable, giving you the ability to fish for longer periods of time.
The rod also features an attractive black finish and a pink grip, giving it a unique style. Whether you’re just getting started with fly fishing or you’re a seasoned pro, the Classic Trout Rod is an excellent choice.
Moonshine Rod Co. The Drifter Series Fly Rod
Moonshine Rod Co. offers the Drifter Series – a range of quality, dependable fly rods for the avid angler. Whether you are just getting started in the sport or are an experienced pro, the Drifter Series rods offer something for everyone. Their lightweight, tough construction makes them ideal for both casual and competitive fishing.
Benefits
The Drifter Series is designed to offer anglers a reliable and dependable foundation for their fly fishing. The rods are perfect for anglers who are looking for a lightweight, well-balanced rod. The rods have an extra-fast action that helps you cast with precision and accuracy for greater distances. Additionally, the rods boast a durable construction that allows them to withstand the rigors of fishing in a variety of conditions.
The Drifter Series is just the start of what Moonshine Rod Co. has to offer. With an extensive lineup of rods, reels, and other accessories, Moonshine Rod Co. is committed to helping anglers find the right setup for their needs.
Quality Craftsmanship
Each Drifter rod is thoroughly inspected to make sure it meets the high standards set by the company. The rods are crafted with a combination of modern materials and traditional techniques that ensures they are of the best quality.
The Drifter Series also comes with a one-year limited warranty, so anglers can be sure they are covered in the event of any issues with their rods.
The Moonshine Drifter Series includes an extra tip. Stow it away in your rod case to have just in case of an accident. I’ve broken several rod tips on fish and plain stupid accidents (e.g., jamming the tip into a wall).
Moonshine Rod Co. The Epiphany II ESN Fly Rod
Moonshine Rod Co’s Epiphany II ESN Fly Rod is the perfect choice for experienced and novice fly fishers alike. This rod combines durability with an exceptionally lightweight design to provide an unbeatable experience.
The Epiphany II ESN Fly Rod is designed to provide a perfect balance of power, accuracy, and comfort. The blank is constructed with 8 premium graphite components and features a reverse half-wells handle that gives anglers increased control and sensitivity. Additionally, this rod features a cork handle for increased comfort and a 4-piece design for easy transportation and quick assembly.
Recommendation
The Moonshine Rod Co. Epiphany II ESN Fly Rod is a great choice for any fly fishing enthusiast. This rod provides superior performance with its lightweight design and 8-piece construction. The reverse half-wells handle provides anglers with increased sensitivity and control for a more enjoyable fishing experience.
The cork handle is designed to maximize comfort, while the 4-piece design makes it easy to transport and assemble. With its versatility and superior performance, the Epiphany II ESN Fly rod is sure to be an invaluable addition to any angler’s arsenal.
The Epiphany also includes an extra tip similar to the Drifter series. It’s just a small hat tip from the Moonshine team (they know how clumsy we are).
PISCIFUN® Sword Fly Rod
Piscifun® Sword is a high-quality fly fishing rod suitable for beginner and experienced anglers alike. It is an affordable, lightweight rod made of graphite, designed for accuracy and precision. The rod comes in three pieces for easier transport and storage, and the guides are constructed of stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
The rod features high-performance ceramic stripping guides and a graphite reel seat. The rod is crafted to be both comfortable and durable, with a textured cork grip for superior control and a high-grade graphite blank for optimal power transfer when casting.
Benefits
The Piscifun® Sword fly fishing rod offers a variety of advantages to anglers. Primarily, it is made of high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting performance and durability. The rod is designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, while at the same time providing maximum power transfer when casting.
The stainless steel guides and ceramic stripping guides offer enhanced corrosion resistance, while the graphite reel seat and textured cork grip ensure user comfort and control. Lastly, the rod is affordable and suitable for beginner and experienced anglers alike.
Recommendation
The Piscifun® Sword fly fishing rod is a great choice for anglers of all levels. It is lightweight, and durable, and comes with features such as stainless steel guides, ceramic stripping guides, graphite reel seat, and textured cork grip.
Furthermore, it is an affordable option that is designed to provide accuracy and precision when casting. Therefore, it is the perfect rod for beginner and experienced anglers alike. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or a novice looking to get into fly fishing, the Piscifun® Sword rod is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
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Now, get to fishing
We hope this guide held true to our opening statement.
The 5-weight fly rod is my favorite weight class. And now you know why plus know which one to purchase based on your needs and situations.
If you purchased a 5-weight fly rod or already have one, we’d love to see some fishing photos. Send them our way and we may feature you in an upcoming post.
Tight lines!
