Best Fly Fishing Rods

There are many fishing rods in the market; however, how would you know which one is the best fly fishing rod for you? 

To determine this, you need to take care of a few essential points, which are mentioned here. 

After this, you will be able to decide on the best fly fishing rod for yourself and also the best fly rods for the money that will be cheap for your pocket. 

Why a Good Fly Rod Is Important

With so many incredible brands to choose from, how do you know which rod is right for you? You don’t want to pick a rod that will break under pressure, but you also don’t want to pick one that would shatter your bank account. 

When it comes to modern fly fishing, finding a rod that can handle the rigors of contemporary fly fishing from Lake to Sea at an affordable price might be a challenge. Therefore, this article will discuss the best fly fishing rods under $500 as well as the best fly fishing rods for beginners. 

Because of course, the ones new to this need advice too. Just so you know, fantastic fishing rods aren’t always the most expensive. In comparison to other types of rods, fly-fishing rods tend to endure a lot more abuse. It’s essential that they’re agile, adaptable, and tenacious.

Key Points for buying a Fly Fishing Rod

We’ve compiled a list of things to consider to help you make an informed selection when purchasing your next fly rod.

What Is Fly Rod Action

The action of the fly determines the rod’s rigidity when casting a fly and fighting a fish. Each action has its own specialization but there is some personal preference.  

There are three fly rod action types:

• Slow Rod Action – Fly fishing rods with slow action are the most adaptable. They are, for the most part, the ideal type and the best fishing rods for beginners. Their adaptability lets them regulate their fly impersonation better. However, on the backcast, they are a little more challenging to handle.
• Medium Rod Action – When it comes to stiffness and flexibility, medium action fly fishing rods are squarely in the middle. They provide better casting control than a quick action rod while simultaneously allowing for a more extended cast than a slow action rod.
• Fast Rod Action – Fly fishing rods with a fast action are highly stiff and allow for minimal bending. This is excellent for long casting because it will enable you to produce more power. Precisely, if you’ve been fishing for a long time, you’ll be interested in this rod.

Rod Length and Material

The length of a fly fishing rod usually ranges from 6 to 10 feet. Shorter rods are better for short casts and are more likely to be utilized in small lakes or streams. Longer rods are better for large lake or sea fly fishing since they provide additional casting distance.

To obtain the best of both worlds, an average rod length of 8 feet is recommended. This will give you the best of both worlds, and it can usually handle both little and large lake fly fishing.

Weight

Fly rods are frequently numbered from 1 to 12 wt. The simplest way to grasp the scale is to remember that the higher the number, the bigger the fish the rod can handle. A 3wt rod, for example, might be used to catch little trout in smaller lakes. An 8wt rod, on the other hand, would be better for larger bass and even ocean or saltwater fishing.

The majority of fishermen will select a rod weighing between 5-7 pounds. This enables them to try for a variety of species without having to use several poles. Small fish, trout, bass, and other medium-sized species can all be caught with a rod this size. The ‘wt’ scale indicates the thickness and weight of the fly-fishing line that the rod can handle. You should definitely match the weight of your fly rod to the weight of your fly line.

Advantages of using Long Fast Action Fly Fishing Rods

• Longer casts are made possible by increasing the wattage.
• Larger fish require stronger rods, which are usually stiffer.
• Use a stronger cast when fishing in windy circumstances.
• These are great if you need a precise, pinpoint cast.
• Large fish are easier to land with a fast action fly rod.
• It is significantly easier and more effective to throw in windy weather using a quick action fly rod because of the high line speed created by these rods.
• Fast-action fly rods are perfect for long-distance casting.
• Since more casts can lead to more fish being caught, skilled fly fishers prefer fast action fly rods because they allow for very fast casting.

Best Fly Fishing Rods

Here comes the part where you will be introduced to the best fly rods in terms of quality and money. All of these rods mentioned below are the best quality products and will not cause a strain on your wallet.

Sage Fly Fishing – PULSE Fly Rod

Sage’s PULSE fly rods have a Graphite IIIe backbone and are multi-application/fast action. Graphite IIIe technology provides power and durability while also allowing for quick motion and a connected feel. The PULSE is a working fly rod with show horse looks, handcrafted on Bainbridge Island and finished with custom-designed componentry and eye-catching cosmetic elements.

Pros

• Handcrafted on Bainbridge Island, USA.
• Graphite IIIe Technology, Fast action.
• Lichen blank color; Olive thread wraps with Black trim wraps, Fuji ceramic stripper guides; Hard chromed snake guides, and tip-top.
• Black nylon rod tube with divided liner.
• Rosewood insert with Gloss Black anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat., Snub-nose, half-wells cork handle
• Casts very well.
• Highly responsive and sensitive.

Cons

• A little heavier than it seems.

Redington Classic Trout

They are specifically designed for trout anglers. The rod’s moderate action gives the delicacy required for difficult spring creek fishing while also providing enough force for huge river and boat fishing. Long days on the water are made easier with the lightweight blank and forgiving action. 

Pros

• The rod gives you a tremendous feeling when loaded and precise accuracy.
• Excels in Catskill Rivers and streams.
• Blanks-wise, this rod competes with roods from the $300-400 range.
• Very accurate.
• Moderate action.
• Handles weighted flies.
• Physically light.
• Perfect for teaching young kids to cast with.
• Makes up to 45-50 foot casts with accuracy.
• Affordable.

Cons

• Too slow for nymphing.
• Too slow even in medium-sized streams.
• Doesn’t have a lifetime warranty.
• The repair costs up to $50.
• Will break when cast a dry fly.
• The rod sections become loose and start to wobble after a few casts.
• The clear protective coating on the rod delaminates soon. 

Echo Carbon XL Fly Rod

Echo Carbon XL Fly Rod comes with a four-piece travel design and a lifetime warranty.

Pros

• An actual two-weight.
• One of the best for casting.
• Physically light.
• Has a good balance.
• Effortless when it comes to casting.
• Perfect in rolling.
• Throws tight loops.
• Works well for nymphing and dys.
• The handle is smooth and comfortable to hold.
• Fast Action.
• Tough and durable.
• Perfect for chasing trout from the blue lines out to the big water or battling monster bream.

Cons

• The guides have scratches sometimes.
• Sometimes comes with excess epoxy.

Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod

The Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod is an excellent example of how light rods improve casting and accuracy. You might be astonished by how much this inexpensive rod can do.

Pros

• Professional.
• High Performance.
• IM7 Graphite for durability, accuracy, and performance.
• Machined aluminum reel seat with double lock rings for sturdy reel attachment.
• Ceramic stripping guides inserts and chrome guides for smooth gliding fly lines.
• Precise Accuracy – Precise fly placement and instant pulling power.
• Travel Friendly – 4-piece design makes the rod a piece of tremendous carrying-around equipment for all fly anglers.
• It has an ingenious design with white dots on it to assist you in aligning the instructions. In addition to improving casting accuracy and reducing fatigue, the full well cork handle allows the caster to apply power for long casts on rods rated at line weight seven and higher and provides an excellent balance for the rod when fishing.

Cons

• The quality isn’t always as exceptional as shown.
• Challenging to install a reel on the road.
• The rod tip is flimsy.
• Too stiff and heavy for a 4wt.
• The tip on this rod vibrates a lot.
• The last segment is not durable. 

Eagle Claw Featherlight

A reliable product that comes with a full specie cork handle and aluminum spinning reel seat or sliding rings.

Pros

• Highest quality angler gear for all types of fishers.
• Trusted for reliability, durability, and strength.
• Quality and field-tested to ensure you can compete with the best.
• One hook per pack.
• Fiberglass 2 Piece Rod.
• Stainless Steel Guides.
• Cork Handle.
• 1-Year Warranty.
• Can cast a 3/4/5 line.
• Excellent cork, given the low price point.

Cons

• Lack of backbone makes it hard to play the fish without losing it. 
• It lacks the punch to push lines any appreciable distance.
• Not applicable as a hiking rod.
• Slow action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fish normally with a fly rod?

Is it possible to fly fish with a standard fishing rod? Yes. You can cast flies if you add lead weights or a casting bubble to a spinning or baitcasting rod. On the other hand, regular fishing rods are not meant to cast unweighted flies very far, even when used with fly fishing lines.

What does a longer fly rod do?

A longer fly rod allows you to fish more water (under the rod). You’ll be more successful if you can reach out another 1ft and cover that small pocket of water in front of you while keeping better control of your flies.

What is the benefit of a shorter fly rod?

Shorter rods enable more precision. A shorter pole can offer you greater confidence in where your fly will land, whether you’re throwing dry flies to wary trout in narrow streams or tucking deceivers under mangroves for snook.

How long does a fly rod last?

A fly line’s lifespan is directly proportional to how much it is used. A fly line is degraded by the sun, grime, storage, and use. This isn’t an exact figure, but assuming the line isn’t misused and is kept in good condition, it should endure for 250 “usage days.” This could take a season or two for a full-time fly fishing guide.

Conclusion

To conclude which is the best fly rod for your fishing escapade, it is evident that Sage Fly Fishing – PULSE Fly Rod has the upper hand in the game. As mentioned before, this Sage fly fishing rode belongs to the fast action fishing rod, which is why this rode is highly stiff and allows for minimal bending, therefore giving you a fast action. This fly fishing rod is excellent for lengthy casting because it will enable you to produce more power. If we talk about the length of the rode, the ideal length is 8 to 9 feet, which you can find in the PULSE fly rode. Since most fishermen select a rod weighing between 5 and 7 pounds, the Sage Fly Fishing – PULSE Fly Rod weighs 5 pounds. Thus, enabling the user to try several species without the need for several poles. You can catch all sizes of fish with this rod. 

All of the rods mentioned above are of high quality, but every product has its pros and cons; amongst all this, the one which is the most suitable for your needs and fishing habits is the one you should opt for. We recommend the Sage Fly Fishing – PULSE Fly Rod due to its advantages, affordability and fast action technology. 

Photo by Greysen Johnson on Unsplash