Once, split bamboo fly rods were the preferred choice for novices and masters
alike. In many cases, the quality of those handcrafted rods bespoke hundreds of
hours of singular labor to build an expensive rod with just the right action and
power. Today, however, graphite rods built with modern manufacturing techniques
usually outperform bamboo rods.
Initially, the fly-fishing novice should use a smaller, lighter rod. An eight
foot graphite rod with a high modulus number is relatively stiff and enables the
beginner to pick the line up off the water easier and gives one more power for
longer, more effortless casts.
In smaller streams, choose a shorter rod, a six or seven footer at most. It's
more easily maneuvered in the brush alongside the stream.
Fly rods are rated according to line size. For example, a five to seven
weight line should be used with a five to seven weight fly rod. Using mismatched
line and rod makes for misery and discouragement, especially for beginners.
What Is the Difference Between Fly Rods and Regular Fishing Rods?
Knowing the purpose for the fly rod, reel, and line aids learning the proper
techniques to use them.
When fishing with a spinning rig, casting rigs, or even spin casters, the
idea is to send the lure or bait out to a specific spot on the water by casting,
jigging, trolling, ,or a combination of those techniques.
When fly fishing, the reel simply serves as a place to store the line. The
rod actually casts the line, carefully stripped from the reel and left lying at
the feet or in a specially made net, carrying the nearly weightless fly to the
desired spot.
In general, the techniques used with a fly rod are much more limited than
those typically used with the other types of rods and reels.