Choosing the Right Fly Rod

- Part 2 - 

Without a doubt, graphite is the best rod blank material to ever be introduced to the modern fly fisherman.  There is enough variety in today’s high modulus rods to accommodate just about any style of casting, either for the first time fly caster or the weathered veteran. 

When shopping for a rod, avoid getting too involved with the “modulus” numbers that are listed with so many of the rods out there.  Modulus refers to the stiffness to weight of the graphite fibers that run the length of the rod.  Simply put, the higher the modulus numbers are, the lower the strength rate.  It is a common belief that modulus equals performance, but remember that a good casting tool must also incorporate fiber strength, resin toughness, amount of resin, amount of fiber, and some other terms that may not appeal to the common angler in search of a good casting stick.

Rods are generally categorized into 3 or 4 different groups to describe their action.  “Actions” refer to a combination of flexibility, stiffness, and feel of the rod.  Once again, depending on the type of fishing you will be doing, you will have to choose the right rod to best suit your fishing situations.  Any fly shop employee or reputable mail order catalog will be glad to help you choose the right rod.  Your individual casting style also has a very big influence on what type of rod you should be casting.  Here are some brief descriptions of the 3 most common types of fly rod blanks:

Slow Action 

Many fishermen will refer to these as “wet noodles”.  The characteristics of this type of action are a loose, full-flexing feeling.  “Wobbly” is another term I’ve heard to describe these rods.  By flexing effortlessly all the way to the middle of the rod and beyond (near the cork), slow action rods are best suited for anglers with a longer, wider, more open casting stroke and the fishermen looking to fish small streams without the need to cast far.  Slow action rods are ideal for fishing light tippets because the extra flex absorbs some of the shock and takes stress off the knot and the tippet. 

Medium or Moderate Action

Medium action rods are ideal for anglers that don’t need to throw a long line, or for the beginning angler because its forgiving nature hides common casting errors.  Most entry level rods are medium action because they flex from the upper third section down to the center of the rod.  These are also well suited for casters with a longer casting stroke.  An excellent all around rod that can fit most fishing situations and still the most popular type of rod blank action.

Fast Action

With this type of action, the rod flexes in the upper quarter section of the blank, which allows an angler to throw tighter loops for less wind resistance and increased distance.  An ideal rod for fly casters with a tighter and shorter casting stroke.  Fast action rods make casting larger, heavier, and wind resistant flies easier.  Shooting heads and sinking tip lines also cast better with this type of blank. Although they are not as forgiving as a medium action blanks, they are more versatile and make casting on windy days a simpler task.

Just remember that with a little practice, the right rod can make almost any angler look good and will make fly fishing a much more enjoyable experience.  Make sure to always take a test drive before purchasing any rod to make sure the rod fits you.  Don’t make yourself fit the rod.

 Terry Chia

AZOD Fly Fishing Editor