KNOW YOUR FLY FISHING ROD
One of the most important components in fly fishing equipment is the fishing rod. It is impossible to do fly fishing without a proper fly fishing rod. We need to understand the rod before we can decide which one fit our need and fishing style. Not to mention our fishing budget.
ROD SECTION
Basically fly fishing rod is divided into 3 sections. All 3 parts play different role which are important for the overall rod performance.
The first 1/3 of the rod is called Butt Section. It is the hardest part of the rod. It also the contributing factor for the rod strength. In simple term, the harder the butt section allow a longer cast.
The middle 1/3 section of the rod is referred as mid section. This is the most crucial part of the fishing rod. This section decide how flexible your rod is. Mid section also receive a whole range of abuse, right from casting to fighting a fish. Your rod casting ability will be impaired drastically if the design of the mid section is not done properly.
The last 1/3 of the rod part is the tip section. Main function of the tip is to absorb the line stress.
Combination of all 3 sections allows a well balance rod. Fortunately we don’t have to worry much of the design part. All the hard parts have been done my rod manufactured using the latest technology available. As long as we select the correct matching fly fishing set, we are ok.
ROD ACTION
One of the most important components in fly fishing equipment is the fishing rod. It is impossible to do fly fishing without a proper fly fishing rod. We need to understand the rod before we can decide which one fit our need and fishing style. Not to mention our fishing budget.
ROD SECTION
Basically fly fishing rod is divided into 3 sections. All 3 parts play different role which are important for the overall rod performance.
The first 1/3 of the rod is called Butt Section. It is the hardest part of the rod. It also the contributing factor for the rod strength. In simple term, the harder the butt section allow a longer cast.
The middle 1/3 section of the rod is referred as mid section. This is the most crucial part of the fishing rod. This section decide how flexible your rod is. Mid section also receive a whole range of abuse, right from casting to fighting a fish. Your rod casting ability will be impaired drastically if the design of the mid section is not done properly.
The last 1/3 of the rod part is the tip section. Main function of the tip is to absorb the line stress.
Combination of all 3 sections allows a well balance rod. Fortunately we don’t have to worry much of the design part. All the hard parts have been done my rod manufactured using the latest technology available. As long as we select the correct matching fly fishing set, we are ok.
ROD ACTION
Slow action – as its name suggest you need to act slowly when using this rod type. Every fishing action needs to be done gently or else you will impair the rod action. Slow action rod is design to cast for a shorter distance. Perfect to combine with smaller tippet (2-4lb).
Mid action – widely used, especially for new comers. The rod is more flexible and easy to use, perfect for new comers. . So if you are looking for a starter rod, this one is perfect for you.
Fast action – allows a longer cast. However lot of power need to be used in order to utilize the rod power to a casting zone. Fast action rods are popular with saltwater fly fisherman. This is due to the long casting ability. Fast action rod also has the power to work against wind, which are common fishing scenario.
fly fishing classification
fly fishing sets are classified based on 0-12 numbers. This show the action of the fishing equipment based on the combination of the fly fishing rod, reel and lines. The classification also depict the suitability of the fishing tool for your fishing environment.
Weight 0,1,2,3 are classified as ultra light. It is designed for small fish.
Weight 4,5,6 are classified as light to medium light tackle. This fishing set is suitable general freshwater fishing and also for some light saltwater fishing. Weight 4 or 5 is perfect for trout fishing.
Weight 7,8,9 are considered as medium heavy. Lot of saltwater fishing fit in this category.
Weight 10,11, 12 and above are considered as medium heavy to heavy. Set fall into this category is suitable for deepwater fishing. Fishing for sail fish or tuna fall into this category.
ROD MATERIAL
Mid action – widely used, especially for new comers. The rod is more flexible and easy to use, perfect for new comers. . So if you are looking for a starter rod, this one is perfect for you.
Fast action – allows a longer cast. However lot of power need to be used in order to utilize the rod power to a casting zone. Fast action rods are popular with saltwater fly fisherman. This is due to the long casting ability. Fast action rod also has the power to work against wind, which are common fishing scenario.
fly fishing classification
fly fishing sets are classified based on 0-12 numbers. This show the action of the fishing equipment based on the combination of the fly fishing rod, reel and lines. The classification also depict the suitability of the fishing tool for your fishing environment.
Weight 0,1,2,3 are classified as ultra light. It is designed for small fish.
Weight 4,5,6 are classified as light to medium light tackle. This fishing set is suitable general freshwater fishing and also for some light saltwater fishing. Weight 4 or 5 is perfect for trout fishing.
Weight 7,8,9 are considered as medium heavy. Lot of saltwater fishing fit in this category.
Weight 10,11, 12 and above are considered as medium heavy to heavy. Set fall into this category is suitable for deepwater fishing. Fishing for sail fish or tuna fall into this category.
ROD MATERIAL
Materials used for fly fishing rod determine the rod characteristic. There are 4 major materials and construction of fly fishing rod.
Split cane has its own class, not to mention the price tag that come with the rod. Generally split cane rods cost 2-4 times higher than the other counter part. It is no surprise, as the process to transform a bamboo to a fine fishing rod is very elaborate and time consuming. Not forgetting the skill required. Its more toward a piece of art than a sporting equipment.
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The use of fiber material was introduced into the fly fishing community after WWII. Complementing the usage of split cane, with a cheaper price. Fiber rod was well accepted by fly fisherman due to its low cost, durability and ease of usage. However currently the popularity of fiber rod is declining with the introduction of graphite and composite rods.
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Graphite rods are very light as compared to split cane and fiber rods. Unfortunately graphite rods tend to be fragile and can break easily. However the price tag for rods made out of graphite is very low and fit into majority of fisherman. So graphite rods are well accepted and widely used these days.
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High end fishing rods are made of composite materials. A combination of fiber, boron, graphite and Kevlar allows stronger and more durable fishing rods. Generally composite rods are more expensive due to process involved and materials being used.