How to Select a Fly-Fishing Rod

Fly-fishing rods are categorized by weight, action, and length.

Rod Weight:

This is measured in line weight, which is not the actual weight of the rod. Typically, manufacturers print the recommended rod's weight line and rod's length on the blank near the reel seat and/or the rod tube. In general, you want to match the rod’s recommended line weight to the fly line weight.

A higher line weight generally means a heavier rod, capable of casting larger flies and lines. On the other hand, a lower weight rod allows you to cast smaller flies and lines. Another way that you can think about this is that lower weight rods are best suited for smaller fish and higher weight rods are best suited for larger fish. 

Rod Action:

• Fast Action: Bends primarily in the top third of the rod. Offers more power and distance, good for windy conditions and larger flies.

• Medium-Fast Action: Bends in the top half of the rod. Provides a balance of power and accuracy, suitable for a wide range of situations.

• Medium Action: Bends in the top two-thirds of the rod. Offers more flexibility and feel, ideal for delicate presentations and smaller flies.

• Slow Action: Bends throughout most of the rod. Provides the most flexibility and feel, best for very small flies and precise presentations.

Rod Length:

Typically, rods come in 9’ length, and here following are some reasons where using a different length rod can be beneficial. 

• 7ft-8ft: Shorter rods are more maneuverable in tight spaces and offer better accuracy at close range.

• 9ft-10ft: Longer rods provide more power and distance, ideal for open water and windy conditions. 10’ rods are better to control the drift and mend the fly line when indicator/nymph fishing.

Rod Weight/Length by Fish Specie:

Here following are some general recommendations on selecting a fly rod by target specie:

Call the shop at 440-247-7110 or email us at chagrinriveroutfitters@gmail.com for questions and recommendations.