BUYING FLY RODS

[shooter]

"...buying a fly rod in the average city store, that is, joining it up and safely waggling it a bit, is much like seeing a woman's arm protruding from a car window: all one can readily be sure of is that the window is open."

[David Merical]

That's true to a large degree. You can tell the "lightness" and general "stiffness" of the rod, but it will feel different once you get the loaded reel, and line through all the guides, etc. Doing actual casting with it is really the best way to gauge whether the rod suits your style of casting or not.
That being said... I've always bought the rods without casting them. Of the 6 rods I still have, there's only one I don't particularly like, but it was an inexpensive rod to begin with, so I didn't have high expectations. I figure I can use it for trolling sinking line.

[shooter]

David you are right i own fifteen fly rods and i did not have the chance to cast one of them before i bought one,including the ones i made.
as for those cheap rods the listed weight on the rod is always a false weight,i fish with some cheap rods and always have to over line them . some of the rods i have , 6 1/2 and 7 footers ,i use up to 10wt.DT on ,and they work just fine.having said that, i do roll casting with those rods under timber,no double hauls exc..
but you are right you never know until you string it up and cast it.



gators are dumb

[steve b]

Yeah, but ya gotta start somewhere ! Lots of jewelry hanging off that arm ? Uh Oh, high maintenance ! LOL ! Fly rods a bit more difficult to judge at the store, true. steve b

[shooter]

you are right Steve you got to start somewhere,just do not start too cheap. buy the best you can afford ,and do not scrimp on the line. a good line can make a middle of the road rod per form,a cheap line can kill a good rod.
you know i talk about over lining rods ,and i do but i have been fly fishing a long time ,i am not suggesting that anyone do this . i have spent a lot of money on lines looking for the right combination of line and rod,but i do not buy cheeep lines they can kill a good rod's action and work you into a coma.



gators walk funny.

[steve b]

Of course your correct, in fly fishing especially, not a good place to go budget. Half my rods st croix, the other half GNDR Mtn guide series rods. My lines are half Orvis and half I bought "lightly used" from a guide who was switching sponsers and who made me a deal ! He was known as "Doctor Steelhead" and is passed on now. Got my favorite fishing hat from him too. I figure that hat know more about flyfishin' than I do. steve b

[shooter]

Steve i can't catch fish without my hat,how foolish of me to forget the hat. the old well seasoned hat ,any fisherman worth his salt would not leave home without it.






gators don't wear hats

[Charles Singleton]

gators walk funny.

True, but I wouldn't TELL one that!

[shooter]

yes they do walk funny.




gators can't climb trees

[Marchelle Duncan]

I would suggest anyone wanting to purchase a flyrod go to their local fly shop and tell them what you are looking for. They will be more than willing to rig a rod for you to try. We all have different casting styles. A rod may be perfect for you but may not be the rod of my choice.

[steve b]

My first fly rod was bought this way. Walked into small local shop and asked, what do I need to fly fih for steelhead. Was handed a 9ft., 8wt., St Croix. got an STH reel, etc.. Though I've progreesed beyond that point, gotta admit the advice was good. Being an UL type'a guy since diapers.. have since gone to a 9'6", 6wt, and a 10 1/2", 5wt..then a 10ft., 8wt for big water and flows.. Marchelle, for most folks, most days, you are spot on. steve b

[Stuart Melheim]

I bought what I call my good rod at Bass Pro Shop in Garland Texas. They have a store right on the water of lake Ray Hubbard you can try the rods before you buy them. They also have free fly casting and fly tying lessons every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. I agree with Shooter buy the best rod that you can afford and the best line you can afford and just tell your wife that's all they had.
I went down to my pond last night and caught 5 nice gills on a fly I tied myself I guess I am doing somethin right.
Stuart

[Paul Bissell]

Thanks for the Troutlet link. I'm looking into getting my first fly rod and reel and that link helped alot considering I can't dump alot into this until I find out for sure I'll stick to it...lol