What Rod?

FAOL Community Fly Anglers Online
1

I’m posting this here because this is not a ‘rod-building’ technique, tip or problem question.

If you were to build a rod as a gift for someone who wants to fly fish but hasn’t yet, therefore he doesn’t have a fly rod, what size, weight and ‘action’(yeah, I know this is somewhat subjective) would you build? I’m not looking for any suggestions about specific manufacturers. Just trying to gauge what size, etc. rod would be the general choice for an all-around first rod? Also, would you build the person a 2, 3, or 4 piece?

Oh, almost forgot, I’ve been led to believe that this person lives in an area where there are ponds, lakes and limited trout.

Again, this would be his first fly rod and I’m not sure if he will take to the sport.

Thanks.

Allan

2

I would go with a 9’ (NO shorter than 8 1/2’) in a 5wt, medium action. 4pc is the only way to go.

In 40 years of fly fishing and teaching hundreds of folks to fish, that seems to be the best (at least to me).

The 5wt will handle small drys to medium streamers (fresh water), so it’s a good place to start.

3

What CO said was supported in another recent thread…

4

I second what CO said recommending a 9ft 5 wt rod as being the most versitile rod for the fishing conditions you describe. You should be able to get a decent medium action blank for a fair price and make a gift that the person will really treasure.

Jim Smith

5

Dear tyeflies,

I’d opt for an 8 1/2 or 9 foot 6 weight, especially since you said he will be fishing mostly lakes with limited opportunity for trout.

In a pinch if he wants to, the recipient can lighten the rod a bit with a 5 weight line for trouty situations.

I’d prefer a 4 piece rod for travel and storage issues, but I don’t think a beginner is going to be concerned with that very much.

A medium fast rod is best in my opinion. Unless the fisherman is a natural caster I think that slower or faster rods can be a real chore to learn on.

Best Wishes,
Avalon :smiley:

6

I have to agree with Avalon on the six weight. You can throw a reasonably large bass bug with it and it is still light enough to be fun with bluegills. If this is for a kid you might want to look at glass blanks for durability.

7

I fish ponds for warmwater fish. A 6 or 7 weight would be my reccomendation. I use Clousers and big wooly buggers. I catch fish and everything works out in the long run. Your call. Actually, any rod will work. When the weeds are thick I only use a five foot leader. Fish don’t care what it cost. go for it!!. Jonezee

8

If I can put in my 2 cents worth. My first rod was a 2 piece and to me at the time was perfect. I didn’t know any thing else and to me it was perfect at the time. When I got my 2nd and 3rd they were both 4 piece and wow what a difference for sotrage and transport. I’ve just recently added a 3 piece to my quiver and of coarse its my favorite. Less to assemble and with most of the transport benifits of the 4 piece.

I’d go with a 5 or 6 weight in a 3 or 4 piece. I’ve recently been fishing warmwater for bass with a 4 and 5 weight. And of coarse in an 8 1/2 to 9’.

Leo C.

9

Thanks for the replies. I think I know what I’ll be building. It’s going to be a Christmas gift so I have time.

Allan

10

I agree with most folks in favor of a 4 piece 6 weight. I would also consider one of the many (forgiving) IM6 blanks for a beginner.

11

9 for 5.

12

Here’s my 2 cents worth.

For what you’ve described, I would not go for anything less than a 9’, 8wt graphite with a butt extension. I would add a good single-action reel with a plaming rim and adjustable disc-drag, and spool it with WF-8F line.

I’ve caught some pretty big fish out of ponds, carp, gar, bass, etc… and many were by accident while I was fishing for bluegills. Also, with this set-up, if you are lake fishing and hook into a striper or catfish, it’ll handle them without tearing up. It will still be good for bluegills and trout, and will cast large flys well, too. It will even work for some light salt-water fishing on the coast, should the person desire to give it a try. If you’re concerned about the butt extension not being ‘sporty’ for bluegill or trout, simply unscrew it and fish without it.

This is the best all-around set-up I know of. I use it myself. It will cover almost every fishing situation I can think of until you get into the extreme ends of the spectrum. This rig will handle suckers, panfish, bass, grayling, stream trout, large trout, steelheads, salmon, carp, stripers, bonefish, permit, sharks, rays, barracuda, speckled trout, redfish, bowfin, gar, mackerel, and I’ve even caught 1 tarpon on this rig. This is from personal experience. If I could only have 1 rod/reel combo, this would be it!

Hope this helps.

Semper Fi!

13

Kid? Adult?

Kid/Youth 71/2 ft. 4 wt.

Adult 8ft. 5 wt.

My reasons for not going 9 are simply because EVERYONE I have ever “started” in fly fishing has always naturally started off trying to cast using to fast a casting stroke…and a shorter rod will need a little faster stroke…It just seems to workout better for all involved.
And they, and I, Are fishing quicker!!!