Fly Fishing Rods ? Getting The Bends

Picking a fly fishing rod is a tricky endeavor. Do you go with your ego, expected fishing environment or something else? While length is a factor, the bend or action of the rod is a key factor.

Flexibility

Fly fishing rods are often defined by their flexibility. In laymen's terms, flexibility means how far the rods will bend when the same casting effort is used.

Minimal Bend

A fly fishing rod that has minimum bend is often called a "fast" rod. The lack of bend lets the angler get lots of speed on the cast. This speed allows you to cast very accurately and farther away than rods with more bends. While these benefits may sound great at first glance, a fast rod can be frustrating. There is no room for error when using the rod. If you are going to use one of these rods, you need excellent motion and timing. Generally, only anglers with a lot of experience should have a go at using fast rods.

Moderate Bend

The next step down from a fast rod is one with medium flexibility. These rods tend to have good flexibility, but the bend is restricted to the top half of the rod. The rod requires less perfection of motion and timing, but is fairly accurate. If you've been angling for a while and have the basic techniques down, a moderately flexible rod is worth a try.

Slinky Bend

If you are just taking up fly fishing, you should use a rod with maximum flexibility. While others suggest a moderate bend is better for beginners, a "slinky bend" rod gives you a lot of leeway when it comes to learning to cast.

Fly fishing is relaxing and enjoyable. Pick the wrong rod, however, and it can quickly become frustrating and stressful. If you use your brain, not your ego, when picking a rod, you will have a blast.

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals for fly fishing. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read articles and stories on fly fishing.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Fort Lauderdale Swordfishing - The Perfect Fix for the Experienced Angler

If you are looking to do battle with the toughest... Read More

Swordfishing in South Florida

Southeast Florida Swordfishing ? "Purple Fever"Once you have your tackle... Read More

Saltwater Fishing Tips

Get Rid Of SharksSharks buggin' you? To get rid of... Read More

Ever Said: We Should Have Caught Bass By Now?

Have you ever been on a lake and thought to... Read More

Catch More Fish - The American Way

These are busy times we live in.Running a full time... Read More

The Advantages of Underwater Fishing Cameras

Want to see what's really going on under the water... Read More

Bluefin Tuna Fishing

Bluefin tuna are one of the greatest challenges to anglers... Read More

Spinnerbait Fishing Tactics for Spotted Bay Bass

Like most fishermen my age I originally learned about spinnerbait... Read More

The Challenge of Brown Trout Fishing

Brown trout fishing can prove very challenging. This is due... Read More

Concentrate on Your Fishing

I was watching a TV Show with Bill Dance and... Read More

Fly Fishing Journals ? Keep Track of Your Trips

Fly fishing is addictive. Once you start, you'll never stop.... Read More

No Boat? Join Your Local Bass Club

Having been an avid basser for years, and not having... Read More

Surf Fishing The Outer Banks of North Carolina

My first experience surf fishing was with my father on... Read More

A Technique To Catch Trophy Size Bass

There is a craze going on that produces big bass,... Read More

Trout Species ? Cutthroat Trout and Golden Trout

Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat Trout are generally found only in high... Read More

Some Things You May Not Know About Luring Fish In The Night

Night fishing is becoming more and more popular recently, and... Read More

Where To Find 10 Fly Fishing Tips In A Single Paragraph

When looking for information on how to fly fish, fly... Read More

I Gave A Brand New Rod And Reel To An Alligator For Free

One day a friend and I decided to go fishing... Read More

How To Find Fish

PondsAnywhere there is a pond; it could be a hidden... Read More

Fly Fishing for Saltwater Salmon with Surface Flies

One of the greatest thrills in Pacific Northwest fly fishing... Read More

6 Things You Must Do If You Want To Have The Secret To Catching More Trout

It has always been my private conviction that any man... Read More

Concentrate on Your Bass Fishing

I was watching a TV Show with Bill Dance and... Read More

Lucky Hat

Do you have a lucky hat?It was a beautiful warm... Read More

Swordfish and Swordfishing

Generally an oceanic species, the swordfish is primarily a midwater... Read More

Nymph Fishing Techniques

Small stream nymphing is a very productive form of fly... Read More

Brook Trout, One of Canadas Most Loved Trout

Brook trout are one of the most popular game fish... Read More

On The Road...With Jack Karpawack

Jack Karpawack here.I've taken to the road...Life can be simple,and... Read More

Choosing Steelhead Gear

Steelhead GearLike many things in fly fishing you can ask... Read More

A Simple Way To Identify and Catch The Big One in River!

River dry fly fishing considered as the purest form of... Read More

Where The Bassalo Roam

Have you ever thought why fishing timbers is so productive?... Read More

Cincinnati Catfishing Bait

Some of the baits I have used for used for... Read More

The Alaskan Experience

"FISH ON!!"I yelled, as my seven weight fly rod bent... Read More

Local Bass Fishing

If you are like me, you love to fish at... Read More