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If you're new to fly fishing, there's a lot to learn. Techniques, flies, equipment, fish species... it can be overwhelming! A great way to get into the sport is to buy your first fly rod and start with the casting basics. The fundamentals of fly fishing revolve around casting and the most basic piece of equipment every fly angler needs is a rod.

But which rod is right for you? If you’re new to the sport, you probably aren’t familiar with brands, features, actions, or weights. These things are important, but don’t let the fly fishing terminology intimidate you. Below, we'll go over a few simple things that should influence your first fly rod purchase. Read on to start your fly fishing journey and select the perfect first fly rod for your fishing needs.

Price

If you’re getting into fly fishing for the first time, chances are you don’t want to spend $1000+ on a rod, and rightly so. Entry-level fly rods are typically in the $200-$300 price range. Some brands are known for producing excellent, budget-friendly rods, such as Redington, Echo, and TFO. Rods in the entry-level price range are easy to cast and incredibly forgiving, but generally they aren’t the best for more technical fishing applications as your skills improve.

If you've done a little fly fishing but still consider yourself a beginner, it may be worth considering a mid-priced rod. While entry-level rods are great for brand new anglers, they’re easy to outgrow. Mid-priced rods like the Orvis Recon and the TFO Axiom-II are caster-friendly and accommodate new anglers and intermediate anglers alike. There’s generally a pretty significant difference in the quality and performance of entry-level rods vs. mid-priced rods although more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Better is totally subjective and depends on what you want in a fly rod, taking into consideration things like performance, aesthetics, and warranty.

Target Species

Fly rods come in many lengths and weights, and the species you're fishing for will (generally) dictate which length and line weight you need to select for your first rod. Below, we'll cover several species that are common for beginners, and which fly rod length and line weight are compatible. While there are exceptions to these guidelines, this is a good place to start.

Trout = 9’ 5wt. A 9-foot 5-weight fly rod is the most versatile tool for trout fishing. A 5wt casts dry flies well, reserves the ability to cast an indicator nymph rig, and is versatile enough to throw small streamers. Most trout fishing, especially in the western US, can be done with a 9’ 5wt. A great entry-level 9' 5wt fly rod is the Orvis Clearwater.

Bass = 9’ 7wt. Bass are larger and often more aggressive than trout so opting for a larger rod makes logical sense. A heavier rod will allow you to cast larger flies and aggressive fly lines more easily, and fight bigger fish more efficiently. A solid 9' 7wt fly rod for Bass is the Redington Predator.

Bonefish = 9’ 8wt. Perhaps the most popular saltwater fly rod is the 9-foot 8-weight. An 8wt works well for Bonefish on the flats, Stripers, and other saltwater species. If you’re new to fly fishing and plan on spending some time targeting smaller saltwater species, an 8wt is the way to go. We're huge fans of the Atlas Signature Fly Rod.

Rod Action

Rod action is another characteristic that you should consider when picking your first fly rod. Rod action refers to how flexible a fly rod is. Fast action rods are stiffer, whereas slow action rods are very flexible. Once you know your budget and your target species, take some time to think about the location where you’ll be fishing.

For example, If you'll be trout fishing on large, western rivers, a fast action rod will help you cast further and cover more water. It will also aid in casting during windy conditions, which are common out west.

If you’re more likely to fish for wild brook trout on a small stream in the Northeast, a fly rod with a slower action will make dry fly presentations easier. Distance casting isn’t necessary on smaller rivers, so a fast action 5wt may be overkill.

Many people recommend a medium-fast action 9’ 5wt for beginners regardless of the circumstance because a medium-fast action build is generally forgiving and caster-friendly. This is usually strong advice, especially during the introductory stages of the sport before anglers develop a personal preference.

OK, I know what I'm looking for. Now, which rod should I go with?

Redington Classic Trout
Atlas Signature
Greys Lance
Orvis Clearwater
TFO LK Legacy
Echo Carbon XL
Douglas ERA

Questions?

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