The technique of casting differs according to the method of angling. And in some cases, the type of fishing rod is even different. For example, those who practice fly fishing, a method that uses an artificial fly or a lightweight lure to catch fish must use fly fishing rods with specialized weight line to cast the fly. The lightweight of the fly makes the casting technique quite different from other casting techniques. The rods made for fly fishing are special, and you cannot use an ordinary fishing rod for fly fishing.
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Special rods for fly fishing
As compared to most fishing rods, the rods for fly fishing are thin and very lightweight and made from tapered tubes of graphite, fiberglass, or bamboo. It has a reel seat for mounting the reel as well as rings to control the line like any other fishing rods, but this is where the similarity ends. The guides are small and mounted close to the blank. The position of the reel seat is close to the lower end of the rod below the handle to facilitate holding the rod upright. The position of the reel mounting helps in maintaining a balance when using the rod its use instead of using it as a spinning reel to draw in line during fishing or for bait casting. Many anglers pull line off the reel when starting fishing and do not rewind it fully until they complete the day’s work.
Classification of fly rods
Fly rods classification follows a similar line as that of spinning rods by considering the length and weight it is likely to cast, but unlike the latter, the weight is not of the lure but the line. Since the line is used for casting the ultra-light fly, it is natural that the line would require a suitable rod for effective casting.
The classification or rods use numbers known as AFFTA classes, previously called AFTM classes, and still used. The numbers range from 0 to 14 or 15, beginning with the lightest weight, which keeps on increasing as the number goes up. But heavy rods are not fit for fly fishing.
Rods with numbers 0, 1, and 2 are very lightweight and suitable for small flies for fishing small fishes in small water bodies. For fishing larger fishes, you would need rods with numbers 10 and above. The commonly used lines and rods range between 3 and 4 and can go up to 8 and 9 depending on the kind of catch targeted.
Rod lengths
The place of fishing vis-a-vis the available space, and the casting style influences the rod length. If you are fishing in a small stream with overhanging vegetation, then rod lengths of 6 to 7 feet should suffice. If you are fishing from a boat, you must use 10 to 13 feet long rod, which is also suitable for reaching over the reeds and growth on the river bank and suits certain casting techniques.
Cork is the chosen material for making the handles of fly rods, unlike neoprene used for spinning rods.
Rod Construction
The three chief construction materials that are used in the manufacturing of fly rods are fiberglass, bamboo, and graphite. Each one of these materials is highly-appreciated because of its distinctive characteristics and unique feel.
Graphite Fly Rods: Graphite is supposed to be the most widely used and extremely popular material for the construction of fly rods. Manufacturers can apply graphite in diverse tapers and layups while building rod blanks for achieving almost any desired feel or action. This makes graphite an amazingly versatile option for fly rod construction. In this context, you must know that the strongest, lightest and even the top performance fly rods that are available in the market today are all manufactured using graphite. The only drawback associated with graphite seems to be the fact that graphite fibers are known to be slightly fragile and brittle. Finished fly rods have a protective shield of epoxy resin, however, with graphite fly rods, anglers must be extra careful while fishing, handling, and even storing their fly rods.
Fiberglass Fly Rods: Graphite had replaced fiberglass way back in the 1980s for making fly rods. However, the durability and the distinctive feel of fiberglass have helped it to still stay in vogue. Many top fly rod manufacturers still offer fiberglass fly rods. We know that fiberglass is relatively less sensitive and much heavier in comparison to graphite rods. However, the biggest advantages associated with fiberglass are its longevity and flexibility. Generally, fiberglass fly rods that are available in the markets today are presented in full-flex profiles, slow-action, and relatively lighter weights ranging from 1 to 5. Usually, these are ideal for lakes and small streams where anglers are looking to target only small-sized to medium-sized fish. The best thing is that many anglers have realized that fiberglass has amazing strength, flexibility, and power that prove to be a huge advantage while targeting big powerful fish and using fly rods ranging from 8 to 12 weights for combatting and landing some fantastic specimens.
Bamboo: Bamboo has proved its worth as the most suitable natural material for manufacturing fly rods. Even though bamboo has been substituted by more robust and lighter cutting-edge materials, it is still an integral part of the fly fishing world. Bamboo is known for its natural full flex, as well as, an amazingly wonderful feel. We understand that anglers have a tremendous appreciation for the lively feel while casting and combatting on a bamboo fly fishing rod. Bamboo rods are certainly not meant for everything and everybody. Anglers who are thinking in terms of acquiring their first fly rod or a general-purpose fly rod must consider looking elsewhere. Bamboo fly rods are just right for anglers who want a rod with a distinctive feel. Bamboo fly rods make fishing a truly joyful experience.
Conclusion
If you wish to choose a brand new fishing outfit, you must take into account precisely where you would be fishing, the specific species you would like to target, and the techniques you would be using. All these three factors would go a long way in determining the weight, action, and length of the fishing rod, the reel, and even the line that would be watched.
