This fishing rod size guide aims to steer you toward picking out the perfect rod length to deliver peak performance for the job. The right rod is the foundation for any angler’s tackle box. In this guide, we will look at how the length of the rod is influenced by the species you’re after, the angler themself, the type of fishing, and what type of rod is used. Choosing the right fishing rod length is the first step toward finding the perfect rod.

Fishing rod length greatly impacts the distance and accuracy of your cast. The right size depends on the type of fishing, fish species, and level of experience. Shorter rods under six or seven feet work for accurate casts and more control. Longer rods cast farther, with less accuracy.

Fishing Rod Sizes Explained

With such a wide range of lengths, you need to understand why there are so many different lengths of fishing rods. Choosing the best fishing pole is hard, but the length is a great launching point. The length can drastically affect the performance and success of a rod, meaning that it’s near the top of the list of things to pay attention to.

Small rods, those that are around four feet, are typically used for children or ice fishing. The shorter length allows kids to handle them more easily and makes them more manageable in a small heating hut on the ice. A short rod can be a great pick when there isn’t much action necessary.

On the other hand, a longer rod works well for a long cast, so long as you’re willing to sacrifice accuracy. Surf rods made for casting into the ocean from the beach can be insanely long, closer to fourteen feet. This allows the line to make its way into deeper water and provides the leverage necessary to haul in fish as big as a halibut.

Rods that sit right in the middle tend to work well as a “do-it-all” rod that can do almost everything, albeit not perfectly. This is why most people recommend a six-foot rod for beginners and amateur anglers. It encompasses all aspects without overwhelming novices. These mid-range rods are great for fishing freshwater lakes and rivers when more control and accuracy are needed over a long cast and strong leverage.

Fishing Rod Size Chart

So while that gives a brief look into fishing rod lengths, what is each size fishing rod good for? The length will always change depending on your fishing technique, the type of fishing you’re used to, experience level, fish species, and so much more. This chart is a great place to start.

Pros and Cons of a Short Rod

Grabbing a larger rod and trying to bring in a monster is an all-too-common goal of more novice anglers that don’t know what they’re doing. The fallacy is that long rods are the best for when you want to catch a huge fish. While it’s true sometimes, that doesn’t mean any angler can do so.

Fishing rod sizes are almost as much about the person using them as they are about what they’re being used for. Someone super tall and strong could try casting an 8-foot pole and run into trouble immediately, while a shorter person who has been fishing their whole life will know exactly how to cast and utilize an 8-footer to its full potential.

That said, shorter fishing rods have their benefits over long rods in many situations.

For starters, short fishing rods are by far the best choice for kids who are just learning how to fish and anyone that’s going ice fishing. The ultra-short rods (around 4 feet) allow the user to fish with control, learn how to cast, and fish from a small confined space like an ice shack.

Even six-foot rods are considered short when put up against their longer counterparts. These rods, which land more in the middle of the length spectrum, are perfect for any beginner, anyone fishing freshwater lakes and rivers, or anyone using rod techniques like pitching, flipping, or jigging. The shorter rod provides more control over the line, meaning you can move the bait around more intentionally.

The biggest drawback of shorter rods is that you can’t cast very far and you get way less leverage to bring up larger fish. So if you’re looking to bring big fish up from far out or deep down, a shorter rod isn’t going to cut it.

Pros and Cons of a Longer Rod

Where the short rods fall short, a longer rod excels. The longer rods are mostly considered to be anything that is seven feet or longer. In this range, you begin to sacrifice accuracy for pure power. To cast farther out, the longer rods help provide the range of motion necessary to throw a line past 50 yards.

Then, when you snag something larger, the physics of fishing starts to come into play. The rod’s length allows you to have more leverage, making it easier to pull in a heavier fish that is putting up a tough fight.

While you can get a line out an incredible distance with a longer rod, very little accuracy comes with that cast. You also lose a lot of control as the rod length increases. The distance you move your wrist will move the tip of the rod even more when there’s more distance between the two.

When you want a delicate touch, a long rod won’t give it. When you want power, nothing does it like a fourteen-foot surf caster.

Fishing Rod Length for a Beginner

Buying your first fishing rod can be incredibly overwhelming with all the different options, but getting into fishing can be a movement towards recreation, conservation, and more. A fishing rod size guide is a good place to start, but even then it can be tough because, even as a beginner, the choices vary.

The general consensus is that a seven-foot rod is an excellent choice for beginners. With that size, you can begin to understand how the rod moves and how to control it, gaining experience before moving on to something else.

I started with a 7-foot rod that belonged to my dad, and in retrospect, it was likely far too big for me as a young kid. But for older kids and above, it’s a great length to start with.

Nowadays, I am grateful for that experience, as I can control longer rods with a bit more finesse than I would have if I had started on a shorter rod.

Something like the St. Croix Victory Spinning Rod can be great for those looking to start fishing. It is an excellent balance of all the different features that makes it easy to learn.

Both lengths of the Falcon BuCoo SR make for a good rod to learn on. The 6’6” and the 7’ options can provide more range to help learn more accurately on a shorter rod or focus on practicing longer casts.

Best Fishing Rod Length for a Child

Kid rods are great because they’re tiny and made for simple use, but they aren’t always exactly what you need. If your child is getting to the age where they can figure out a spinning rod or a bait caster, it might be worth buying a five-foot rod just for more practice to be ready to move up to a longer rod.

I started fishing with my dad when I was around 8 years old. He used a seven-foot rod and would cast it for me and I would sit on the shore and watch for the bobber to dip below the water. If I was lucky enough to snag a fish, he would help me reel it in.

This scenario is the best of both worlds: a little bit longer rod, cast by someone with longer arms, gets the line out farther. But the kid still gets to feel like they’re a part of the adventure. And they have a better chance of actually catching something with the longer rod.

The shorter kid rods are best for children who won’t understand a rod and reel quite yet but still show interest in fishing. They’re unlikely to catch much, but it’ll excite them to go out!

Fishing Rod Length by Fish Species

You may need a different-sized rod depending on what fish species you’re after. This can vary due to the different techniques used for catching certain fish, and the correct length rod does wonders to help you maneuver the bait through the water just the right way.

In different environments where all these species live, you must choose rod length based on what’s around you and where the fish live.

What Length Fishing Rod for Bass

Length is at the top of the list when looking for the perfect bass fishing rod.

Rod length for bass has changed over time, significantly so with the development of the flipping technique. When this was added to the angler’s toolbox, two additional feet of rod length were added to everyone’s rods. The extra length helped move the bait around with a small flick of the wrist, dramatically affecting the other end of things.

With this new addition of technique, bass rods are typically around 6.5 to 8 feet long, depending on how you plan to fish. This is perfect for casting far enough out while still having great control over the rod.

Short bass rods (6’-6’6”): Drop shot rigs, skipping docks, and topwater baits are all the best when paired with a shorter bass rod.

Medium bass rods (6’7”-7’3”): Medium bass rods perform well for worms, jigs, buzz baits, and frogs or all other standard uses.

Long bass rods (7’4”-8’): The longest bass rods are used for jigging, flipping, and pitching, some of the most common techniques when fishing tubes.

What Length Fishing Rod for Trout

Fishing for trout can take you to some beautiful places, which will often determine the length of the rod needed. In the clear and open alpine areas, trout fishing can be done well with a longer rod that allows for a farther cast, so you can try out a 7-8 foot rod.

In the lower regions surrounded by scrub and brush, you want a shorter rod that won’t get caught up in the trees around you. This makes a shorter rod more acceptable for trout fishing. It is easier to maneuver in a tight space.

Fishing Rod Length by Rod Type

Different rod types will also call for a certain length, which can be unsurprising as you will use these other rods for various fish species. It’s still essential to understand what kind of fishing you will be doing primarily because the rod length will change dramatically between an ice fishing rod and a fly rod.

Spinning Rod Length

You want something that can set the hook well and cast a decent distance when using a spinning rod. You’ll usually want a rod no shorter than 6’6”, but a 7’ rod is often recommended. These provide a good balance of casting distance and control over the rod itself.

Spinning rods will range from 4’5” to 9’5”, but it’s more common to see people stick to a 6’ to 7’5” rod.

Baitcasting Rod Length

Baitcasting falls into a similar length category as spinning rods. When you want more accuracy, grab a rod under 6’, but when you want to go for distance, try something closer to 7 or 8’.

You can find a good bait caster rod that’s 5’5”, but you can also find them up to 9’ in length. It all depends on how and where you’re hoping to use it!

Fly Rod Length

Fly rods are typically a bit longer than others just because of the action used in casting. A good fly rod will be between 7’ and 9’, but you can find some down to 6’ or up to 10’. I have had several moments where I tangled a fly rod in some willows by a stream where I should have used a shorter rod.

The lengths will most likely be determined by where you’re fishing. Fly fishing with a dense canopy surrounding you will call for a shorter rod, but wide open spaces let you have a long rod that will make a long cast.

For fly fishing in saltwater, a nine-foot rod gives the best range of versatility and can be easily used during bone fishing.

Like fly fishing rods, Tenkara fishing rods must be significantly longer. These range between 9-14’ but are most commonly closer to 11’.

Surf Fishing Rod Length

Surf fishing rods are all much longer. You must cast from the beach, set the hook far enough to find the fish, and avoid the rocky bottom. The longer the rod, the better the cast when fishing from the shore.

Most surf fishing rods are around 12’, but a 10’ rod can also suffice when learning, or when you know the beach well enough and don’t need to cast as far. Each inch on the rod will change your distance and make a huge difference when well-practiced.

I’ve seen anglers on the coast of Alaska using 14’ rods to surf cast for halibut, bringing in the same monstrous fish you can get in deeper waters.

Boat Rod Length for Inshore vs. Offshore

A boat rod will change when you’re inshore or offshore fishing, but a middle-ground rod of 6’ to 6’6″ will work well. These are manageable without getting snagged in the boat’s ropes and equipment.

An inshore rod around 7’ can work well to get a longer cast and set your hook near mangroves or other areas where fish would be spooked if the boat came too close. Offshore fishing is more about getting depth than distance, so the rod doesn’t need to be nearly as long.

Trolling Rod Length

When trolling, you want a longer rod to help provide leverage, get the line far from the boat, and make bringing in a huge fish easy. Many trolling rods can get up to 14’ in length, but it’s most common to see some between 9 and 11’.

Ice Fishing Rod Length

Most ice fishing doesn’t involve an active cast, meaning you can use an incredibly short rod to help pull fish out of the water, and it won’t ever be in the way.

Some ice fishing rods are under two feet long, but most of them are closer to three feet, making them easier to manage. Remember that you aren’t worried about casting with these, so the longer ice fishing rods should be used when you expect to catch larger fish.

What Size Fishing Rod Should I Get?

Even at the end of a fishing rod size guide, so much information is laid out that making a final decision can be tough.

If you want something that can “do it all,” a 7-foot spinning rod is your best bet for almost anything outside the ocean. This changes when you’re hoping to get into fly fishing or trolling.

Most experienced anglers likely remember growing up with a 6-7 foot rod given by their parents or grandparents. Some probably have memories of learning with a far too-short or too-long rod, which likely hindered their learning process.

In reality, knowing the type of fishing you’re hoping to do is what can make a quick decision easy for you. Use this size guide to choose your fishing rod length, and then play around with the size you land on. You’ll get a good feel for how that rod handles before trying other lengths and gaining more experience.

The post Fishing Rod Size Guide: How To Choose Fishing Rod Length appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

As with all fishing, choosing the right rod can be critical to ensuring your tube fishing goes well. Along with personal preference, there are a few things to look for when finding a good tube fishing rod.

The best tube rod will combine length, power, and action. This will provide a rod that allows for precise casting and reactive jigging to place and replicate a bass’ favorite food. Extra fast and fast action rods with medium power tend to be what makes a good tube rod.

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What is a Tube Rod?

A tube fishing rod is going to be almost any rod that is used to tube fish. While some fishing rods will be better equipped for tube fishing, you can use nearly anything to fish tubes, making it one of the more accessible fishing styles. Many of the best spinning reels for bass fishing can be combined onto a good fishing pole and set for tube fishing.

The best tube rod can operate like a jig fishing rod. Tubes are small to large plastic tubes that mimic baitfish and crawfish to lure in bass. Every tube is hollow, which allows for rigging a jig that typically has a longer piece of lead with an eyelet that sticks straight out from it.

Tube fishing is technically jig fishing. So looking for a good jig fishing rod for bass can be incredibly helpful in the search for the best tube rod.

What to Look For in a Tube Fishing Rod

There are three main factors to consider for what makes a good tube rod. Length, power, and action will all have a major influence on your tube fishing and may determine how much success you find.

Length

It can be tricky to make a broad statement about what length is best for tube fishing. That’s because the desired length varies greatly with where you’re fishing and the size of fish you’re after. Not only that, but the casting technique also comes into play when choosing the right length.

The length of the best tube rod will come down to personal preference. The longer rods will help pull bass out of deeper water as you would do during winter bass fishing. However, bass tend to stay in shallower water in the summer and early fall, demanding a shorter rod.

If you were to choose a single rod to fish tubes with, it would be safer to err on the side of a rod around 7 feet long. You can go shorter or longer depending on personal preference, but 7 feet is a good place to start.

Power

Power will help with the fight once you’ve hooked a bass with the tube. Generally, the best tube fishing rod will have medium power to provide just enough flex to bring in larger bass without making it difficult to bring in smaller ones.

The medium power will also allow some control over jigging the tube around the bottom of the water. Medium power might be enough to flip and pitch jigs, depending on the jig’s weight. Tube jigs don’t tend to be as heavy duty as others, making a medium power rod a great fit to handle everything you’ll want it to.

Action

Finally, you’ll need to determine the rod’s action. The action of the rod refers to where the rod flexes along itself. The faster action rods will flex closer to the tip, which is perfect for jig and tube fishing. A good tube fishing rod will need that quick jigging action that you can only get from fast or extra-fast rods.

Sometimes fishing with an extra-fast rod can encourage you to fish faster, but tube fishing is an art that requires a lot of finesse and patience. If you feel that you don’t have the patience quite yet, settle for a fast action rod that might force you to be patient. However, an extra-fast rod will make for more control over the tube itself.

Spinning vs. Baitcasting with Tube Baits

Once you’ve chosen the rod, you must find the right reel. The biggest debate is always between a spinner and a baitcaster. When tube fishing, both a spinning reel and a baitcasting reel work, but it also depends on what you’re fishing for.

A spinning reel is better for working finesse with lighter tubes and jigs. Meanwhile, a baitcaster will work better for heavier jigs when trying to bring in larger bass. The best tube rod will be equipped appropriately for what you’re hoping to bring in and your fishing style.

3 of the Best Tube Rods

Good

Shimano Teramar Southeast

For someone looking to get into tube fishing, the Shimano Teramar Inshore Southeast rod is a good choice. These come in various lengths, powers, and actions, making them customizable to each angler. There are both casting and spinning versions. It’s also reasonably priced for a high-quality rod that won’t force you to drop huge cash to go tube fishing.

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Better

St. Croix Mojo

The St. Croix Mojo is easily one of the best bass fishing rods out there. The 7-foot 1-inch long, medium power, fast action option for either spinning or baitcasting reels fits tube fishing perfectly. It works well for anyone that wants a middle-ground rod that will allow for a lot of flexibility in the tube fishing style they want. You can mix it up with a more powerful and faster action rod and can even add almost a foot of length.

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Best

Falcon Cara

For anyone with a lot of control who is hoping to bring in some larger bass, the best tube fishing rod is a Falcon Cara 7’3”, medium heavy power, extra fast action. You can fish a tube or a jig and bring the bass in all day, with well-balanced power and extra-fast action. It may cost a bit more, but you get the responsiveness and reliability you want in a good tube rod.

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The post What Makes a Good Tube Fishing Rod (3 Best Tube Rods) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Some fish are best pursued with a “shotgun” strategy which requires you to put more than one lure in the water at a time. Other fish are typically caught while using only a single rod but you need a boatload of patience while you wait for them to find your bait.

In both cases, you’ll have a lot more success (not to mention fun) if you have a few high-quality rod holders for support when you want to do other things while waiting.

There are different ways to mount them and materials used so you need to spend some time deciding which ones are suited for your needs.

9 Top Fishing Pole Holders of 2021: Outdoor Empire Reviews

3 Awesome Kayak Rod Holders

A good rod holder for your fishing kayak must be rugged, lightweight, and flexible enough to hold a variety of rod types. Most are made from fiber-reinforced nylon, while some are plastic to keep their weight low.

1. SCOTTY Powerlock Rod Holder 230

SCOTTY Powerlock Rod Holder 230

$26.89

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08/15/2023 07:32 am GMT

The SCOTTY Powerlock Rod Holder 230 is excellent for kayaking anglers. Made from fiber-reinforced nylon, it is durable and flexible. It must be bolted on your kayak but it can also be mounted in various orientations to suit your purposes.

2. Cannon Downrigger Rod Holder

This rod holder is solid, well designed and will accommodate both spinning or bait casting rods of various lengths. The easy-to-mount locking bar will securely attach the unit to the mounting bracket, yet it is strong enough to handle anything that swims your way.

Plus, it can be mounted in either a vertical or horizontal position, and the spring-loaded tension bar will hold it in any direction.

3. Railblaza Rod Holder II

The Railblaza Rod Holder II is a full-feature plastic built to perform like serious anglers demand. It features a fully rotating collar to enable the rod to spin all the way around if needed.

Additionally, this is one of the few rod holders made in both black and white models.

3 Awesome Boat Trolling Rod Holders

If you are interested in mounting a rod holder on your boat, you want to make sure you stick to the best products which are sure to last as long as your boat does.

Accordingly, you may find it necessary to spend a little more money on them than on those used on the bank or in a kayak.

4. Blacktip Stainless Steel Clamp-On

The Blacktip clamp-on rod holder is made from stainless steel to ensure a long life. It features an internal plastic coating to help protect your rod handles.

The clamp-on design means you’ll spend less time installing your rod holders and more time fishing with them.

5. Attwood Stainless Steel Flush Mount

If your boat accepts 2-inch, flush-mounted holders, it is hard to go wrong with Attwood’s version of the product. Made from steel and coated with UV-resistant polymers, Attwood flush mount rod holders are built to last.

It is available in three different models — 0, 15, and 30 degrees, and it comes with caps to keep the holders clean when not in use.

6. SCOTTY Powerlock

Made from fiber-reinforced nylon, SCOTTY Powerlock rod holders are designed to be bolted onto your boat. It includes a locking ring to prevent it from slipping free while trolling. It is also adjustable to make it easy to fish from different angles.

3 Awesome Rod Holders for Bank Anglers

Bank-fishing pole holders are usually made solely to help you avoid any unnecessary problems. Most are very affordable, which means that you can purchase and carry several so you can keep multiple lines in the water at the same time.

7. Rite-Hite Fishing Rod Holder 

RITE-HITE Bank Fishing Dual-Rod Holder

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The Rite-Hite fishing rod holder is a no-frills, stake-style rod support for bank anglers.

It features soft-cushioned cradles to protect your rod and a powder-coated finish to help it last a lifetime. It also allows you to support three different rods at a time, making it ideal for those pursuing catfish or carp.

8. Angler’s Fish-N-Mate Sand Spike

The Angler’s Fish-N-Mate Sand Spike is an ideal rod holder for anglers working on sandy beaches.

Measuring almost 50 inches in length, it is long enough to accommodate surf rods while still extending far enough into the ground to keep your rod secure. A foot-push peg makes it easy to push into the sand.

9. Sea Striker Sand Spike

Sea Striker PVC Sand Spike

$6.99

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08/15/2023 07:35 am GMT

Designed to be as simple as possible while still working well, the Offshore Angler PVC Sand Spike is available in lengths ranging from 22 to 36 inches. It is white which makes it easy to spot even at night.

What To Consider Before Buying?

Common Rod Holder Materials

The most common materials are steel, aluminum, and high-strength plastic. All three options are excellent choices but each works best in certain situations.

Steel

Steel rod holders are stronger and more durable compared to other options. They are the best choice for professional anglers, charter services, or those who fish a lot for large fish or in rough waters.

Aluminum

Aluminum holders are not as strong as steel holders but they are still adequate for serious use. Powder-coated aluminum holders are popular and it does not get hot while you are boating under the sun.

High-Strength Plastic

Most budget-level rod holders are made of high-strength plastic to help save weight and reduce the costs. They are adequate for casual anglers but they are not suitable for those working in tough conditions.

Mounting and Anchoring Methods

Rod holders are manufactured in a variety of ways so that you can use them on any fishing circumstances. Some are designed to work with particular rail or bar systems, while others can be used almost anywhere.

Rod Holders for Boats, Kayaks, and Canoes

Most rod racks designed for boats fall into one of these five basic styles.

Clamp-On

Clamp-on rod holders are perfect for anglers who fish from various boats, as they can be attached to several places on most boats and kayaks. The clamp is usually spring-loaded so that you can move it quickly and easily.

Threaded

Threaded rod holders feature a machined end which is designed to screw into a threaded receptacle mounted on the boat. They are very secure, but they are only useful for boats or kayaks with the appropriate receptacle.

Track or Rail Mount

Many modern boats and kayaks are equipped with rails or tracks, and some rod holders are designed to attach to them. Just remember that this type cannot be attached to boats without the rails or tracks.

Flush Mount

Flush-mounted rod holders penetrate into the body of your boat, they are designed to be attached with bolts. They are usually designed to be permanently fixed in place. You can move them but it requires tools and some considerable effort.

Rod Holders for Bank Anglers

If you are a bank-oriented angler who works the shoreline, you’ll need a rod holder that anchors to the ground rather than a boat.

Normal Stake

The simplest type of rod holders feature nothing more than a metal or wood spike that you can drive into the ground. These work best for anglers who are fishing from shores with gravel, mud, or hard-packed soil.

Tubular Stake

Tubular staked rod holders are hollow – often they amount to little more than a section of PVC or aluminum tubing. One end goes into the ground, while the other end accepts the handle of your rod.

They work best on sandy beaches, where simple stakes won’t remain secure.

Screw-In

Screw-in style rod holders are built like a large, threaded screw and must be turned as they’re inserted into the ground. They work best in soft sand or mud.

TIps and Tricks to Avoid Pitfalls

It takes a little bit of practice and experience to be proficient in using fishing pole holders. The following tips may help you avoid common pitfalls and get the most out of your rod holders.

• It’s always a good idea to have a few backup rod holders on board in case one breaks or malfunctions.

• Some rod holders utilize quick-release mechanisms so it’s easier to remove your rod from the holder once a fish takes your line. It is particularly useful for anglers working with several rods at a time.

• Most good rod racks are designed to self-drain but budget models occasionally neglect to include this feature. Avoid this like the plague as you do not want water collecting at the bottom of your holders.
• If you use your boat for different activities, invest in rod holders that are easy to remove. This will keep them out of the way to avoid damage while you are out boating with the family, for instance.

The post 9 Best Fishing Rod Holders Reviewed (Hands-on Guide) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Even if you’re a veteran angler shopping for your twentieth rod, fly rod technology progresses so much each year that figuring out what’s what can be more challenging than hooking a spring creek brown trout.

To help you kick off your fly fishing career the right way, this guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the right fly fishing pole for you.

But first, let’s dive into some recommendations to give you an idea of what’s available.

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The 16 Top Fly Rods of 2021: Outdoor Empire Reviews

These are our top recommendations for fly fishing poles in 2021:

1. Best for the money: Get the Orvis Clearwater
2. Best beginner: St. Croix Rio Santo
3. Best for trout: Get the Redington Classic Trout
4. Best cheap fiberglass rod: Get the Eagle Claw Featherlight
5. Best combo: Get the Orvis Clearwater Combo
6. Best starter kit: Get the Wild Water Fly Fishing Starter Package ( Read 400+ Amazon reviews )
7. Best saltwater: Scott Meridian 909-4
8. Best for travel: Get the Cabelas Stowaway 6

This comparison is based on the 4-weight rods of each manufacturer.

Product	Orvis Clearwater	St. Croix Rio Santo	Redington Classic Trout	Eagle Claw Featherlight
Length	7'	8'	8'	6'6"
Rod Weight	2.75 oz	3.2 oz	2.5 oz	(not specified by manufacturer)
Action	Mid-flex	Mod. Fast	Moderate	Ultra Slow
Pieces	4	2	4	2
Cost	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. Best Fly Rod for the Money: Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods

Orvis is without a doubt the biggest name in the fly fishing industry. Their rods range from ultra-affordable to ultra-high-tech. Every year, they come out with new rods that push the envelope of design and performance.

The Orvis Clearwater series combines both affordability and high-performance. It’s perfect for new and experienced anglers alike who want to get the ideal rod for their dollar.

There are over 20 models in this series, each designed to excel at a particular style of fishing — freshwater, saltwater, switch, or spey.

Anglers who primarily fish freshwater species like trout and bass should choose one of the Clearwater Freshwater rods — the 9-foot 5-weight model is a great all-around size.

Orvis Clearwater Freshwater rods are made of graphite and features a mid-flex action profile designed using Orvis’ award-winning Helios technology.

In terms of performance, they have a strong backbone to achieve long casts with powerful strokes, yet are forgiving enough to form picture-perfect loops with minimal effort.

They are great as first rods but are in no way an entry-level nor cheap. So if you’re looking for a serious fly rod that can serve you well as you grow in skill, the Orvis Clearwater is one of the best you can buy.

Continue to the full Orvis Clearwater review…

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2. Best Rod For Beginners: St. Croix Rio Santo

Generally speaking, learning how to cast is the most challenging and frustrating obstacle for a new fly angler to overcome.

After all, if you can’t cast, you can’t fly fish. So to shorten the learning curve, it’s wise to choose a forgiving rod that makes casting tight loops attainable from the beginning. For this, you won’t find a better rod than the St. Croix Rio Santo.

It is a graphite rod available in typical freshwater line sizes — 4, 5, 6, and 8.

It has a moderate fast action with a powerful butt and a soft tip.

With the soft tip, you can feel the rod load even at very short casting distances which is critical when learning how to cast. But with the stiffer butt section, you still have enough power to perform long casts with heavy flies.

Another aspect that appeals to new anglers is its fair price. If you’re looking for a complete setup, the St. Croix Rio Santo is available as a combo which includes:

• the rod
• St. Croix die-cast aluminum fly reel
• weight-forward fly line
• rod tube

Though it is designed to be beginner-friendly and isn’t as accurate or powerful as more technical rods, it’s one of the ideal fly rods on the market for the new angler who’s learning how to cast.

Then as your skills improve and you inevitably upgrade rods, the Rio Santo makes a great backup or hand-me-down rod to help another new angler get started.

3. Best Trout Fly Rod: Redington Classic Trout

The truth is, just about any fly rod can be used to catch trout. But if trout is your primary target, why not buy a fishing pole that’s designed specifically for the specie? That’s exactly where the Redington Classic Trout fly rod comes into play.

It’s a trout rod through and through with an emphasis on casting delicate dry flies to rising fish. But if nothing’s hatching, don’t think you can’t tie on a nymph or a streamer because it can easily serve as your do-it-all trout rod.

Aesthetically, there’s nothing fancy or extraordinary about it. It has plain brown blanks and a straightforward reel seat which isn’t the most eye-catching but gets the job done. Luckily, fish don’t care what your rod looks like.

The most defining feature of the Classic Trout, and what makes it ideal for trout fishing, is its progressive action. It has a consistent taper from tip to butt, resulting in the rod bending progressively further down its length as more casting force is applied by the angler.

This translates into a rod that casts equally well at 10 feet as it does at 50 feet. Further, the softer rod tip offers enough shock absorption for lighter tippets to be used when casting your smallest dry flies.

Though the Redington Classic Trout is a specialized rod, it doesn’t come with a “specialized” price.

Continue to the full Reddington Classic review…

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4. Best Cheap Fiberglass Fly Rod: Eagle Claw Featherlight

If you walk into any specialty fly shop to buy a new setup, you’re looking at spending at least $100 for the rod and another $50 for the reel. Add a fly line, leaders, and flies to the mix and you can easily spend over $200. It all adds up fast.

But what if you want to get into fly fishing for as dirt cheap as possible? Enter the Eagle Claw Featherlight — a bright yellow fiberglass rod with a distinctly old-school vibe.

Even though it’s absurdly cheap, it performs astonishingly well. Made of fiberglass, it has a notoriously slow action as the rod bends in one smooth arc from tip to butt.

Since it is slow to load, the caster must be patient during the casting stroke. While this slow action might feel mushy to fans of fast-action graphite rods, certain anglers find it very appealing and fun to fish with.

It is only available in three sizes — a 6’6″ 3/4 weight, a 7’0″ 5/6 weight, and an 8’0″ 5/6 weight. While two different line weights can be used for each model, the rods tend to perform best with the heavier line option.

Along with the vintage-inspired yellow blanks, it has surprisingly nice components:

• real cork handle
• cherry wood reel seat insert
• gold-colored single foot line guides

If you’re looking for a cheap fly rod to get into the sport or you simply want a fun rod to play around with at the local pond, you won’t find a finer fly rod for the price than the Eagle Claw Featherlight.

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5. Best Fly Rod and Reel Combo: Orvis Clearwater Combo

While many fly fishers will want to hand-pick their own rod and reel, some anglers prefer to avoid this hassle and just select a pre-paired combo package.

And while many such combos are designed for beginners, there are a few combo packages on the market that will provide the quality intermediate and advanced anglers demand.

The Orvis Clearwater Combo is a great example, as it not only performs well on the water, but it’s backed by the manufacturer’s 25-year guarantee.

A lightweight combo that is perfect for catching trout in small streams, the Orvis Clearwater Combo comes with a 9-foot-long, 5 weight rod and a high-quality aluminum reel. The rod breaks down into four pieces, and it comes with a protective travel tube to make it easier to hike through the woods with it to reach those out-of-the-way creeks.

Finally, the reel also features a premium disc system, which ensures it’ll spin smoothly during casts.

Learn more about the Orvis Clearwater Combo.

6. Best Fly Fishing Starter Kit: Wild Water Fly Fishing Complete 5/6 Starter Package

Anglers who are just learning to fly fish will generally get the best results by purchasing a pre-matched starter kit until they learn the finer points of rod and reel selection.

The Wild Water Fly Fishing 5/6 Starter Package is a great choice, as it not only comes with a rod and reel, but preinstalled line, backing and leader, a rod sock, a rod case, a fly box, flies, and a detailed instruction book too.

This 4-piece, 5/6-weight rod is backed by a lifetime warranty and features a slow action and a mid-flex, IM8 graphite design. The rod also includes an aluminum reel seat and a stainless-steel stripper guide.

The reel is made from die-cast aluminum and features a large arbor design. It also comes with a disc drag system that allows quick and precise adjustments. This rod is best suited for relatively small fish, including trout, panfish and bass living in shallow streams.

7. Best Saltwater Fly Rod: Scott Meridian 909-4

You’ll obviously need different types of fly rods to catch different types of saltwater fish, but a 9-weight rod will work for most small to medium-sized gamefish commonly pursued by fly fishers, including redfish, permit and striped bass.

In this category, the Scott Meridian 909-4 is clearly one of the best options.

The 909-4 certainly isn’t cheap, but it provides great performance for your fishing dollar and isn’t as expensive as some of the models that professionals use.

A powerful, 9-foot-long, 4-piece rod, the 909-4 will allow you to cast more accurately and prevent many of the false casts that commonly occur with lesser rods.

This isn’t the ideal rod for super-long casts, but it will perform very well for those who typically cast between 20 and 60 yards. It also has the backbone you’ll need to wrestle feisty redfish and other species to the boat or shore.

8. Best Travel/Backpacking Fly Rod: Cabela’s Stowaway 6

Because many of the best hiking and camping locations offer excellent opportunities to catch trout and panfish, many outdoor enthusiasts like to bring a portable fly rod on their adventures.

And while the travel rods of years past were rarely very good, modern travel rods – like the Cabela’s Stowaway 6 – are often great fun to use and will allow you to catch plenty of fish.

Even though these rods break down into six separate pieces (and they’ll fit in most carry-on luggage bags), they perform as well as many high-quality two-piece rods do. Made from 30-ton graphite, these rods load smoothly and allow you to cast with the kind of precision you’ll need while fishing in crowded creeks and streams.

These rods (which are available in 8 different weights and lengths) feature aluminum reel seats, chrome-plated, stainless-steel snake guides and AA-grad cork handles for maximum comfort. These rods are sold with tubes that’ll help prevent damage while your hiking around.

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9. Good 3 Weight Fly Rod: Orvis Clearwater

These Orvis Clearwater 7-foot-6-inch-long, four-piece fly rods are great for chasing after trout in the tiniest mountain streams. They provide a very soft action and consistent stroke, which will allow you to cast with better accuracy than you will with many other 3-weight rods.

And, like many other Orvis rods, these come with the manufacturer’s 25-year warranty, so you can shop with confidence.

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10. Good 4 Weight Fly Rod: Sage X 4-Piece

While 5-weight fly rods may be better suited for catching trout and panfish in a variety of rivers and lakes, you’ll usually want to step down to a 4-weight rod when trying to use a delicate presentation in shallow-water creeks and streams.

The Sage X 4-weight fly rod is a great choice for these scenarios, and it is Sage’s top-of-the-line freshwater model. This 9-foot-long, four-piece model provides incredible casting accuracy and allows you to animate lightweight lures with precision.

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11. Good 5 Weight Fly Rod: Hardy Zephrus Ultralite

A 5-weight rod is usually considered the ideal “all around” choice for freshwater anglers, so it is usually wise to select a very flexible rod, which will work well in a variety of circumstances.

The Hardy Zephrus Ultralite allows you to employ a very delicate presentation, but the medium-fast action provided by the SINTRIX 440 blank construction will still allow you to set the hook with authority. This rod measures 9 feet and 9 inches long which will make long casts a breeze.

12. Good 8 Weight Fly Rod: Sage Pulse Fly Rod

Fly rods in the 8-weight range are great for larger freshwater fish, including largemouth bass and pike, among others. Accordingly, you’ll want a heavy-duty rod that provides the power you’ll need to catch these types of fish.

The Sage Pulse 8-weight fly rod provides exactly this and will help you wrestle big fish out of the water. These graphite rods with Fuji ceramic stripper guides are available in 8-foot lengths for anglers fishing in tight quarters, and 13-foot-6-inch-long lengths when maximum casting distance is important.

13. Best Fly Rod for Salmon: Temple Fork BVK

To reliably catch salmon, you’ll usually want an 8- or 9-weight rod with a very fast action to help you deliver powerful hooksets and better control these big fish. You’ll also want a pretty lengthy rod, which will make it easier to cast long distances in the windy conditions that typically occur in good salmon streams.

The Temple Fork BVK satisfies all of these criteria and more. It features rich translucent olive blanks, braided carbon fiber reel seats and ultra lightweight chromium stainless snake guides to keep this 4.3-ounce rod as light as possible.

14. Best Bamboo Fly Rod: Orvis Penn’s Creek Bamboo 4-Weight 7-Foot Full Flex Fly Rod

Many fly fishers love the nostalgia and performance a good bamboo fly rod provides, and the Orvis Penn’s Creek fly rod is one of the best around.

Ideal for fishing for trout in mountain streams, you’ll love the full-flex design, which provides plenty of casting range, and the high-quality cork handle will ensure you retain a good grip on the rod and that your hands won’t get tired while fishing all day.

Learn more about the Orvis Penn’s Creek Bamboo Full Flex Fly Rod.

15. Most Expensive Fly Rod: Oyster Legacy Series Bamboo Fly Rod

You may feel nervous using it and most anglers would probably just hang it on the wall, but if you’re looking for the most expensive rod around, the Oyster Legacy Series Bamboo Fly Rod brandishes a five-figure price tag.

For this, you’ll get a 4-piece bamboo rod, with plenty of gold hardware and exquisite detailing. You can even select the artwork included on the rod. Just don’t drop in on a rock!

16. Best Custom Tuned Fly Rods: Epic Studio Fly Rod Series

Fly rod feels alive in your hands, moreso than any other type of fishing rod. You can feel every movement through the grip.

This responsiveness is part of what makes fly fishing such a challenging yet fulfilling sport.

Epic Studio sells individually handmade and customized fly rods, tuned by hand for being as responsive as possible.

All fly rods that come from Epic are handmade in New Zealand over the course of several weeks after your order is placed.

But the technology used is anything but old school. Epic pays a lot of attention to material research. For one thing, they use the best material for each purpose.

For example, their fiberglass is not standard, cross-woven fiberglass. It’s unidirectional S2 FastGlass. All of the fibers are parallel, which strengthens the rod and improves the casting feel while saving weight and thickness.

This is the same fiberglass used in military helicopter rotor blades!

Epic’s carbon fiber rods are similarly light and responsive. They’re all carbon, without any scrim (heavy reinforcement).

Then, despite each rod being custom made for you, you have a 30 day trial period so you can see if you love the rod. If you do, then Epic has a lifetime warranty. If not, then it won’t cost you anything to return the rod.

Here are some great rods we found in their collection:

The 4wt Packlight is a good choice for ultralight hikers.

The 10wt Bandit FastGlass is great for fishing for Pike and Musky, even from a kayak.

And the two-handed DH13 Spey is great for trout and salmon.

All of the above are custom-tuned when they’re built for smooth casting and responsiveness.

Plus, if you don’t want a custom-tuned fly fishing rod, you can purchase a rod blank or a rod building kit.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

One of the the reasons that make fly rod selection so confusing is the fact that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all rod.

Practically, any fish specie can be caught on the fly and therefore, different rods are needed to handle the wide variety of quarry. That’s why most fly anglers who’ve been fishing for some years end up with at least three different rods:

• one for small streams and ponds
• one for larger rivers and lakes
• one for saltwater fishing

All the terminology associated with fly rods may seem complicated. But when you break it down, there are only four aspects you need to understand to make an informed purchase — line weight, length, action, and material.

Line Weight 

Every fly rod is designed to cast a line of a particular line weight.

If the line used is too light, it won’t have enough weight to load (bend) the rod sufficiently to complete the cast. If the line is too heavy, it will load the rod too much, causing your casting performance to suffer and could even break the rod in extreme cases.

Luckily, as long as you use the proper line weight your rod was designed to cast, you shouldn’t have any problems with it being too light or too heavy. And don’t worry, a rod’s proper line weight is almost always labeled on the blank near the grip.

But we’re talking about choosing a fly line weight before you buy a rod. So which should you choose?

Your fly line weight selection comes down to two factors:

• fly size
• fish size

The good news is that fly size and fish size are almost always related. Simply put, heavier lines cast larger flies and catch bigger fish while lighter lines cast smaller flies and catch smaller fish.

With that in mind, here’s a quick breakdown of the different fly line weights and what they can be used for:

• 0, 1, 2

These ultra-light lines are made for the most nimble fly rods and are typically reserved for pursuing the smallest fish species with the tiniest flies — think small stream brook trout and panfish.

If you have a lot of size 28 or smaller Adams dry flies in your box, go ahead and grab a 1-weight rod. Otherwise, better go up a few sizes.

• 3 & 4

3 and 4-weight lines and rods are still on the light end of the scale and are the line weights of choice anytime light tippets are used to make subtle presentations with small flies to fish like trout and panfish.

• 5, 6, 7

The most common line sizes for all-around trout fishing. Five weight rods are by far the most popular fly rods in existence and can handle 90% of the trout fishing scenarios you’ll encounter.

Six and seven weights are also very versatile and are helpful when casting larger streamers and poppers or in windy conditions.

• 8, 9, 10

The go-to sizes for saltwater species like redfish, bonefish, and small to medium-sized tarpon. They are also employed on rivers when fishing for salmon and steelhead when super long casts with big, heavy flies are needed.

• 11, 12, 13 & up

These extra heavy line sizes are reserved for true big-game fishing. 11 and 12 weights are used for bigger-sized tarpon as well as other inshore and nearshore species like barracuda, amberjack, and giant trevally.

Line weights 13 up to 16 are primarily used for offshore fishing when marlin, tuna, and sharks are the target.

Length 

While fly line weight is a relatively fixed parameter based on your target species and fly size, fly rod length is based more on personal preference.

Fly rod models of certain weights are offered in different lengths. For example, a 5-weight Orvis Clearwater as mentioned earlier is available in lengths of:

• 7’6″
• 8’6″
• 9′

It’s widely agreed that 9-foot fly rods offer the best balance of casting performance and accuracy, which is why there are so many 9-foot fly rod models on the market. If you’re shopping for a first fly pole, go with a 9-footer and you’ll be safe.

However, there are times when shorter or longer fly rods are beneficial. If you primarily fish small mountain streams lined with thick vegetation and overhanging trees, a 7-inch rod may give you an advantage when casting in tight pockets.

Keep in mind that shorter rods move less line on each casting stroke which can make long casts more difficult.

Some anglers find longer rods in the 10 to 12-foot range that are helpful when they need to keep as much line as possible off the water. This is often the case when performing specialized techniques such as Euro or Czech nymphing.

Another use for longer rods is when using two-handed techniques like spey or switch casting which require different style fly rods altogether — let’s stick with single-handed rods for now.

If you have to place your fly rod order, just remember that 9-foot rods are the easiest and most accurate to cast.

Action

Basically, a fly rod’s action refers to its flexibility and how it loads the weight of the fly line during a casting stroke.

It plays a significant role in how it casts, how it handles the weight of a fish, and most importantly, how it feels in the hand — something that’s difficult to put in words and must be experienced.

Some fly pole manufacturers describe a rod’s action in terms of a flex profile or flex index which describes how much and at which point the rod flexes.

A rod’s flex index is determined by its taper or the physical shape of the rod blanks from tip to butt.

• Some rods have soft, flexible tips and stiff butt sections.
• Some are uniformly stiff throughout the entire length.
• Other rods, like the Redington Classic Trout, have more gradual tapers that start out soft at the tip then consistently become stiffer towards the butt.

You’ll also see rod action described in terms of “fast” and “slow.” This refers to the rate at which the rod rebounds after being bent which is a reflection of the rod’s stiffness — a stiffer rod has a faster action, while a more flexible rod has a slower action.

Fast action rods are often preferred when power, distance, and accuracy are needed. Slow action rods offer a better feel of both the line in the water and the fight of the fish.

Most fly rods that are geared towards beginners have moderate actions — not too fast nor too slow. They load quickly for smooth casting, offer a good feel of the fish, yet stiff enough for the occasional long cast. When in doubt, go with a moderate action fly rod.

Material

Graphite

The vast majority of today’s fly rods are made of graphite. These fishing sticks are:

• incredibly strong
• lightweight
• easy to cast
• has a great feel

Fly rod designers and manufacturers love graphite because it can be rolled into practically any taper imaginable, leaving endless room for performance improvements.

Different grades of graphite are used in fly rod construction. Generally, the higher the grade, the lighter, stronger, and more expensive it is.

Fiberglass

Before graphite became the material of choice, the best fly rods were made of fiberglass.

Fiberglass is very robust and durable while being very flexible, resulting in fly rods with a distinctly slow action. Today, anglers are rediscovering fiberglass as a relevant fly rod material, praising it for its unique feel when casting and fighting a fish.

Bamboo (AKA Cane)

Before fiberglass revolutionized fly rod performance, any fly rod worth its salt was made of bamboo.

Unlike graphite and fiberglass rods which can be produced on a large scale with machines, bamboo fly rods are made exclusively by the hands of craftsmen. For that reason, they are among the most expensive rods available.

Action

They load with minimal effort, making quick, delicate casts a breeze. Although it’s easier to load it, they aren’t optimal for shooting line or casting great distances.

Cane rods excel at close-range dry fly fishing where subtle presentations are the key to success.

Look Into These Aspects Too!

How Many Pieces?

As we mentioned, the most common fly rod length is 9 feet. You might be wondering how one transports a 9-foot rod. Strap it to the roof of the car?

Practically, all modern fly rods break down into two or more pieces. Connection points in the rod, called ferrules, allow quick assembly and disassembly, turning a 9-foot rod into four easily manageable pieces. Slide those pieces in a case and you’re ready to go.

These days, four-piece rods are the most common. You can still find two-piece rods but these are typically shorter in the 6′ to 7’6″ range.

Six, seven, and even eight-piece fly rods have become popular in recent years especially among anglers who travel a lot or take their rods on backpacking trips.

When these travel-friendly rods first came out, they didn’t offer the best casting performance compared to their four-piece alternatives. But as rod technology advanced, this has become less of an issue.

If you’re interested in a packable travel fly rod, check out the Orvis Clearwater Frequent Flyer, Redington Classic Trout 6-Piece, or the Echo Trip 8-Piece.

Should You Go for a Fly Rod Combo?

The rod is only part of the fly fishing gear equation. Once you get a rod, you still need:

• fly reel
• fly line
• leaders
• tippet
• flies
• rod case

For a new fly angler, choosing all those separate components can be a serious hurdle to getting into the sport. Manufacturers realized this and now, many offer fly rod and reel combos — package deals that have everything a new angler needs to get started.

In many ways, fly rod and reel combos are a great convenience and make the purchasing process easier. The problem with these is that many times, the reels and fly lines are of inferior quality compared to what you’d buy separately.

There’s a high likelihood that you may end up replacing these components in due time, so it might be better to buy the good stuff from the beginning.

Although it’ll take more time to research and shop around, you’ll end up with a nicer overall setup if you assemble your rod and reel yourself. However, if you’re simply testing the waters of fly fishing, a combo kit is an excellent way to get started.

Like we mentioned before, the St. Croix Rio Santo is offered as a rod and reel combo and is one of the nice package deals on the market. Orvis and Redington also offer combos worth considering.

Leading Fly Fishing Rod Brands

When you’re ready to upgrade your starter fly rod, these are the four top-tier rod manufacturers you want to check out.

Sage

Sage makes fly rods with a heavy emphasis on high performance and innovation. The company was founded in 1980 by Don Green and Bruce Kirschner in Bainbridge, Washington and has been producing “specialty products for specialty anglers” ever since.

In the 1980’s, Sage was one of leading manufacturers producing graphite fly rods.

These early graphite rods were built with the company’s Graphite II Technology which utilized a concept developed by Don Green called Reserve Power — the idea that a fly rod should never run out of casting power.

They became known for these fast action rods capable of achieving tremendous line speeds for super long casts. Through continuous development, they became the first manufacturer to produce fly rods built specifically for saltwater anglers.

Their latest innovations in fly rod technology are centered around several proprietary graphite materials including Konnetic HD, Generation 5, and Graphite IIIe, each offering unique benefits for their particular rod designs.

One of the most defining aspects of their products is that every rod is designed and built by hand in their factory at Bainbridge Island in Washington.

They make all their graphite rod blanks in-house unlike most companies that buy pre-rolled blanks from outside sources (often overseas). This important fact is the reason for the exceptional quality and top-shelf price of their fly rods.

Most Sage fly rods feature fast or ultra-fast actions. They are primarily designed to suit the needs of advanced anglers, which makes it the only downside of their rods.

Although they offer significant performance benefits, beginning fly anglers may find them difficult to cast.

G. Loomis

The G. Loomis rod company was started by an avid sportsman who was also a genius-level machinist — the one and only, Gary Loomis.

Inducted on the IGFA Hall of Fame in 2007, Gary Loomis had an enormous impact on the fishing world as a whole. His early designs and innovations set the pace for the future of rod design.

Although he is still hard at work, designing and making parts and materials that extend far beyond the fishing world, he is no longer a part of the G. Loomis rod company. It is already owned by Shimano though the rods are still branded as G. Loomis.

Despite this changing of hands, G. Loomis fly rods are still renowned for being high-performance products. One of the main reasons why their rods are still good is because of their lead rod designer — world champion competition fly caster, Steve Rajeff.

Their newest and most premium fly rod, the Asquith series, is designed by Rajeff as a collaboration of G. Loomis and their parent company Shimano.

Using Shimano’s proprietary Spiral X graphite, the Asquith fly rods are incredibly strong yet feel light in the hand even in the heavier line weights.

Although G. Loomis is owned by Japan-based Shimano, all G. Loomis fly rods are still built by hand from start to finish in Woodland, Washington. Its quality has remained consistently high over the years.

But some customers feel that their customer service has gone downhill since its original owner left.

Orvis

Founded in 1856, the name “Orvis” has become synonymous with fly fishing. As one of the oldest and longest-running manufacturers and suppliers of fly fishing gear and apparel, no other company has as big of an impact on the fly fishing lifestyle.

Although the brand now encompasses a wide sphere of products and services — everything from casual clothing and dog beds, to custom shotguns and shooting schools — they continue to produce some of the best fly rods on the market.

While Orvis has a broad lineup of lower-priced fly rods such as their Encounter and Clearwater series, their high-end offerings are what turn the heads of the savviest anglers.

Currently, their top-shelf offering is the Helios II series which has won numerous awards and is their strongest fly rod ever created — 20 percent stronger than the original Helios.

Orvis makes their Helios II rods in a wide range of line weights and tapers, each designed for specific fly fishing uses including freshwater, saltwater, big game, and two-handed spey and switch.

Their fly rods are made by hand in their workshop at Manchester, Vermont by true craftsmen and women of the trade.

On top of that, Orvis is a big proponent of natural conservation, committing 5% of their pre-tax profits to a diverse set of conservation groups and projects.

R. L. Winston Rod Co.

The R. L. Winston Rod Co. started in 1929, producing bamboo fly rods using processes and designs that revolutionized the fishing world.

In those early days, Lew Stoner (the “L” in R. L. Winston) developed a patented technique for building hollow fluted bamboo rods, greatly reducing their weight while increasing their power.

These were the top choice among competition casters of the day — both fly and conventional — and were used to set and break several world records.

Although the R. L. Winston Rod Co. has changed ownership several times, their efforts in innovation have never ceased. In the 1970’s, they produced some of the leading fiberglass rods and quickly moved to graphite.

In the 2000’s, their rods rose to a new level of performance with the company’s heavy focus on proprietary blends of graphite and boron — a chemical element turned into fine tungsten wires that are lighter than aluminum but five times stronger than steel.

Now, Winston makes some of the most solid casting rods in the world where boron is a critical component.

Though R. L. Winston took a space-aged turn for the better, they still produce their all-time classic bamboo rods. If you stick with fly fishing long enough, you’ll end up craving for one of these handcrafted pieces of functional art.

Better start saving up now because a bamboo Winston will cost you.

Final Thoughts

Fly fishing is a gear-centric sport, but no gadget or tool is more important than a well-made fly rod. Choosing the right rod may seem difficult but keep in mind that there’s a good chance of ending up with more than one gear.

So if you’re just starting out, it is suggested to choose a smooth casting rod that can handle a wide variety of fishing scenarios then get busy casting a fly rod.

When you’re ready for an upgrade, find a good local fly shop that carries some of the premium brands we covered and test cast as many different models as you can.

This article is part of our fishing gear guide.

FAQ

Why are fly rods so expensive?

There are fly rods available in a wide range of prices, some more expensive than others. Generally, the price of the rod increases as more features are incorporated.

Modern fly rods are made using modern technology and a variety of composites to reduce weight or increase performance. Some are handmade or produced in limited quantities. Many are covered by extended warranties. Each of these factors results in increases in price.

Of course, it often comes down to something much simpler — supply and demand. Anglers are willing to pay the increased price, so manufacturers continue to charge more.

Can a broken fly rod be fixed?

Most fly rods are backed by a warranty, so trying to fix it is usually not worth the effort. However, if you are in the field and break a rod, you will not have the ability to get a replacement right away.

In this case, you can try temporary fixes for broken guides or tips and be relatively successful. But if the rod breaks more than 3 or 4 inches from the tip, the chances of success are low. Even if you do manage to mend the break, the action and strength will be compromised.

Can I take a fly rod on an airplane?

TSA regulations permit rods and reels as both checked or carry-on luggage. However, depending on the size of the rod tube, it may not meet maximum size limitations for a carry-on.

It is best to check with your carrier before traveling to confirm whether it will fit in the overhead compartment.

The post 16 Best Fly Rods Reviewed & Tested (Hands-on Guide) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

They say that a fisherman is only as good as his rod.

With that in mind, Outdoor Empire set out to find the greatest rods on the market. We know everyone fishes in different ways, whether it’s casting out into the surf, baitcasting off the back of your boat, or spinning for bass at the lake.

However you like to fish, our fishing rod buyer’s guide has got you covered.

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The 12 Top Fishing Rods of 2021: Outdoor Empire Reviews

These are our top recommendations for fishing rods in 2021:

1. Best spinning: Take the Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger
2. Best baitcasting: Take the Okuma CELILO Graphite Rod (Read 900+ Amazon reviews)
3. Best rod and reel combo: Take the PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Combo 
4. Best for surf fishing: Take the Team Daiwa Surf Rod
5. Best trolling: Take the Shimano Talora
6. Best saltwater: Take the Shimano Sojourn 1-Piece Casting Rod
7. Best for bass: Take the G. Loomis Conquest Mag Bass Casting Rod
8. Best telescopic: Take the KastKing Blackhawk II
9. Best portable/travel/backpacking: Browning Fishing Safari Travel Spinning Rod
10. Best cheap: Take the Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod
11. Best for kids: Take the Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
12. Best ice fishing: Take the Clam Outdoors Ice Team Professional Series

*Looking for a specific feature? Check out our quick-reference chart below:

Product:	Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger	Team Daiwa Surf	Okuma CELILO	Shimano Talora	PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Combo	KastKing Blackhawk II
Length	7 feet	8 feet	8'6"	8 feet	7 feet	8 feet
Line Weight	14-40 lbs	12-30 lbs	10-20 lbs		6-12 lbs	12-25 lbs
Power	Medium action	Medium action	Medium heavy action	Medium light action	Medium light	Mod Fast
Frame Materials	Fiber glass	Carbon graphite	Graphite	Graphite	Graphite	Graphite
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. Best Spinning Rod: Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger

Shakespeare is the undisputed king of spinning rods, especially if you’re looking for something lightweight and responsive. Their Ugly Stik line dates back to the mid-70’s, and ever since they were created they’ve been a fan favorite.

The Ugly Stik Tiger line takes everything you love about Shakespeare rods and kicks it up to the next level.

1. They are famous for their build process which uses a carbon fiber outer surface that’s been wrapped around a graphite core. This patented process produces rods that can bend all the way without breaking which is a relief when you hook a big catfish or northern pike.

2. The Tiger line in particular is built to stand up against freshwater gamefish that loves to fight hard. They all come with:

• reinforced rod tip
• premium stainless steel
• graphite reel seat

Most people think of Shakespeare spinners as the rod of choice for inland fishing, but Ugly Stik Tigers are great for marine spinning too. They’re tough enough to handle big water gamefish, while still being responsive to make catching panfish a lot of fun.

You just won’t find a better value than these fishing sticks anywhere.

Read the full Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger review…

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2. Best Baitcasting Rod: Okuma CELILO Graphite Rod

There was a time not so long ago when using a baitcasting reel was more of an art than anything else. But now modern reels have magnetic brakes and anti-reverse features that make casting easier than ever.

A great baitcasting reel isn’t enough, you need to have an outstanding rod to go with it. The best on the market is the Okuma CELILO Graphite Rod.

Okuma CELILO Graphite Rods are made especially for tournament pros but they’re priced for everyone. They are designed to be able to throw heavy baits and catch big bass.

1. These rods are engineered to hit the sweet spot between power and feel, optimizing the length of your cast while still providing the responsiveness you need to feel every nibble.

2. They are marine-rated, making use of stainless steel and ceramic composites so you can use them whether you’re standing on the surf or fishing at the lake.

3. They are tough and durable. It gives the power you need in order to pull a big catch off the bottom without worrying about whether or not your rod can take the stress.

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3. Best Rod and Reel Combo: PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Combo

Having the right combination of the perfect rod and a quality reel is critical to catching fish, and the Spinfisher VI Spinning Combo delivers.

First, you get the newest generation Spinfisher reel with powerful HT-100 drag with IPX5 rated seals, CNC gears and 5+1 sealed stainless-steel bearings.

Next, there is the factory-paired black graphite composite rod. PENN Dura-guides, an EVA handle, lengths from 6.5 feet to 10 feet and variable action speeds combine to create a rod that is both comfortable and compatible with any fishing technique.

PROS

• Using a factory-matched rod-and-reel combination takes the guesswork out of getting the perfect setup.
• Spinfisher VI reels are rated as one of the best year after year.
• Graphite composite offers an excellent combination of strength and durability
• 8-foot and 10-foot models come in a two-piece design for easier transportation.

CONS

• A bit heavier than straight graphite designs

This is the perfect combination for the inshore or offshore angler who knows the importance of a good matched rod and reel, but who does not want to spend time doing the research or learning through trial and error.

Unpack, rig, and hit the water knowing that you have one of the best reels on the market.

4. Best Surf Fishing Rod: Team Daiwa Surf Rod

There’s nothing like standing on the surf and casting way out into the waves, hoping to hook a striped bass or redfish. The next time you hit the shore, take one of Team Daiwa Surf rods with you.

They’re made of a low-filler, high-glass carbon fiber method that:

• reduces weight
• increases sensitivity
• boosts the length of your casts

You’ll be able to feel every nibble and get out further from the shoreline than you ever have before.

Frankly, Team Daiwa Surf line is just about perfect in every way for shoreline fishermen. You can look at these rods and see the quality and craftsmanship that went into making them.

1. Daiwa makes them long and strong, length ranges from 7 feet up to 12 feet. The longest rod can easily cast a 16-ounce tackle way out into the ocean. If you’re a serious surf angler, you’ll appreciate the quality of these rods.

2. Everything down to the ring guides has been engineered for long casts and big catches.

3. The reel seats are made especially for Daiwa out of advanced composites from Fuji so they’re tight and secure.

If you manage to hook a trophy fish, you won’t have any problems getting it to the shore even in choppy surf. They makes some of the best offshore fishing rods around.

Read the full Team Daiwa Surf Rod review…

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Best Surf Rods in 2019: A Buyer’s Guide ( In-Depth Reviews )

5. Best Trolling Rod: Shimano Talora

Shimano’s tough Talora trolling rods are the best on the market. They’re a surprisingly versatile line of rods, equipped to handle whatever you throw at them. It offers a selection of 6 in this series, ranging from 7 to 10 feet long.

So whether you prefer to run deep with a downrigger or slay salmon using a dipsy diver, there’s a Talora rod ready to do the job.

1. They’re right in the sweet spot between affordability and durability.

2. They’re built using TC4 HM rod blanks, which Shimano creates out of lightweight and responsive carbon fiber composites.

3. They also use built-in aluminum oxide line guides which are fused directly to the body of the rod for increased durability.

The entire line of Shimano Talora rods are the gold standard for affordable freshwater trolling.

They’re built to take the sort of constant abuse that comes with dragging your line behind the boat. Everything from the reel seats to the grips are reinforced and overbuilt so they won’t break if you hit a snag.

Anglers looking for marine trolling rods should check out Shimano’s Tallus Blue Water Series.

6. Best Saltwater Rod (Baitcasting): Shimano Sojourn 1-Piece Casting Rod

Saltwater anglers need a rod that will handle anything that the ocean can throw at them. From big fish to harsh conditions, fishing in saltwater is tough on both anglers and their gear. The Sojourn 1-Piece Casting Rod is up to the task.

The graphite composite blank provides the backbone needed to pull big fish to the boat while remaining sensitive enough to detect even the lightest bite. The low-profile oxide guides allow your line to cast smoothly, withstand the wear and tear of braided lines and can withstand harsh saltwater.

Plus, the natural cork handle provides a comfortable, slip-resistant hold even when wet. A redesigned reel seat will ensure your favorite reel stays put even during the hardest fight for your next trophy.

PROS

• A perfect combination of durability and sensitivity
• Low-profile oxide guides are resistant to saltwater corrosion
• Traditional cork handles are both fashionable and comfortable
• Backed by a 1-year warranty

CONS

• One-piece design is more difficult to transport
• Lack of large fighting butt does decrease comfort during longer battles

Saltwater anglers in search of an affordable rod by a tested manufacturer will enjoy the opportunity to get a high-end rod as a lower-end price.

Learn more about the Shimano Sojourn 1-Piece Casting Rod.

7. Best Bass Rod: Gary Loomis Conquest Mag Bass Casting Rod

You can’t get the best bass rod available without spending a fair amount of money, but some high-end rods – like the Gary Loomis Conquest Mag Bass Casting Rod – provide such incredible value that you’ll likely forget all about the expensive price tag.

If you’re new to bass fishing, you might want to start out on a spinning rod, however.

Available in lengths ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 feet in length, you can opt for medium, medium-heavy and extra-heavy powers.

However, all of the models available feature fast action, which works well for most common bass-fishing techniques. And no matter whether you prefer fishing with 1/4-ounce lures or 1 ¼-ounce lures, there’s a Conquest Mag model to suit your needs.

1. Made from Spiral-X Technology rod blanks, with through-handle technology, these rods are simultaneously sensitive and durable, and they’ll help elevate your fishing to entirely new levels.

2. In addition to the high-quality blank used as the rod’s foundation, the Gary Loomis Conquest Mag also features some impressive components, including Fuji Torzite guides and full cork grips.

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8. Best Telescopic Rod: KastKing Blackhawk II

Traveling anglers are often at a disadvantage when it comes to selecting a rod, forced to choose between portability and quality. But KastKing has changed that. The Blackhawk II offers both, promising a six-piece telescopic rod that performs like a solid blank.

Using Toray carbon fiber layered in a unique manner, they have designed six individual pieces that collapse into one other for easy transportation. When extended, each piece locks securely into place and performs like your favorite single-piece rod.

The hook holder also allows your rig to remain intact when collapsed for quicker deployment. Reinforced reel seats, comfortable EVA handles and multiple floating lines guides further ensure comfort and performance in a variety of applications.

You also get a choice of 14 different lengths and actions.

PROS

• High-quality construction with top-of-the-line materials
• Single-rod performance in an easy to transport package
• Available in a wide range of sizes and actions
• Available in both spinning and casting models
• Backed by a 1-year warranty

CONS

• Users have reported a few cases of tips breaking

If you are an angler on the go who needs a rod that will travel well and perform even better, the Blackhawk II deserves a spot in your arsenal. Even the 10-foot-10-inch surf model will fold small enough for any backpack or suitcase and weighs less than 1 pound.

No matter where you find yourself, you will never be without a fishing rod.

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9. Best Portable/Travel/Backpacking Rod: Browning Fishing Safari Travel Spinning Rod

Historically, you’d have to sacrifice quality to obtain a high-quality travel or backpacking rod. But modern anglers can choose from some very high-quality rods that are also easy-to-transport and bring with you when you travel.

But few of these can compete with the Browning Fishing Safari Travel Spinning Rod, which is the best option in the portable rod category.

Featuring a three- or four-piece design (depending on the total length), the Fishing Safari Travel Rod is easy to break down and carry, no matter where your travels take you.

It also provides the kind of sensitivity that serious anglers demand, and it is available in several models, which provide different power ratings and actions.

1. Featuring an HTSC20 high-tensile strength carbon blank, with Fuji aluminum oxide guides and a Fuji graphite reel seat, the Fishing Safari Travel Rod is not only portable but durable too.

2. A protective rod sock and hard travel tube are both included to help keep your rod safe while you travel.

10. Best Cheap Fishing Rod: Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod

Budget-limited anglers often fear that they will have to select a poor-quality rod and simply make the best of it.

However, there are a surprising number of affordable yet high-quality rods on the market, like the Berkeley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod.

Made from a 24-ton, multi-modulus graphite blank, the Berkeley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod provides plenty of quality despite not costing very much money at all.

Berkeley’s Lightning Rod line includes rods ranging from 5- to 7-feet in length, and with power ratings ranging from ultralight to medium-heavy. You can also select from several different actions, ranging from extra-fast to moderate.

The Berkeley Lighting Rod features many high-quality components, including stainless steel guides, aluminum oxide inserts, a double-locking reel seat and a rubberized cork handle.

This ensures that the rod won’t only work well on the water, but that you’ll enjoy using it too.

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11. Best Rod for Kids: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

Although a lot of parents are inclined to pick up a very low-cost rod for their kids, it is a good idea to avoid the bargain-basement and look for rods that provide a fair bit of quality.

And if possible, you should always look for the most durable rod possible, to help stand up to the wear and tear kids often inflict on their rods.

The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod is a great choice, and it’ll suit youngsters fishing for just about any common species, from crappie to panfish to bass.

1. Most importantly, these graphite and fiberglass rods come in a wide range of sizes (from 56 to 108 inches) including several that are ideal for youngsters.

2. You can choose from several different powers and actions, to help provide your child with the best possible rod for his or her needs and skill level.

3. These rods feature Ugly Tuff Guides, which enable very long casts, one-piece stainless steel inserts and Ugly Stik’s classic Clear Tip.

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12. Best Ice Fishing Rod: Clam Outdoors Ice Team Professional Series

Just because you’re fishing through the ice doesn’t mean you don’t want a high-quality rod, like one of the Clam Outdoors Ice Team Professional Series line.

These rods feature hyper modulus solid graphite blanks, and their action is hand-crafted by Ice Team Pros, so you know that your rod will perform as you need it to once you hook a big fish.

The Clam Outdoors Ice Team Professional Series rods are available in several different lengths, for targeting different gamefish.

If you are fishing for crappie, you’ll want to go with the 25-inch model, while those targeting bluegill or walleye, or perch will want one of the 26- or 28-inch-long models.

And if you are only interested in catching the biggest fish swimming under the ice, you’ll want to go with the special 36-inch-long model, specifically designed for anglers targeting giants.

If you just want a good all-around ice fishing rod, we’d recommend the 26-inch-long model designed by ice angler Keith Kavajccz, which is a one-piece rod that has a medium power rating.

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Understand These Concepts Before Buying

There are a lot of technical factors that you have to look into when choosing the perfect gear. Before you sit down and pick your next fishing stick, here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Casting and Rod Length

It’s important to understand the relationship between the length of a rod and how far you can cast your line. You see this a lot in surfcasting rods, which can be as long as 12 feet.

Casting distance has all to do with the acceleration of the tip of your rod and the weight of your terminal tackle. But, being great at these 6 casting techniques also helps.

Long Rods, Long Casts

To begin with, think of the fishing rod being a whip. Everyone knows that a whip makes that cracking sound because the tip of it breaks the sound barrier. The longer your rod, the faster your terminal tackle accelerates.

In general, long rods make for longer casts. But there are drawbacks to having the longest rod on the lake:

• You need more room to cast.
• You need more practice since releasing your line at the right time is tougher when you’re using a big pole.

Weight Matters

The weight of your terminal tackle, that is everything tied to the end of your line, also plays a big role in how far you can cast.

If you paid attention in high school physics, you know that force is mass times acceleration. More force equals longer casts so it follows that heavier tackle travels further. Anyone who has ever casted a line will understand that concept by feel alone.

Keep in mind that if you want to cast light tackle as far as you can, you need to pick a longer rod to compensate.

Power

Rod power is basically the weight or pressure that a rod can take for it to flex. Each rod power is specifically engineered to handle a certain range of lure weights and line sizes.

Anglers consider their intended line weight and lure test when choosing a rod. The lighter the line and lure is, the lighter the power should be for it to be handled efficiently.

Ultra Light and Light

Ultralight and light rods are a great choice for freshwater gamefish and panfish.

They’re extremely flexible and responsive, and give you a great feel when your bait bumps the bottom or a fish starts to nibble. These rods bend right over as you fight and lift the fish up off of the bottom.

Ultralight and lightweight rods are typically used in freshwater ponds, lakes, and streams. You’ll see some lightweight surfcasting rods for marine fishing but in general, saltwater gear tends to be heavier.

Best For

• Lightweight lines up to 8 pounds
• Water with light cover since low power rods struggle as you pull your tackle up through the weeds.

Medium

Medium power rods are great for a variety of fish, from smaller saltwater gamefish to heavier freshwater species like catfish, trout and pike. Obviously, they aren’t as responsive as ultralight rods but they offer good versatility.

A lot of fishermen prefer medium power rods because they split the difference between the stiffness of heavier gear while still offering some of the responsiveness of light power rods.

They’re a good choice if you’re looking for an all-around rod that you can take with you just about anywhere. While they’ll struggle if you’re hauling in salmon, for the most part, medium power rods will handle most freshwater and offshore gamefish.

Best For

• Fish that run up to 20 pounds
• Light to moderate weedy cover 

Medium Heavy

These rods have a lot of the versatility of medium power gear but they are noticeably stiffer. That translates to increased lifting power for big fish. The tradeoff is that they take just about all of the fun out of hooking into a perch or bluegill.

A lot of saltwater rods are medium heavy, and they’re the rod of choice for anglers in search of striped bass, salmon, and big catfish.

Best For

• Surfcasting or trolling in saltwater
• Fast waters and some fishers that like to take big carp out of weedy rivers swear by them.
• Usually recommended for fish up to about 50 pounds, although hooking a catch that big is a struggle for cheaper rods.

Heavy

They range from the biggest surfcasting gear to the sort of ultra-stiff rods you need to take tuna, sailfish, or gar. They’ve got a ton of lifting power and if you hit a snag underwater, you can easily pull the weeds right up off of the bottom.

Heavy power rods are some of the most durable. A lot of the top models use specially reinforced types of carbon fiber to make sure you don’t accidentally snap your tip.

They give you the least feedback but considering the sort of fish you’re usually catching on heavy gear, you’re not likely to miss it when a sailfish takes the bait.

But if you head out to the lake for a largemouth, better bring a bobber because you might not even see your rod twitch when you get a bite.

Best For

• Lines up to 150 pounds but some specialty wireline rods can be rated above and beyond.  

Action

Rod action is where the rod bends along the blank. Faster action rods flex roughly 1/3 from the tip, moderate rods bend in the middle part, and slower rods flex on the blank’s butt section respectively.

Watch this video to have an overview of how rod action and power go hand in hand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9EnmzLErj4

Frame and Materials

Your rod is built around its frame, and its materials have a huge impact on performance. It’s not just about strength. Your rod’s material plays a big role in sensitivity and lifting power.

Fiberglass

There was a time, about 50 years ago, when fiberglass rods were all the rage.

But today, you’ll only find fiberglass in different sorts of rod. The most common variety of fiberglass rod is usually a cheap one. But don’t get the wrong impression. Sometimes it is the best choice, not just the most economical one.

Compared to other modern materials used to make fishing rods, fiberglass is weak. That means fiberglass rods are thicker than average along the spine. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you’re looking at medium-heavy rods.

They work fine when you’re trolling. Some people even prefer them for fishing spoons because stiff fiberglass telegraphs small movements better than other materials, leading to a jerkier and more natural presentation.

Another benefit of fiberglass is that it’s tough. Graphite and carbon fiber is strong but brittle. If you’ve ever dropped an expensive rod on the rocks or bounced one around on the bed of your truck, there’s a good chance that fiberglass would have fared better.

Shakespeare uses fiberglass cores in some of their rods for exactly that reason.

Graphite

Stay with me, because this is a bit confusing. Graphite is carbon fiber, but carbon fiber isn’t always graphite.

The difference comes down to fiddly technical details. Graphite is an older technology — it’s more rigid and brittle, and it’s a lot cheaper. Not as cheap as fiberglass, but cheaper than carbon fiber as we know it today.

The biggest difference between the two is that graphite is made a bit more crudely. You can get decent graphite fibers just by burning bamboo, which isn’t so different from how Thomas Edison came up with his light bulb filament in the 19th century.

Carbon fiber is made with a chemical process that produces ultra-pure, ultra-strong strands of carbon. Graphite isn’t.

That said, graphite rods are great. They’re lighter and more responsive than fiberglass. Graphite rods are tough enough to get years of use out of, as long as you handle them with care.

Your new graphite rod probably isn’t going to snap even if you hook a huge bass and bend it right over, your line will usually give out first.

If you’re going to buy a fishing rod off the shelf to take with you to the lake, you’ll be happy with graphite. But if you want something that’s going to last for 10 years, even if you use it every weekend, carbon fiber is better.

Carbon Fiber

You can think of carbon fiber as an upgrade from graphite. Everything that graphite does well, carbon fiber does better. Your graphite rod is light, a carbon fiber rod of the same size is lighter. Graphite is responsive and flexible, carbon fiber is moreso.

But with the good comes the bad. Carbon fiber has all of graphite’s weaknesses, and it has them even more intensely. Carbon fiber is brittle, and it’s even more brittle when it’s cold. It has an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, but strength isn’t everything.

The thing is, a carbon fiber rod isn’t going to break while you’re using it. It’s very good at being flexible but it’s going to break when you drop or crush it.

Multi-Material Composites

So, I’ve tried to be fair and not just write off fiberglass as cheap or graphite as inferior, because the truth is that they’re both good at certain things. Carbon fiber is pretty great but it has its weaknesses too.

Engineers know all that, and they get paid to think hard about how to work around them. Well, they came up with multi-material composites.

The best rods on the market use a little bit of everything, in an intelligent way, to make a rod with more strengths and fewer weaknesses. I wish I could tell you more about how they do it but everything is patented for the most part.

Some of the newest fly fishing rods, which have to endure incredible stresses because of their length and relative thinness, are made out of boron-based composites mixed with carbon fiber and plastic resin.

If you’re in the market for one, expect to pay a lot. It’s probably worth it.

Rod Guides and Rings

Rod guides are the little rings on your pole that the line runs through. Sometimes they’re important because you need hefty guides to stand up to fighting heavy fish, or they need to be specialized to handle wirecore line.

But usually, they’re only important because you broke one and need to replace it.

Ring Frame Materials

When you’re shopping for bluewater fishing gear, keep these tips in mind.

1. Pay special attention to the material that your ring frames are made of. Rod guides can corrode if they’re not built with the right material. On most poles, you can cut off your old, broken rings and replace them with new.

2. Look for rings that are marine-rated and avoid chrome coatings. After enough time spent in the salt spray, unless they’re very high-quality, they will start to pit and corrode.

3. Stainless steel works well enough, and high-end marine poles use rings made out of solid titanium. The lower-end stuff typically only coat their steel with it and eventually scratch through the coating.

Ring Feet

Ring feet come in single-foot and double-foot styles. But at the end of the day, all that really matters is how much material is supporting the ring and making contact with the rod.

Thick single-foot rings stand up to more abuse than thin, wiry double-foot rings. The proof of this is in really heavy bluewater fishing equipment which almost all make use of extra thick, single-foot guide rings.

Ring Liners

The ring liner is important because it’s the bit that makes contact with your line. There are more liner materials than you might think, each one allegedly better than the rest:

• alcolite
• nanolite
• titanium oxide
• aluminum oxide
• silicon dioxide
• silicon nitride, and the list goes on

The most important thing is to pick something that’s marine-rated if you’re going saltwater fishing, and find a ring that is advertised as working with the line weight you prefer. There are also options like tangle-free and boating liners which generally work as advertised.

I don’t think any fisherman is going to double-check that he has the special liners installed before he steps out onto the boat. But if you’re buying new equipment, then it can’t hurt to get exactly what you need.

Roller Guides

The one last, really important distinction that you’ll notice are roller guides.

Anglers prefer these when they’re reeling in huge fish. They’re built with a bearing and roller to guide your line through the rings. Roller guides really do work, and a lot of commercial fishermen use them for line-caught tuna.

But the good ones are so expensive that you’ll only want to look into them if you’re regularly going out deepwater trolling or doing a lot of fishing with stiff lead-core or wire line.

Attention To These Factors Too

Finding the perfect fishing pole is only a small part of your overall experience. Don’t forget these important details when you’re figuring out which rod is the best fit for your fishing method.

You may also want to know how to choose a best rod holder along the way.

Getting to Your Spot

Just a quick word of advice here, coming from a fisherman who likes to hike into his spot and then camp out by the lake to catch catfish at midnight: consider the weight and bulkiness of your gear.

Fishing rods love to snag on trees and get hung up, sometimes setting a hook deep into the bark or a clump of leaves and stopping progress until you can untangle.

Even if you drive in, can you fit a one-piece 12 feet bluewater pole on the bed of your truck? Think about how you’re going to get to your spot and pick the gear that works with your plan. Bigger isn’t always better.

Tackle Weight

Don’t forget to take the weight of your tackle into account.

A lot of freshwater fishermen, especially the newer ones, only think about casting into a pond. If there’s any chance that you plan to go river fishing, you need to fight the currents and that means heavy sinkers.

Ultralight and lightweight rods have weight limits when it comes to terminal tackle, and sometimes they’re lower than you’d expect. Plan ahead. Take into account the sort of fishing you’re going to do before you buy your next rod.

I’ve gone out of my way to point out that the fishing poles aren’t just one-offs, they come in a whole series of different lengths and powers. Pick the right model and if there’s any doubt, get something a little heavier than what you need.

Exceeding the limit on your gear is a great way to snap your pole while you’re casting. The acceleration stresses involved in casting are actually pretty impressive, and hanging a quarter-pound lead off of the rod’s end really compounds them.

There’s nothing worse than breaking your favorite jigging pole because you loaded it up with river weights for the walleye run.

It’s reasons like this that you might think about getting a whole collection of rods going, if you don’t already have one.

Freshwater vs. Marine

Fishing poles can be marine-rated too. A lot of people only think about reels. Sure they can really suffer from the salt spray, but buying the right rod is just as important.

Typically, you’ll see two major points of failure if you try to use a freshwater rod in the ocean.

The first thing that can happen is corroded guide rings. A lot of cheaper rods coat steel wires with acrylic. Even expensive rods sometimes use thin titanium coatings which look great and sound fancy but start to corrode as soon as you scratch them.

Busting off a guide ring might not end your fishing trip, but then again it might.

The other place you’ll see corrosion is in the reel seat. This is becoming less common as more manufacturers switch to graphite even for their freshwater rods. Graphite is cheap and easy to machine these days.

If you have an aluminum rod seat, it won’t rust up but it will attract salts and corrode galvanically.

Now, that’s not to say that you need to go out and buy a new gear if you get an unexpected chance to do some saltwater fishing. Just make sure to:

• Wash down your rod and reel after you use them.
• Oil up the bearings when you get home

As long as you don’t make a habit of using freshwater gear in the ocean, you’ll be fine. If you do, you have the option to either buy a saltwater rod and reel combination unit paired by the manufacturer or buy them separately if you are willing to do the research.

Leading Fishing Rod Brands 

Finding your favorite brand can be a revelation for a fisherman. Even though every company carries a bunch of different product lines, they tend to have similar profiles. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular manufacturers.

Shakespeare

I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say that most inland fishermen get their start on Shakespeare rods.

They make some of the best ultralight and lightweight gear on the market, and they do it for a great price. Their products are perfect for just about any of the smaller gamefish.

That said, Shakespeare really isn’t a choice for marine anglers. Their rods just don’t hold up as well when you’ve got a big fish on. They tried to counteract that a bit with their Tide Pool and Intercoastal series.

For the most part, Shakespeare rods are best at lightweight freshwater fishing. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t bring anything impressive on the table.

When you hook even a small fish on an ultralight rod, the tip bends right over and you have a fight on your hands. Not too many manufacturers can make catching bluegill, perch, and crappie as much fun as getting a largemouth on the line, but Shakespeare pulls it off.

Shimano

You can count on Shimano rods to use some of the most high-quality, high-tech materials on the market. The company got its start manufacturing lightweight bicycles and golf equipment, both of which made use of carbon fiber and cutting edge alloys.

They brought the same attention to detail to their fishing rods which has given them a stellar reputation when it comes to performance and reliability.

You can expect to pay more than usual for Shimano rods, but a lot of professional anglers swear by them. They make a wide range of freshwater and marine rods. They’re best known for their high-strength, high-power offerings.

If you’re looking for an extremely tough rod, that’s where Shimano really shines. The company also produces tournament-grade bass poles that the pros really seem to love but they pay for the privilege.

One common problem with Shimano rods is sensitivity.

You’ll find that you have to spend a lot of money in order to buy a truly responsive gear. Some of that is the focus on heavy marine fishing that the Japanese-based company has always had. But a lot of it is the stiff, high-grade carbon fiber they use to make their rods.

Okuma

If you’re looking for bluewater gear on a budget, Okuma is the first manufacturer that you should check out.

This Taiwanese-based manufacturer delivers an excellent product for a great price. They have a good range of products, from entry-level to professional, and everything they make exudes quality.

Unless you’re buying their high-dollar gear, Okuma rods tend to be just good enough. They’re not specially outstanding in any way but they are a good value.

In the past, people complained that they had some problems with wobbly reel seats. But recently, they already corrected their mistakes and generally deliver solid gear.

Okuma really shines when it comes to medium-heavy and heavy rods. They’re what you want to have in the boat when you’re going after salmon, tuna, and sailfish.

As long as you’re looking for a stiff, snappy rod, you’ll be happy with what Okuma has to offer. They also make some really great, heavy-duty reels that can be had for less money than you might expect.

Penn

Penn rods and reels are made for trolling, but they’re capable of a whole lot more.

They make outstanding saltwater gear, but you should expect to pay. Unlike a lot of other companies that focus on marine rods, Penn has some excellent lightweight offerings too. Their line of boat rods are some of the best on the market, hands down.

That’s not to say Penn is only a saltwater manufacturer, they also offer top-quality freshwater rods too. Their Battalion line of trout rods are exactly what you want to have on-hand when you hook into a big, feisty rainbow or brookie.

Bottom line, they’re a solid manufacturer with a history of turning out quality products. They’re an innovator and they release new gear more often than a lot of other companies do. It’s hard to find anything bad to say about Penn equipment, so I won’t.

ABU Garcia

I’m not sure either company would appreciate me saying so, but ABU Garcia is basically a high-dollar Shakespeare. They do everything that Shakespeare rods do; but they generally do it a bit better, and charge you a little bit more for the privilege.

ABU Garcia also makes some outstanding tournament-quality reels. They made a name for themselves in the 1980’s by turning out some of the finest spinning reels on the market.

Their rods are just as good as their reels. They are one of the first companies to offer solid titanium ring guides. In general, their products are excellent. ABU Garcia tends to focus more on freshwater products but they do have some saltwater offerings too.

For the most part, you should expect ABU Garcia gear to be responsive, tough, and refined. A lot of their rods look just as good as they perform and that isn’t always the case with every manufacturer.

If you’re looking for tournament-quality freshwater gear, ABU Garcia is a solid choice.

Daiwa

Daiwa has been around since the mid-1950’s, and they’ve been making products in America since 1966.

Since they opened, they have been making some excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing gear. They make outstanding surfcasting rod and surprisingly, they have a whole product line devoted to carp rods and reels.

One thing that Daiwa does, which a lot of people appreciate, is offer accessories along with their rods and reels. For instance, their 12 feet Longbow rods all come with nylon carrying cases. They’re also better than average at providing support and replacement parts.

If you do a little bit of research, you’ll come across stories from fishermen about their excellent customer service.

They make a ton of different rods and reels, offering up specialties like ultralight trolling rods and huge electric power-assist saltwater reels.

If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s that Daiwa has so many products available it can be hard to pick through and decide what you want to buy. That’s not a bad problem to have.

Other resources worth checking:

American Sportfishing Association

The post 12 Best Fishing Rods Reviewed & Revealed (Hands-on Guide) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Surf fishing allows you to catch a wide variety of species, using different lures and baits, without the need to access a boat or pier. It is also a great way to combine family time with fishing time, as most kids love the activity (at least, for a while).

You might have to assist with casting and hook sets for young kids but that’s a small price to pay for the chance to introduce them to the world of fishing. Besides, there’s always the chance that they hook something particularly delicious or noteworthy.

But to have any reasonable chance of success from the shore, you need some gear designed specifically for the job. Start your gear collection by first selecting a good surf rod.

Because different anglers face different situations and prioritize different things, it is impossible to identify any single surf rod as the best for all situations. However, we’ve identified a few of the best options for anglers in different circumstances.

[toc]

The 6 Top Surf Rods Of 2021: Outdoor Empire Reviews

These are our top 6 recommendations for surf rods of 2021:

1. Best overall: Okuma Longitude Surf Rod
2. Best for the money: Take Tica Surf UMGA Series
3. Best rod & reel combo: Take Penn Battle II combo
4. Best for long range casting: Take St. Croix Mojo Surf Spinning Rod
5. Best for small anglers: Take Ugly Stik Inshore Select
6. Best cheap: Take Ugly Stik Surf Casting Rod

*Looking for a specific feature? Check out our quick-reference chart below:

Product	Tica Surf UMGA	Penn Battle II Combo	St. Croix Mojo Surf	Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning
Rod Weight	7.72 oz	(not specified by manufacturer)	6.2 oz	(not specified by manufacturer)
Line Weight	10 - 25 lbs	4 - 10 lbs	6 - 12	6 - 15
Action	Moderate Fast	Medium Fast	Moderate Fast	Moderate
Power	Medium	Medium Light	Medium Light	Medium Light
Cost	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. The Best Overall Surf Rod

Okuma Longitude Surf Rod

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If you are looking for the best all-around surf rod — one that will be versatile and come at a reasonable price without sacrificing quality — it will be hard to beat the Longitude series by Okuma.

It is available in several lengths (9 to 12 inches) and medium to heavy power, so there is sure to be one that fits your surf fishing needs. Every model includes a graphite composite blank for the perfect combination of strength and weight.

They also include stainless-steel hooded guides with aluminum oxide inserts, cork or cork-EVA grips and come in an easily transportable two-piece design. Both spinning and casting models are available.

PROS

• Traditional cork grips aid in securing a tight hold when wet
• Extremely sensitive for a large surf rod
• Come in a variety of lengths to suit different techniques or when targeting different species
• The two-piece design makes transportation hassle-free

CONS

• Large, heavy rod
• Long models can be a bit stiffer than some may like

If you are a surf angler with an eye for quality but a tight budget, the Longitude is the rod for you. It offers all the features you need, the quality you want and a price you can live with.

2. Best Surf Rod for the Money

Tica Surf UMGA Series

$182.00

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08/15/2023 04:27 pm GMT

Everyone would love to use a rod made from the finest materials that has all of the best features that money can buy but only few anglers have a couple of thousand dollars to spend on a fishing pole.

Accordingly, it is important to select something that performs well but lacks the exorbitant price tag of high-end rods.

The Tica Surf UMGA Series includes some great surf fishing rods and their reasonable price tags make them an incredible value. It includes rods ranging from 7’ to 10’ in length, and your choice of two different actions and three different power ratings.

Notable Features

• TC2 Japanese graphite construction provides an excellent combination of strength and sensitivity
• Lightweight blank helps reduce fatigue so you can fish for hours
• Non-slip cork handle is comfortable and highly durable
• High-quality zirconium line guides help increase casting distance
• Available in one- and two-piece designs

3. Best Surf Rod-and-Reel Combo

Penn Battle II Combo

$169.99

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08/15/2023 04:29 pm GMT

While most advanced anglers prefer a rod and reel separately, others (particularly those who just started with surf fishing) would rather just purchase a rod-and-reel combo.

This helps eliminate the possibility of selecting a rod that doesn’t work with a given reel or vice versa.

The Penn Battle II Combo provides anglers with the chance to hit the beach and get their line wet without having to worry about choosing among dozens of different rods and reels. Additionally, it is very affordable given the quality it provides.

Notable Features

• Graphite composite blank provides a great combination of sensitivity, strength, and performance
• Aluminum oxide guides withstand years of surf, sand, and sun
• 5+1 stainless steel ball bearing reel ensures smooth operation
• Available in several lengths, ranging from 6’6” to 10’
• Compatible with braided or monofilament line

4. Best Surf Rod For Long Distance Casting: St. Croix Mojo Surf Spinning Rod

Bulk of your surf-angling success depends on your ability to put your lure or bait beyond the breaking waves, where most of the fish congregate.

While technique plays a large part in casting distance, some rods are more likely to help you launch lures into orbit than others are.

There are few surf rods that’ll help you cast farther than the 12-foot-long St. Croix Mojo Surf Spinning Rod but you have to pay about twice as much to get this kind of quality.

Made with the same craftsmanship that St. Croix is famous for, you’ll surely love your Mojo rod the first time you cast it.

Notable Features

• Graphite blank provides unmatched sensitivity for detecting even the lightest bites
• Weight-saving surf guides help prevent fatigue and provide better rod balance
• Moderate fast action enables rock-solid hooksets even on the longest casts
• Custom X-wrap handle provides a secure yet comfortable grip
• Offset ferrules allow these two-piece rods to perform like a one-piece model

5. Best Surf Rod for Small Anglers

Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Rod

$59.95

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08/15/2023 04:35 pm GMT

Surf fishing presents particular challenges to those on the shorter side especially youngsters. A 5-foot tall person usually struggles to control a rod that is more than twice their height which can make it difficult to achieve suitable casting distance.

However, there are a few surf rods that are more comfortable for smaller anglers.

Ugly Stik rods are well-known for being both durable and affordable, and the Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Rod is not an exception.

Made in both 7’ and 7’6” lengths, this is great for those anglers who can’t comfortably wield the extra-long rods used by other anglers.

Notable Features

• Stainless steel guides feature a one-piece design to eliminate popped out inserts
• Graphite and fiberglass construction provides a great combination of sensitivity and durability
• Super-durable EVA grips are comfortable and lightweight
• Comes with a 7-year limited warranty so that you can purchase with confidence
• Clear-tip design improves sensitivity so you don’t miss light biting fish

6. The Best Cheap Surf Rod

Ugly Stik Surf Casting Rod

$59.95

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08/15/2023 04:40 pm GMT

While high-quality surf rods have usually been quite expensive, a few manufacturers have begun producing capable surf fishing rods for very reasonable prices.

The Ugly Stik Surf Casting Rod is a great example, as it is very affordable, yet it provides the type of quality serious anglers demand. In fact, the Ugly Stik Surf Casting Rod outperforms many rods that cost twice as much.

Made from a combination of graphite and fiberglass, the Ugly Stik Surf Casting Rod provides plenty of durability and strength, while still giving anglers the sensitivity to detect light strikes from small fish.

The Ugly Stik Surf Casting Rod comes in 10- and 12-foot-long models, in both heavy and extra-heavy powers.

Notable Features

• It comes with corrosion-resistant Ugly Tuff 1-piece stainless steel guides and durable EVA grips, the Ugly Stick Surf Casting Rod is built to last.
• Backed by the manufacturer’s 7-year limited warranty.

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Important Choosing Factors

There is a considerable variation among surf rods so it is important to choose one that works best for your circumstances. This primarily means considering three fundamental aspects:

Casting Distance

Usually, you want to get your bait or lure out past the breaking waves when surf fishing. The water past this point not only contains more catchable fish, but it is also easier to work your lure or bait in this relatively calm water.

But this means you need to be able to cast these often impressive distances and maintain some semblance of accuracy when doing so.

The two most important criteria factoring into casting distance are:

1. rod length
2. rod action

When all other factors are kept the same, a longer fishing pole improves your casting distance so most surf rods measure between 9 and 14 feet in length.

The flip side of this coin is that a shorter rod is easier to use and is more accurate; so as with every other aspect of angling, everything is a tradeoff.

Likewise, when all other things are consistent, those with slower actions increase your casting range. This occurs because slow action rods bend farther than those with faster actions. So the slower the action, the more help you get from the rod.

However, as with increased rod length, slower actions reduce casting accuracy.

Target Species and Size

You obviously need different gear to drag in a 400-pound blacktip compared to a 2-pound jack. Consider the species you are targeting before selecting your fishing stick.

The more specific you can be, the better. But you can have a good all-around surf rod by simply splitting the difference. Of course, you get peak performance by having specific rods but real-world considerations often require anglers to compromise.

There are a million exceptions, but the basic rule of thumb is to select heavier powers and longer lengths when targeting larger fish. The additional length and power let you set the hook more quickly and play big fish more efficiently.

But the longest rods are more tiring to use and they are difficult for smaller people to handle. If you are only fishing for small species, you may as well make things easier and go with a slightly shorter and lighter rod.

Preferred Baits or Lures

The type of bait or lure you like to use should also influence your selection. If you like to use lures, particularly light-weight plugs or small spoons, have a lightweight rod with a fast- or extra-fast action.

By contrast, if you like to chuck a 4-ounce hunk of lead and a 6-inch baitfish out into the water, you need a slower action and heavier power to get the best results.

You may also want to give consideration to the style of rod and reel you use, based on your preferred bait or lure.

For example, if you prefer to fish by repeatedly retrieving small lures and you are not comfortable tempting fate with hundreds of casts of a baitcasting rig, you may have more fun fishing a spinning rig.

You’ll lose a little casting distance in the process, but you’ll avoid backlashes entirely.

Final Thoughts

Any of the rods or combos mentioned above can help you catch more fish at the beach. Just be sure to consider your circumstances and preferences so that you can select the fishing stick suited for you.

Do you have a favorite surf rod? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

If you want to learn more about fishing rods in general, check our “Choosing The Best Fishing Rod & 6 Picks Reviewed“ guide.

The post 6 Best Surf Fishing Rods Reviewed (Hands-on Guide) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

The world of fly fishing gear is saturated with specialty items, especially when it comes to fly rods. The problem is, the more specialized it is, the more expensive it becomes.

Luckily, Redington flipped this concept on its head by releasing a fly rod that is both highly specialized and affordable — the Redington Classic Trout.

Outstanding Features

Redington Classic Trout Fly

$169.99

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08/15/2023 07:25 am GMT

What makes this rod “classic” and what makes it good for catching trout?

In many ways, the Redington Classic Trout is a throwback based on fly rod designs that were popular in the 1970’s.

Taper

These old-school fly pole designs, the most famous of which were developed by the R. L. Winston Rod Co., use what’s known as a “progressive” taper.

In essence, a fly rod with a progressive taper gradually and evenly increases in diameter and stiffness from the tip to the butt. This rod adopts the progressive taper design as a whole.

Action

The continuous taper of the Redington Classic Trout results to a rod that is remarkably easy to load for short casts.

As more force is applied during the casting stroke, the rod bends consistently deeper into the butt section, tapping into additional power to make longer casts possible.

Still, where the Redington Classic Trout shines is when making casts in the 20 to 45-foot range, which is where the vast majority of fishing is done anyway.

Its smooth casting performance is beneficial for new anglers learning how to cast.

Since the rod isn’t overly stiff, it’s easy to feel the load and unload as the casting stroke is performed, allowing the new angler to begin understanding the timing and rhythm of the fly cast.

Tippet

Dry fly anglers and anyone who fishes with light 6X and 7X tippets will find the soft tip of the Redington Classic Trout a serious asset.

When you set the hook on a rainbow trout that just sipped in your fly, the extra shock absorption provided by the soft tip protects your tippet and ideally keeps the fish from breaking off.

Although the Redington Classic Trout is a great dry fly rod, don’t hesitate to tie on smaller streamers and nymph rigs. Just about any tactics used to catch trout in small and medium-sized streams and lakes can be performed with it.

Think of it as an all-purpose trout fly rod with an emphasis on close range dry fly fishing.

Components

The quality of the construction and components of the Redington Classic Trout is on point — much nicer than you’d expect from its price. The plain brown rod blanks aren’t the most eye-catching, but they do add to the classic feel of the fishing stick.

A custom machined reel seat, titanium oxide stripping guide, and premium cork grip function exactly as they should although they don’t have the same bomb-proof feel of higher-end components.

Specifications

Available line weights: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Material: Graphite
Action: Moderate, progressive taper
Number of pieces: 4 or 6
Grip Material: Premium cork
Grip Shape: Half wells
Reel Seat: Machined anodized aluminum
Insert: Rosewood
Rod weight: 2.9 ounces (9-foot 5-weight)
Rod Tube: Yes

Comparison to Similar Products

This comparison table is based on the 9’0” 5-weight fly rods of each manufacturer. 

Product	Redington Classic Trout	Echo Carbon XL	TFO Pro II
Rod Weight	2.9 oz	3.5 oz	3.8 oz
Action	Moderate	Medium Fast	Medium Fast
Handle/ Grip	A	B	A
Cost	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Redington Classic Trout vs. Echo Carbon XL

If you’ve been shopping around for an affordable trout rod, you may have come across the Echo Carbon XL.

It’s similar to the Redington Classic Trout in many ways, but there are a few important distinctions you should consider when choosing between them.

Moderate Action vs. Medium Fast Action

As mentioned, the Redington Classic Trout loads and unloads with ease for silky smooth casting performance. The Echo Carbon XL is also a smooth casting rod but has slightly faster action than the Classic Trout.

Echo describes the Carbon XL as having a little “zip in the tip” which gives it somewhat of a stiffer feel and makes long casts more attainable.

So if you’re looking for a rod that offers the most ease of casting, the Redington Classic Trout it is. But if you fish bigger rivers where longer casts are more of a regular thing, then the Echo Carbon XL might be a better choice.

2.9 vs. 3.5 Ounces

With today’s graphite technology getting better and better, fly rod weight — physical weight, not line weight — is not much of an issue.

However, if getting a lightweight rod is a priority, the Redington Classic Trout is more than half an ounce lighter than the Echo Carbon XL.

Final Verdict

Both of them are good trout rods that give you great deals for your money.

The choice between the two comes down to their action — do you want the classic smooth action of the Redington Classic Trout’s progressive taper? Or the potential for extra casting distance from the Echo Carbon XL’s “zip in the tip?”

Redington Classic Trout Fly

$169.99

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08/15/2023 07:25 am GMT

Redington Classic Trout vs. TFO Pro II

Another popular trout rod often compared to the Redington Classic Trout is the TFO Pro II.

There’s a minimal difference in price between them and both are built with quality components. Here are a few differences you should know about when making your decision.

Moderate Action vs. Medium Fast Action

What’s interesting about these two is that both have progressive tapers. The difference? The Redington Classic Trout is a moderate action rod whereas the TFO Pro II is a medium fast action rod that is more on the fast end of the spectrum.

So while both rods have similar casting characteristics due to the consistent taper designs, the TFO Pro II is slightly stiffer, requiring more energy during the casting stroke.

As with most things in fly fishing, there’s a trade-off. Although the faster action of the TFO Pro II allows you to cast further, it doesn’t load as quickly as the Redington Classic Trout. This can be troublesome for new casters.

Rod Tube vs. No Rod Tube

These days, you can count on fly poles coming with their rod tubes. But for some reason, TFO doesn’t seem to think rod tubes are necessary and the Pro II doesn’t come with one.

They do sell a rod tube, but it has an additional cost. With the Redington Classic Trout, a rod tube is already included.

Final Verdict

When it comes to quality of build and components, both fishing sticks are similar. So again, the choice comes down to action.

The smooth moderate action of the Redington Classic Trout is hard to beat, especially for beginners or anyone who wants an easy casting rod that excels at making casts less than 50 feet.

However, if you think you’ll need a little more oomph to get your fly out there, the faster action of the TFO Pro II could be what you need — you’ll just have to work a little harder for it.

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Rating the Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

This is based on a 1 to 5 stars rating.

Ease of Use

It uses a progressive taper so it is easy to load for short casts.

It isn’t overly stiff so it’s easy to feel the rod load and unload as the casting stroke is performed. This is beneficial especially for new fishers who are still getting the feel of the timing and rhythm of the fly cast. 4 stars for its ease of use.

Distance

Its rod tip is easy to shock when you’re casting a long line, making it vulnerable to shocking at distances more than 50 feet. This requires a smooth stroke to cast at long ranges. 2 stars are given for its distance.

Value for Money

Due to its affordable cost, it is usually treated like a beginner’s fly rod. But if you carefully consider its specs and features, both novice and experienced anglers are going to enjoy its specialized components and performance. 5 stars for getting your money’s worth.

Warranty

Redington offers a lifetime warranty. However, they have limitations or exclusions like incidental or consequential damages among others. Bottom line, terms and conditions apply. 3 stars are given for its warranty.

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The post Review: Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

There are a various casting techniques that you can use and it’s important to match it with the circumstances.

3 Basic Casting Techniques Every Angler Should Know

At the outset, you want to learn the simplest ways to cast before trying more complicated and difficult methods. By mastering these three techniques, you will be prepared for most fishing situations.

We used the clock face to reference the rod positions.

Overhead Cast

• Begin by reeling in the lure until there are about 12 to 24 inches of free line extending from the rod tip.

• With the spool free and your thumb on the line (if you are using a bait caster), or the bail open and your finger on the line (if you are using spinning gear), draw the rod back over your head until it points behind you at 10:00.

• At the very instant you reach the end of your back swing, start bringing the rod forward quickly. This helps load the rod with the weight of the lure, causing it to bend from the force.

• Release the line or remove your thumb from the spool when the rod is at 12:00. But be sure that you follow through and bring your rod all the way to 2:00 at the end of the cast.

You can use the overhead cast for just about any lure imaginable. It works best when you can cast well beyond the fish as it often causes a large splash when the lure hits the water.

Sidearm Cast

The only striking difference between a sidearm and an overhead cast is the angle in which you swing the rod – everything else is the same. A sidearm cast produces much less splash than the latter, so it is preferred for most fishing situations.

The difficult part of learning to cast sidearm is accuracy. It can be tough to place your lure in the ideal spot when you are still a beginner with the technique. But with practice, your accuracy will improve and you’ll be able to hit a tiny target when needed.

Drop Cast

A drop cast is used when fishing off a pier or other object high above the water. Fishing in these situations usually means that you cannot cast very far out so you’ll be limited to fishing directly below you.

It is pretty easy to cast straight down – you only need to open the bail or free the spool and watch your lure plummet. However, it is wise to slow or stop the spool before the lure hits the water to avoid a fish-frightening splash.

3 Advanced Casting Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basic casting techniques, it is time to learn a few advanced methods for getting your lure in front of the fish. Many require considerable practice to become proficient, but it is worth the effort to learn how to perform each of the following:

Pitching

Pitching is a technique for casting intermediate distances at isolated patches of cover. Here’s how it is done.

• Grab the lure in your off hand, and then point your rod tip down on the water.

• With a smooth, quick motion, the lure tip is raised so the lure flies forward. At the same time, you need to release the spool so the lure pulls the line free.

• Use your thumb to stop the spindle so the lure stops moving right before it hits the water, thereby reducing the splash created.

Pitching is used when fishing with jigs or soft plastic baits. It is often done along weed lines or overhanging vegetation near the shore.

Flipping

Flipping is a short-range method used to target fish in extremely tight spaces. Below are the steps.

• Release the spool and let out about 15 feet of line, and then re-engage the spool – this is all the line that you’re going to use when flipping.

• With your off hand, pull the line between the reel and the first rod guide. This allows the lure to swing freely from the end of your rod tip.

• Using a pendulum-like motion, swing the lure out toward the target, releasing the line from your off hand to allow it to fly freely.

Like pitching, flipping is usually done with soft-plastic baits or jigs. It is commonly used in dense weed beds and other types of thick cover when the fish may be spooked by a lure crashing into the surface.

Skipping

Skipping is a technique that is useful for getting your lure under docks or overhanging vegetation. It requires a sidearm casting method. But instead of sending the lure on a trajectory that keeps it a few feet above the water, you sling the lure right at water level.

When performed effectively, it will cause the lure to skip across the surface of the water. Many anglers use soft plastic lures, mainly stick baits, when skipping; and others use top water lures or crankbaits.

The only limit is your imagination and skill level.

Practice to Level Up!

Don’t let these various casting strategies overwhelm you, particularly if you just begun learning to fish. Spend a little time mastering the basic techniques and then start working the advanced methods into your repertoire.

While it is always helpful to have a variety of casting methods in your fishing quiver, some anglers may never need to learn how to flip or pitch, for example.

With time and practice, you’ll be surprised just how quickly you can learn these techniques. Before you know it, you’ll be using them on the water without even thinking about it.

The post 6 Fishing Rod Casting Techniques (Basic to Advanced) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

However, there are also times when it makes sense for beginning anglers to follow the footsteps of the pros, and separately purchase a wheel and a rod. It just depends on the situations you fish, your relative knowledge and other factors.

Guide Questions

Ask yourself these questions and let your answers guide your approach.

How much fishing experience do you have?

If you’ve never gone fishing or you only have a handful of outings under your belt, you’ll have more fun by simply purchasing one of the combo units available on the market.

In most cases, the manufacturer pairs the rod with a suitable reel that works well with it. This eliminates any guess-work of the equation and let you start catching fish.

Do you understand how to match a rod with a good reel?

You can’t just take any old reel, slap it on your pole and start fishing like a pro.

You have to match a rod with a wheel that suits it. This means understanding the difference between spinning and casting gear, including things like gear ratios and matching your lure weight and line weight with both the stick and reel.

Combo units typically spell out these decisions for you by simply printing the recommended line weight and lure size range on the blank.

Do you have a specific or general purpose for the rod?

If you intend to use the pole solely for trout fishing in small streams, you should probably put together a rod and reel well-suited for the task.

On the other hand, if you intend to fish for bluegill on a farm pond one day and then target catfish in a large reservoir the next day, a general-purpose rod and reel will work better than a specialized one that you have hand matched yourself.

Are you going to use this rod for an unusual presentation or fishing style?

Most rod and reel combos offered by manufacturers are designed to be functional for most common presentations styles and lures.

For example, most bass-fishing combo kits are designed to work adequately regardless if you are fishing with a crankbait, a topwater lure or a worm. However, these types of combos are unlikely to excel at any of these individual applications.

By contrast, you can create an excellent fishing stick and reel for any of these techniques by matching a specific rod with a specific reel.

Are you going to use the rod to catch other fish species aside from the ones intended for it?

If you are trying to catch a variety of fish, or you are only trying to catch some of the most popular freshwater species (bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish, among others), you’ll probably be fine going with a combo unit.

However, if you set your sites on more unusual quarry – maybe you like to drag a 60-pound carp from the local reservoir or perhaps you intend to catch peacock bass and bowfins – you’ll have better results by creating your own rod and reel combination than by using a manufacturer-packaged combo unit.

How much is the budget for your new rod and reel?

Anglers with limited budgets are generally better served by purchasing a combo rod and reel package. These packages are priced at slightly below the cost of the components if purchased separately, so this allows you to save a little more money in the process.

Additionally, there are only limited options available for budget-conscious anglers. So the difference between the reel that comes in a combo kit and the one you will personally select is minimal at best.

By contrast, anglers with much bigger budgets are able to select from a wide variety of rods and reels and are not typically influenced by saving $10 or $20 by purchasing a pre-selected combo kit.

What does your gut tell you to buy?

Although it seems like a frivolous consideration, happy anglers always trust their gut instincts — whether they are trying to decide which lure color to use or purchase a rod and reel combo or separate components.

The difference for most beginning anglers will be subtle enough that it won’t matter very much, while experienced anglers often already know they’d rather mix and match components themselves.

In both cases, the angler is best served by simply listening to that little voice inside their head.

The post Buying Rod & Reel Combo Or Choosing Each Separately? appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

They exhibit different actions, different levels of power and various construction materials, among other things. These influence how the fishing stick works and the best applications for which it is suited.

While these considerations receive their share of discussion, many anglers fail to consider the differences between one-piece, two-piece and telescopic (or collapsible) rods.

Though this is not as important as factors like length, action and power, they will definitely influence your fishing experience.

Here are the number of rod pieces that you have to consider before finally choosing one that best fits your fishing needs.

One-Piece

One-piece rods are the most common style available for all shorter sized classes. After all, 6-foot-long poles easily fit inside most vehicles and the average closet with ease. In fact, multi-section or collapsible rods are usually not available for shorter fishing sticks.

They are typically regarded as the most sensitive style among the three, and they often boast finer craftsmanship than multi-section rods do.

In most cases, serious anglers seeking a precision rod will elect to go with a one-piece for this reason alone. It is also important to realize that most tools – from rods to reels and lures – work better when they feature fewer parts.

Suited for:

• Advanced anglers for whom sensitivity is paramount.
• Anglers who don’t worry about transporting the rods to and from the lake.
• Anglers who are not detail-oriented, and may not take the time to ensure two-piece rods are assembled correctly.

Two-Piece

Most two-piece rods are manufactured in a way that they can be easier to ship, store and haul back and forth to the water. Most models connect via a small metal sleeve called a ferrule, located about halfway up the pole.

This connection is the source of a loss of sensitivity for the rod, regardless of how well-manufactured it is.

Nevertheless, high quality two-piece rods are unlikely to exhibit a drastic difference in sensitivity. Usually, beginning and intermediate-level anglers fail to even notice the difference.

Think Twice

Some anglers have experienced problems with two-piece rods when they fail to ensure that both pieces are fit snuggly together and are properly aligned.

If you fail to seat the two sections together well, the upper tip may fly off in the middle of a cast which may spook the fish that you are trying to catch.

On the other hand, if you do not ensure both halves are aligned properly, you’ll lose casting distance and prematurely age your line, courtesy of the increased friction.

Suited for:

• Anglers who use public transportation, a small car or a bicycle to access their fishing hole.
• Anglers who lack the storage space necessary to safely store a long rod.
• Anglers who prefer very long fishing sticks, over 7 feet in length.
• Anglers targeting very large fish.
• Anglers who will use it for trolling.

Telescopic or Collapsible

Telescopic rods collapse into themselves, enabling you to take your 8- or 10-foot-long pole and shrink it down to about 2 feet in length or so.

This provides obvious benefits for anglers who like to keep a rod in the car for impromptu fishing expeditions, or students who would like to keep one stashed in their back pack so they can get in a few quick casts between classes.

While portable rods often have worse sensitivity than two-piece rods do, they allow you to fish in a number of situations and circumstances that you may have otherwise missed, because you can keep the collapsible rod with you most of the time.

Suited for:

• Anglers who spend lots of time camping.
• Anglers who have very little storage space.
• Anglers who like to fish opportunistically.
• Beginning anglers who are unlikely to miss the sensitivity of one- and two-piece rods.

Choose Based on Your Circumstances

The number of rod pieces are definitely helpful when you are selecting the best type based on your circumstances. You should never be afraid to buck these trends and select the rod that you like the most.

Usually, casual anglers will catch just as many fish with a one-piece rod as they will with a telescopic rod; and pros will catch just about as many fish with a collapsible rod as they will with a one-piece, despite the one-piece rod being more sensitive.

No matter what your choice is, the most important thing is to think thoroughly of what you most likely need so you can stop shopping and start fishing!

The post One- Or Two-Piece Or Telescopic Fishing Rod – Which One To Choose? appeared first on Outdoor Empire.