One of the most basic decisions you will make as a fly fisher is the type of rod and reel you will utilize while out in the field battling massive trout. Having an intimate knowledge of the limits of your rod and reel will be instrumental in landing more fish and having a more fulfilled experience in the creeks and streams. There are multitudes of combinations of sizes and materials to consider when purchasing a rod and reel and what your hunting for and in what conditions will be a determining factor in your final decision. Whether you are hunting for massive tarpon on the saltwater flats or sneaking around creeks trying to land the delicate and elusive rainbow trout, the type of rod and reel you have is of the utmost importance.
Size Does Matter!
Typical fly rods and reels each have a number assignment that suggests the amount of weight and size line they will work best with. The larger the number, the larger the line, and hence the larger the species of fish you can target. Reels usually have a two-number designation such as a â…”, â…š, â…ž, ect. Rods will have a one number designation that you can then match up to your choice of reel. For instance, a # 3 rod will work for a â…” reel and a # 7 rod will work nicely with a â…ž reel.
I generally use a middle of the pack type rod and reel combination for using in creeks, rivers, and streams and then I lean more towards the heavier side if I am going to be fishing in saltwater. My current set up is an Okuma SLV 8/9 stainless reel strapped onto an Okuma Crisum Graphite 2 piece 8WT 9 FT Rod. The action on this particular combination is unbelievable and it is by far the best rod and reel I’ve ever purchased. Even though it is on the heavier side, I use this as an all-around combination regardless of if I’m fishing fresh or saltwater.
If you are new to fly fishing or thinking about diving into this awesomely rewarding sport, I would suggest purchasing a fairly inexpensive rod and reel combination kit available at most sporting good stores or on Amazon. These kits will usually include a medium sized rod and reel, line, and a few flies to get you started. Once you get the hang of casting and know what species you will be targeting, you can then choose a proper rod and reel combination better suited to your specific needs. I highly recommend the beginner combination offer by Martin, the Martin Complete Fly Fishing Kit. I have personally owned several and purchased several more for family and friends as gifts. I used it as my primary fly rod for years and I still have one as a backup to my current set up. It is set up with a 5 wt rod and a â…š reel, 5 wt line, and a combination of popular flies. It is durable and falls in the middle range of gear you can use for most rivers, creeks, and streams. The only downside is the reel does not have an adjustable drag, but what do you want for around $35?!?
Some Final Thoughts
I am not real big on name brands with regards to most areas of my life. To me, name brand mustard tastes the same as generic mustard. When it comes to fly fishing rods and reels though, you definitely get what you pay for. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and drop hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get a decent setup that will last you years and years, but extremely cheap setups will not cast as smooth or last as long as investing a bit more effort and money in finding more durable gear. I have a little over $100 invested in my current Okuma setup and it is quality rod and reel that I expect to last me for many years to come. I think I paid about $35 for my Martin Combination kit that has served me faithfully for years and is still my current backup setup.
Make sure you perform your due diligence and research the gear you are going to purchase. Check the company’s past performance and reviews of products. Pay special attention to their customer service and how they handle problems and returns. Buying a durable rod and reel will definitely be a rewarding purchase and it will serve you with years of fishing joy!
Originally published on Steemit
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