There’s no denying the popularity of fishing throughout the United States. Research shows that, during 2017, almost 50 million Americans went fishing. Also, this hobby is popular with younger generations. One study found that over 60% of people fishing during 2017 were under the age of 45. Considering the popularity of this hobby, you might be thinking about fly fishing for the first time. Before you can do this, you’ll need to purchase fishing equipment. Here are three tips to remember before choosing a new fly rod.
- Consider Where You’ll Fish
Most people have a general idea of where they’re going to fish. You’ll need to choose a rod weight that’s applicable for where you’re fishing. Experts recommend using a 9 foot rod with 5 weight lines while fishing in lakes and creeks. If you’re fishing in smaller or more shallow areas, you’ll want to think about using an 8.5 or 8 foot rod with 4 weight lines. - Choose a Rod With the Right Kind of Flexibility
Another important consideration is to choose the right type of fly rod action or flexibility. You can choose from either a slow, medium or fast action fly rod. If you’re trying to cast your line far in windy conditions, choose a fast action rod. Many prefer medium action fly rods for their versatility. If you plan on fishing in smaller areas, it’s best to choose a slow action rod. However, these are all suggestions. Part of the fun of fly fishing is finding the perfect equipment. - Test Out Various Rods
Fly fishing is all about using rods and reels you’re comfortable with. If you don’t like the way your fly rod performs, try another one. With that in mind, it’s difficult to know what you like when first learning how to fly fish. Therefore, it’s a good idea to try out several types of fly rods. Also, don’t be afraid to switch out your fly rod reels. In turn, you’ll learn a lot about your fly fishing preferences.
In conclusion, it’s important to do your research before purchasing fly rods and reels. Keep in mind that no fly rod is complete without a proper reel. Your reel helps to ensure you’re able to bring in watch your hook catches. Therefore, it’s wise to purchase fly rod reels and other items from a reputable supplier.