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Canadian Fly Fishing Equipment Article
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About Fly Fishing Rods
from: Maxx Sports GuidesA fly fishing rod is used to catch fish in the sport of angling. Fishing line is attached to a long, flexible pole or rod and one end of the line has a hook for catching the fish. Fishing rods differ in length and in action. They're available in lengths between 24 inches and 16 feet. The longer rods provide for greater mechanical action when casting.
Fly fishing rods are made to cast a fly and are long, thin and quite flexible. The fly is usually tied on with feathers, fur, foam, or some other lightweight material. A fly rod uses the weight of the fly line for casting. A "leader" is tied onto the fly line at one end, and the fly onto the other end.
The size of the rod you'll need to use depends on the type of fish you're trying to land, the water and wind conditions, and the weight of the line. Heavier and larger lines can cast larger and heavier flies. Fly rods are available in many different line sizes, from size #0 rods, which are used to catch small freshwater fish such as pan fish and trout, all the way up to size #16 rods, used for larger saltwater fish.
Most fly fishing rods have very little or no handle, sometimes referred to as a butt section. This helps to prevent interference in casting movements. A fly rod with a longer rear handle is called a spey rod. It's sometimes used for fishing in saltwater surfcasting, or for large rivers to catch steelhead or salmon.
Action is the amount of rod flexibility or stiffness in the rod. Slow-action fly fishing rods have the greatest amount of bend and are used to reel in smaller, lightweight fish. These are sometimes difficult for beginner fishers to control, but they also provide the most accuracy for short-range casting. Medium-action fly fishing rods are easier for new fishers to control. They have some flexibility, and the rod bends more in the middle and at the tip.
These rods can be used for short or long-range casting. Fast-action fly fishing rods bend at the end of the rod and are quite stiff -- they don't have much give to them at all. These rods are best for long-distance casting, and also for reeling in bigger fish. Beginners often find these harder to handle because they aren't as accurate as a short-action rod.
Many different companies manufacture fly fishing rods, but custom rod building is a popular hobby among many fly fishermen.
Canadian Fly Fishing Equipment News