Contents
- 1 Our Compilation 15 Best Fly Fishing Rods For Trout
- 1.1 1# Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod – Top Combo Package
- 1.2 2# Netangler Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combo – Beginners Choice
- 1.3 3# Moonshine Drifter Series Fly Fishing Rods – Top Performer
- 1.4 4# M Maximumcatch Extreme Graphite Fly Fishing Rod – Best Sensitive
- 1.5 5# Eagle Claw Pack-It Spin Fly Rod – Budget & High-Quality
- 1.6 6# Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod 4-Piece 9’ Carbon Fiber – Very Reliable
- 1.7 7# Wakeman Fly Fishing Starter Kit 8’ Fiberglass Rod & Reel – Best for Travel
- 1.8 8# Goture 4-Piece Graphite Fly Fishing Rod 9 Feet – The Most Compact
- 1.9 9# St Croix Mojo Bass Graphite Fly Fishing Rod – Premium Class
- 1.10 10# Orvis Clearwater Fly Fishing Rod – Best Rod You Can Buy
- 1.11 11# Okuma SLV Graphite Fly Fishing Rod – Best Universal Fishing Rod
- 1.12 12# Sougayilang Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combo – Complete Starter Package
- 1.13 13# Redington Vice Fly Fishing Rod – Classic Fishing Rod
- 1.14 14# Temple Fork Outfitters TFO Lefty Fly Series Graphite Fishing Rod – Wide Choice of Size
- 1.15 15# Topfort Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Graphite – Great Material
- 1.16 How to Choose Rod Length and Weight?
- 1.17 Why Fly Fishing Rod Combo Is Good?
- 1.18 FAQ
- 1.19 Final Verdict
If you’re new to fly fishing, buying your first rod can be a daunting task. Fly fishing is the most ancient and traditional way of fishing. Therefore, today there are thousands of different rods on the market, and choosing the best one that suits your goals and objectives is a difficult task. But even if you’re a veteran of fly fishing, rod technology changes every year, and figuring out which rod is the best today is very difficult.
To help you choose the best fly rod for you, we’ve written this guide, which covers everything you need to know before buying a fly rod. We’ve also compiled 15 of the best rods available on the market today and reviewed them in detail. Stay tuned and find out which models perform best in fly fishing!
Our Compilation 15 Best Fly Fishing Rods For Trout
Here are our top fly rod recommendations for successful fishing:
1# Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod – Top Combo Package
If you’re preoccupied with the task of not only buying a good fly rod but also a reel with tackles, then you won’t find better than this model. This kit includes a fly reel, 4-piece rod, case, line, line cutters, and a set of baits. Wild Waters is one of the top fly fishing rod manufacturers. This rod model combines affordability and high performance. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this rod will handle the challenge for anglers of all backgrounds.
This 9ft model is versatile and suitable for anglers who primarily fish in freshwater areas such as perch or trout. The rods are made of graphite with a strong IM8 base. These rods tend to cast long distances with powerful hits, but they’re also quite easy to control. They’re more geared towards beginners, as experienced anglers often already have a reel and all the accessories they need.
2# Netangler Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combo – Beginners Choice
Often, beginners have to choose not only a rod but also a reel, fishing line, lures, etc. This combo will solve your problem of choice, and you can immediately go to the pond. We’re introducing one of the easiest to use and simplest rods for beginners from NetAngler. A beginner angler needs to spend a lot of time learning how to cast. Right from the start, this rod allows you to cast tight loops even if you’re very poor at accurate casts.
Made of high modulus graphite, this rod is very strong and durable. We recommend you to use a moderate-fast tuning, as it is the most versatile. Another aspect that attracts novice anglers is its price. You get a very high quality and performance rod for a very low price. But the highlight of this model is that you get a complete set with a reel, a box of baits, a fishing line, scissors, and a carrying case. You don’t need to spend hours choosing a reel in the store, then picking a line for your combo. You just buy it and go fishing.
3# Moonshine Drifter Series Fly Fishing Rods – Top Performer
If you’re quite experienced in fishing and your goal is to get as much performance out of your rod as possible, then why not buy a rod that’s made for that? From an aesthetic point of view, Moonshine doesn’t look out of the ordinary, just a regular glossy rod with a cork grip and a reel seat. The whole secret lies in the structure of the blank. This rod has a tapered design, which causes the rod to bend more and more like the casting force increases. Fast and accurate casts are what this rod expects from you. In the right hands, this rod turns into a rod that casts equally well from 10 and 50 feet. Besides, the soft tip provides ample cushioning even for very light lures.
4# M Maximumcatch Extreme Graphite Fly Fishing Rod – Best Sensitive
Rod makers in specialty stores often raise the price of sensitive rods because they’re really good. But what if you want a sensitive rod as cheap as possible? We present to you the graphite rods from Maximumcatch. Despite its price tag, it works surprisingly well. Made from graphite, the rod curves very clearly and smoothly from handle to tip. Thanks to the high-quality tip and chrome-plated guides, the angler instantly feels even the weakest fish bites and can control the lure completely. A total of 12 different combinations and lengths of this model are available, ranging from 8’6″ to 10′. Many anglers, especially experienced anglers, find this model very attractive for its price.
5# Eagle Claw Pack-It Spin Fly Rod – Budget & High-Quality
Those anglers who have followed us for a long time know how good the Eagle Claw reels are. Well, they make rods just as well. The Pack-It Spin-Fly Rod is a great example of this because it not only performs well on the water but also has a proven manufacturer’s warranty. The lightweight 7.6 ft combo is great for fishing trout in small streams or rivers. The rod is made of durable fiberglass and comes in 4 pieces for easy portability. Finally, it features a sturdy EVA handle and smooth guiding lines. At such a low cost, it’s a big plus that the rod has such characteristics. Therefore, if you love it inexpensively and with high quality, then this is your choice.
6# Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod 4-Piece 9’ Carbon Fiber – Very Reliable
Many rods will surprise you with their quality or casting distance. But among them, there aren’t many reliable and durable rods. So we present you with a Piscifun rod, one of the most reliable rods on the market. This rod is quite long – 9 feet, available in four weights. It has a slow to medium action, medium flexibility, and an IM7 graphite design.
The IM7 version of the action may not be as flexible and whipping as the IM8, which is used in most modern rods, but the previous version was colossal. This is why this rod is so reliable. It also includes an aluminum reel seat and chrome line guides. This rod was originally designed for small fish like trout, panfish, or perch, but even if you want to catch something a little larger, this blank will do just fine.
7# Wakeman Fly Fishing Starter Kit 8’ Fiberglass Rod & Reel – Best for Travel
If you’re going on a fishing trip to some remote place, then in addition to a lightweight rod, you will need a convenient case for carrying your tackle and fishing rod. In this category, Wakeman is one of the best solutions.
This model is one of the cheapest, but it still offers great performance for your money and you also get a reel and a bag. The powerful 8ft 3-piece rod will allow you to cast more accurately and will prevent most of your false casts that usually happen with shorter rods. It’s not the best long-range casting rod, but it’s great for those casting roughly 20 to 60 yards. It has everything to slay the energetic bass or other fast species.
8# Goture 4-Piece Graphite Fly Fishing Rod 9 Feet – The Most Compact
Since most of the best fishing spots take a long journey, many anglers need a compact rod that allows them to easily navigate with it. Fly rods of yesteryear rarely surprise you with their compactness, but modern rods such as the Goture allow you not to worry about the rod being too bulky or taking up too much space.
While this rod can be split into 4 separate pieces that will easily fit into any travel bag, it works just as well as most two-piece rods. Made from 30-ton graphite, it evenly distributes the load and allows you to cast with the precision you need in rivers and streams. This rod also features an aluminum reel seat, chrome guides, and an AA grade cork handle. Besides, the manufacturer gives a 20-year warranty, so you can be sure of the quality of the rod.
9# St Croix Mojo Bass Graphite Fly Fishing Rod – Premium Class
St Croix provides excellent rods for anglers who are willing to invest in the quality of their fishing. This 7’11” rod is great for bass or other heavy fish. The rods provide a very compact course, and the graphite construction of the SCII allows you to feel every movement of the fish and make the most accurate casts. And of course, like all St Croix rods, they come with a 5-year warranty so you can shop with confidence.
10# Orvis Clearwater Fly Fishing Rod – Best Rod You Can Buy
5-weight rods, unlike others, are among the most suitable for trout and panfish. If you’re looking for a rod just for this fish, we recommend Orvis Clearwater. The 5-weight Orvis rod is a great choice for these scenarios and is the company’s best model for freshwater. This 9-foot model is made up of 4 pieces and offers incredible casting precision, allowing you to accurately animate light lures.
11# Okuma SLV Graphite Fly Fishing Rod – Best Universal Fishing Rod
4-weight rods are generally considered the most versatile for freshwater anglers. Therefore, it’s better to choose a flexible rod that works well in a variety of conditions if you fish in deep waters with a variety of lures. Okuma offers you a medium-fast rod in various lengths that will allow you to accurately cast your lure wherever you want. The rod does an excellent job with both medium and long casts and works well with a variety of tackles.
12# Sougayilang Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combo – Complete Starter Package
If you want a complete starter kit with a quality fly reel, we recommend looking at the Sougayilang kit. It contains an excellent CNC reel, four-piece extra-light rod, line, lures, and a bag. The rod is made of durable graphite, making it great for fishing larger freshwater fish such as largemouth bass or pike. This compact graphite rod set will help you get even the most fighting fish out of the box. With the smooth running of the reel and strong line, this is easy.
13# Redington Vice Fly Fishing Rod – Classic Fishing Rod
To catch fast fish such as salmon, you need a very fast action rod with 8 or 9 weights. This allows you to set up powerful hooks and better control the fish. You also need a fairly long rod that will allow you to make powerful casts even in windy or rainy weather. Readington meets all of the above criteria. It features great guiding lines and an aluminum reel seat to keep your rod as light as possible no matter the length or weight you choose.
14# Temple Fork Outfitters TFO Lefty Fly Series Graphite Fishing Rod – Wide Choice of Size
Many fly anglers love it when a manufacturer offers many sizes per rod. So you can choose the model that fits perfectly in your hands and will cast accurately and far. Temple Fork rods are some of the best in this aspect. The flexible and stylish blank design is perfect for trout fishing in mountain streams and provides a wide range of casting. And the high-quality cork wood handle will give you a secure grip so your hands won’t get tired on long fishing trips.
15# Topfort Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Graphite – Great Material
You may feel a little nervous when using a graphite rod for fear of breaking it under heavy load. Indeed, many graphite rods are quite fragile. But the Topfort combo is made of a very durable material that can withstand even predatory fish. You not only get a 4-piece 5/6 weight graphite rod, but also a great reel, carry bag, and loads of gear for your future mining.
How to Choose Rod Length and Weight?
The weight and length of the rod directly affect your casting performance. These are some of the most important parameters to look out for when choosing a rod. And choosing the wrong rod weight or length is unlikely to bring you the efficiency and joy it could have.
Line Weight
Each rod is designed to cast a line with a specific weight. If the line is too light for the rod, it will not have enough force to bend the rod for a powerful cast. Conversely, if the line is too heavy, it will bend the rod too much and may even break it. If you use the correct line weight for which your rod is designed, then you’ll never have problems casting and rod. The weight of the rod is always indicated on the handle.
We’re talking about how to choose the right line weight before buying a rod. How can this be done? The choice of line weight depends on only two factors: the weight of the bait and the weight of the fish. Of course, you rarely know how much weight your caught fish will be. Fortunately, the weight of the fly and the fish is almost always related, and you can guess roughly. Heavier lines will cast heavier baits and catch heavier fish. Lighter lines cast light flies for light fish.
Weight
We’ve divided all weights into groups so that you can understand more clearly what this or that weight is for:
- «0-2». The 0, 1, and 2 ultra-light lines are designed for the fastest and most agile fishing rods. Usually designed for the smallest fish such as trout, panfish, or small perch. The flies used with these lines are usually very small and lightweight. If you have a whole box of size 28 flies, then take a fishing rod with a size 1-2, if your lures are heavier, then it’s better to take a couple of sizes larger.
- «3-4». Lines and rods in weights 3 and 4 are still designed for light lures and fish and are used for light or light-medium flies for trout and panfish.
- «5-7». These are the most common and most versatile weights for trout fishing. 5 rods are currently at their peak of popularity because they can handle 95% of the cases you fish for trout. Weights 6 and 7 are also quite versatile, but they are more often used for casting large streamers and poppers in windy or stormy weather.
- «8-10». For marine species, 8, 9, and 10 are best suited. Sea bass, bonefish, and small or medium tarpon are the fish that rods with this weight do well. Also, these rods are used on rivers too, but mainly when fishing for salmon and steel heads, when there is a need for extra-long casts with a large and heavy fly.
- «11-13 and more». These super heavyweights are designed for big fishing. Weights 11 and 12 are for large tarpon, barracuda, amberjack, and other types of inshore. All sizes larger than 11 and 12 are used for offshore fishing when tuna, marlin, or shark are to be caught.
Length
If the line weight is a fixed parameter based on your target fish and flies size, then the length of the rod depends more on personal preference and skill. Each manufacturer usually produces a rod model in several lengths, such as the aforementioned Maximumcatch Extreme. Most of the 9ft rods on the market because they show the best balance of casting quality and accuracy. If you choose your first rod, then you’ll feel calm and confident with a 9-foot blank.
But there are times when it is more beneficial to take a shorter or longer rod. If you fish in a small mountain river on the slopes with constantly overhanging trees, then the 9-foot rod will constantly cling to the trees and you will be uncomfortable with it. In this case, it is better to take a rod 7-8 feet. But keep in mind that the shorter the rod, the shorter the overgrowth you will be doing.
Some anglers prefer 10-12ft rods when they need to keep the rod as far away from the bends as possible. Most often they are used to perform complex professional fishing techniques, as well as for two-handed casting. But as we said, 9-foot rods are the most versatile and easiest to cast and cast.
Rod Transportation
A 9-foot rod is the most convenient, but then a logical question arises – how to transport it? Tying to the roof of a car or carrying it in your hands, constantly clinging to trees and bushes does not seem very convenient. Therefore, almost all paddle rods are split into 2 or more pieces for easy portability.
Blank connection points (ferrules) allow quick assembly and disassembly of the 9ft rod, converting it into 4 compact pieces. You simply put these items in a case and carry them in your travel bag. 4 piece rods are now more common. You can find rods in two or three pieces, but this is due to their shortness. Six, seven, or eight-piece rods are very popular with anglers who often travel or go fishing to remote locations. But they don’t provide as good casting performance as 4-piece rods.
Why Fly Fishing Rod Combo Is Good?
A fishing rod is just a fraction of the equipment you need to fish successfully. After purchasing a fishing rod, you will also need a reel, line, baits, scissors, and a bag or carrying case. For aspiring anglers, choosing and buying all of these components can be a major obstacle to fishing. Therefore, many manufacturers immediately offer the purchase of all these components as a combo for beginners. They have everything a beginner needs to get started.
In most cases, this is much faster and easier than buying the components separately. The only problem is that the reel and line are of much poorer quality than what you can buy separately. But there are also exceptions. Although it will take longer to find and assemble your combo, it will yield better results in the future than buying a ready-made combo. But if you’re just testing fly fishing or just starting fishing, then buying a combo is a great way to get started. Many of the rods in our selection come in a combo with other components and are of good quality, so feel free to choose from our list.
FAQ
We have collected for you the most frequent questions that arrive in our mail, so now we will give you a complete understanding of fly rods if you still have any questions.
Final Verdict
It’s time to choose the winners from all of our rods on the list. All the rods below proved to be better than the others in one aspect or another, so we chose them as the best. But this does not mean that the remaining rods are bad, they just are as balanced as possible and we could not choose any better quality from all of them:
- Wild Water Fly Fishing 9’ Rod 4-Piece – Best Fishing Combo
- Netangler Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combo – Best for Beginners
- Moonshine Drifter Series Fly Fishing Rods – Best Performance on Water
- M Maximumcatch Extreme – Best Sensitive
- Eagle Claw Pack-It Spin Fly Rod – Best Value for Money
We hope our guide helped you and you are now better at fly rods and fly fishing. Have a nice fishing!
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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