You can buy a fiberglass, graphite, or bamboo fly rod. The bamboo rods are very expensive and are seldom used by any but the most discriminating fisherman. Fly rods are much longer than other types and have to be more flexible because they cast the line, not the lure. Fly line is very thick so guides can be simple wire loops to save weight.

FIGURE 4-5

A fly rod.

Fly Rod Quality

Fly rods run from inexpensive fiberglass rods suitable for beginners to split bamboo rods that are collector items. They must have a slick surface so line doesn't drag on them and should be light enough to handle for long periods of time without tiring you out. You will constantly wave a fly rod over your head while using it, so keep weight and balance in mind.

The Reel Seat on a Fly Rod

The reel seat on a fly rod attaches at the very end to help balance the weight of the rod. To cast, you grasp the rod in front of the reel seat and strip off line with your other hand. The reel seat is usually a simple collar around the rod that screws down to push a ring tight around the seat. Except on saltwater fly rods and those used for big, hard-fighting fish like steelhead, little pressure is put on the reel.

Guides on a Fly Rod

Guides on fly rods used for smaller fish aren't as important since you fight the fish with the rod and there is not much movement of line across the guides. Alignment should be straight and close enough together to keep sharp angles out of the line when fighting a fish with a bent rod. Wrap should be snag free and the thread should be coated with epoxy.