The fly rod got its name relatively recently and is caused by the appearance of plug fishing rods. You can cast a rig using such a rod only by waving your hand, hence the name. Also, fishing rods may differ depending on the type of connection - they can be telescopic or plug-in.
A notable feature of such rods is the length of their equipment - it should be about 1 meter less than the length of the rod. This is due to ensuring comfort when playing fish and during fishing. With a long fishing line, it will not be possible to make a full cast, and getting the catch out of the water will be much more difficult. If you need to fish at a greater distance, it is better to take a fishing rod model with a longer length.
Flying rods can be from 3 meters in length to 12.5. Models with long lengths are very rare, but they do exist. As a rule, such rods have a thicker elbow attached using a plug-in method, which makes it possible to significantly increase their length.
What is a fly rod
Fishing rods similar in design to modern fly fishing rods have been used for a very long time, but the full-fledged concept was formed relatively recently. The impetus for the formation of the concept of a fly rod was given by composite bamboo fishing rods.
Later, bamboo fishing rods began to be replaced by models made of fiberglass, carbon fiber and composite materials. And the composite design has been replaced by a telescopic and plug-in design.
The first and main difference between fly fishing rods is the absence of guide rings and a reel
. They are caught using blind float rigs. True, some models are equipped with small reels that are designed to store fishing line. Manufacturers also install 2-4 small rings on the rod of the fishing rod for the convenience of the fisherman.
Light weight is the main requirement for fly rods. The lightness of such rods allows you to cast the bait accurately, a large number of times and for a long time. A high-quality fishing rod weighs 2-3 times less than a regular one, with the same parameters.
Hand comfort of the blank is a secondary but important feature.
This type of rod is most often used when fish are actively biting, as it is capable of providing a high speed of repeated casts
. This is the main feature of fly fishing. The fish must be fed generously and then very quickly caught from the fed area. This principle is the basis of fly fishing competitions.
With the right approach, a fly rod can be used to fish for many types of fish in almost any way. But in the classical sense, a fly rod is designed for fishing at high speed and with only one tackle
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Feeder rod rating
Buy gear in specialized departments.
Take the rod in your hands and look at it carefully. The form itself usually indicates the system, length, and recommended test. The large test number indicates the maximum weight of artificial bait that is acceptable for a given fishing rod.
Information on weight can be found in the accompanying documents.
Look at the rings. A sign of a quality product is inscriptions on the rings indicating their type.
The visual inspection can be completed; it’s time to assess the integrity of the form. A good stick bends in all directions equally, without any extraneous squeaking or rattling.
Then lightly swing the rod, stop the movement parallel to the floor. If the rod bends and touches the floor, then it is too whippy and definitely not suitable for a beginner. Choose the one that will freeze almost immediately after swinging.
To determine the formation, attach the bait to the top of the blank and observe. If after the load it instantly returns to its previous position, then this is a sure sign of a fast build. The top unbends slowly, which means there is a slow formation in front of you. A rod with the correct action will bend smoothly when a load is suspended.
Before you go to the store, it is worth studying the main characteristics required by the product. It is important to decide on the amount that can be spent on the purchase. Of great importance are:
- conditions of the area where fishing is planned;
- the distance to which it will be necessary to cast the fishing rod;
- size and type of bait.
Most gear is similar in appearance, but the properties are very different. Beginners should take a closer look at universal models. Their length usually does not exceed 2 or 3 meters, and additional weights are possible from 5 to 25 g.
All-rounders do an excellent job in areas with average parameters, but over time, even an amateur understands that his collection should have several different fishing rods. They will meet different requirements of weather conditions and fishing location - from a boat, shore or bridge.
For large bodies of water, separate mechanisms have been invented with a rod length of 1.8-2 m. If fishing is expected from the shore, then longer equipment is selected.
It is also important to take into account that it will be difficult for a beginner to use light varieties - they do not fly far, a certain skill is required when casting or a special weighting agent. A good budget spinning rod should be selected based on its user-friendly design.
- telescopic - when folded, it takes up minimal space, but is more fragile to handle;
- plug-in - suitable for those who live near water; it is difficult to fold and transport to the right place.
The base material is important. Fiberglass is one of the most common. It is not too expensive and does not require special care, but it weighs a lot. If you use a product made from such raw materials often and for a long time, your hands will get very tired.
Composite models have an average level of rigidity, are cheaper and work well with most fishing techniques. Carbon fiber - the most lightweight in terms of weight, but not easy to handle.
Producing a good fishing rod is a piece of cake. It does not use electronics, nor does it use any patented technologies. Therefore, do not be surprised that there are dozens of fishing rod manufacturers in every country.
Of course, their products rarely become so popular that there is demand at least in a neighboring country.
It is impossible to recommend sticking to a specific manufacturer - it turns out that in the assortment of each of them there are very good fishing rods, and those products that you should not spend money on buying.
Here are just a few of the most popular brands in our country:
- Shimano
- Salmo
- Maximus
- Pontoon-21
- Black Hole
But you should pay attention not only to their products. Many other companies can boast of high-quality spinning rods and fishing rods.
Fishing rods are a fundamental tool, the choice of which determines the method of fishing and, of course, its final success.
With the development of amateur and sport fishing and the advent of modern materials that make it possible to give a fishing rod a lot of positive qualities that make fishing a comfortable experience, manufacturers began to produce lines of specialized gear designed specifically for a specific method of fishing. The classification of fishing rods currently covers the needs for catching both peaceful and predatory fish.
The fisherman faces only one pressing question - how to most effectively choose a fishing rod for fishing. It is especially difficult to choose a fishing rod for a beginner who does not have sufficient practical fishing experience.
After all, fishing stores with a wide range of gear offer even an experienced fisherman difficulty in selecting effective gear.
We will also discuss the main elements of equipment that ensure the specifics of fishing for each presented method of fishing, give guidelines for the most popular and reliable manufacturers of gear and discuss the nuances of storing fishing tools.
For each method of open water fishing, there are certain types of fishing rods for summer fishing.
They differ in their design and basic performance characteristics, depending on the use of bait and the method of supplying the bait to the fishing area.
Let's move on to considering the types of fishing rods based on their classification, which will give the fisherman the opportunity to even visually differentiate gear for fishing in different areas of hunting.
Float rods
This type of tackle includes fly fishing rods, Bolognese fishing rods, match fishing rods and plug fishing rods. The listed types of rods allow you to successfully fish with float rigs at various distances and with varying degrees of accuracy in delivering bait to a promising fishing point.
Bolognese tackle is universal in this regard. This type of fishing tool has built-in guide rings along the entire length of the blank and is equipped with a spinning reel, which facilitates accurate and long-distance casting and fishing for fish of various sizes.
Plug tackle is distinguished by its particular precision in delivering bait to a specific place. Also, due to the design features, and in particular the supply of the quiver tip with feedergam, the fishing rod makes it possible to fish with particularly thin rigs and hunt for cautious and not very active fish at distances from 9 to 20 meters from the coastline.
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Fly rod
This type of fishing rod is classified as the most common and simplest type of float tackle in structure. You can safely call a fly rod a fishing rod for beginners.
After all, it is with the classic swing that a large number of anglers begin their acquaintance with fishing. The operating principle of the tool is based on feeding the bait into the fishing zone by swinging the form, to which a float rig is attached to the blind.
The fishing rod allows you to catch fish of different sizes near the shore or boat at a distance of up to 8–10 meters.
Feeder
These types of fishing rods are designed for bottom fishing using feeding troughs. The characteristics of the gear allow long-distance casting and landing of large fish, over 100 meters with certain equipment. Special types of rigs have been developed for the type of fishing, the contact of the fish with the bait is transferred to a particularly sensitive quivertype of the tackle form.
Match
Match gear differs from other designs in the ability to supply bait by long-distance casting of a float.
When producing this type of tackle, the manufacturer scrupulously balances the capabilities of the blank material and its length to achieve long-distance casting without particularly heavy installation.
The method of this type of float hunting helps to catch cautious fish at long distances from the shore, regardless of its mass.
Fly fishing rod
A specific and thin type of gear that the manufacturer makes for catching surface fish with light baits of artificial and natural origin, supplied to the fishing zone on special cords, the discharge and reeling of which is carried out by means of an inertial reel. The choice of a rod based on its length and the reliability of the form is carried out based on the trophy planned for catches.
The technique of working with this specific tool requires a stable skill, which is achieved by anglers as a result of fly fishing practice.
When choosing a fishing rod for beginners, special attention will be paid to weight, since dynamic fly fishing, coupled with training, greatly tires the fisherman’s hands, and a heavy blank does not contribute to quickly mastering the technique of delivering a light bait to a certain area.
Spinning
A popular hunting tool for anglers seeking to have predatory fish in their results. Spinning rods are distinguished by a wide range of products with different performance characteristics, directly dependent on the material of the blank and its elasticity capabilities.
Good fishing rods of this type allow the fisherman to carry out all kinds of animation of artificial baits at various distances of their presentation, making the game similar to the natural food objects of predatory fish, which is the principle of spinning hunting. In any spinning rod, the lightness of the material and the ergonomics of the handle or butt of the fishing rod are valued.
With this method of catching a predator, the tool is constantly at work, in the hands of the spinner, and the comfort of fishing is determined by these important factors.
A planned fishing strategy will help you select a fishing tool.
At the same time, it is important to know what kind of bait you need to use and under what weather conditions you will have to catch the trophy. Important nuances of equipment and installation of gear that affect the final result of the planned fishing session may depend on these criteria. We will try to explain in the continuation of the material which fishing rod to choose for guaranteed hunting success.
Choosing a fly rod
Fly fishing rods are usually classified based on the type of fishing. Among fishermen, three types are considered generally accepted:
- standard fishing rods;
- bleak rods;
- powerful fishing rods for carp fishing.
Standard rods
This class of rods is the most common and is used by fishermen very often. The length of standard fly rods can reach an impressive 13 meters. As a rule, this is a medium-power fishing rod designed to catch medium and small fish.
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The whip of such a fishing rod visually looks very thin and many fishermen may think that it will break under the weight of even a small fish. But this is not true at all. The specific structure and strength of the materials used in production make it possible to catch fish weighing up to 5 kilograms with such a fishing rod.
Bleak fishing rods
Bleak fly rods owe their name to sport fishing. This name can be explained very simply - this type of fishing rod is used in competitions where the main object of fishing is the ulkeika.
But this in no way means that it is prohibited to catch other fish on them. This type of rod is suitable for fishing for any small fish.
. Typically, the length of such fishing rods ranges from 1 to 4 meters, and the weight is very small and the thickness of the whip is simply miniature. The handles of such fishing rods are thickened to 30 centimeters, this is done to ensure the comfort of the fisherman. This type of fishing rod is produced in both plug-in and telescopic versions.
Powerful carp rods
Carp fly rods have not become widespread in the vast expanses of our vast homeland. Typically, such fishing rods differ from other types in their impressive length, which ranges from 7 to 14 meters.
The weight of such fishing rods is relatively large, so it is very difficult to fish while constantly holding a powerful rod in your hands; for carp fishing with a fly rod, anglers use special stands. Carp fly rods are used for fishing for large and strong fish.
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Fly rod equipment
The equipment of a fly rod is carried out taking into account the characteristics of the reservoir and the behavior of a certain type of fish. It is advisable to provide several types of fishing rod equipment and apply the best option on the reservoir. To quickly replace equipment, you should use a carabiner that is attached to the connector.
The main components of the fly rod equipment are:
• Line, the length of which is selected to match the length of the fishing rod used. The optimal option is a 20-30 cm discrepancy with the length of the rod, up or down;
• Float;
• Sinker;
• Leash with hook.
Fastening the fishing line
Fishermen began using fly gear for quite a long time and during this time they came up with many improvements, one of them was fastening the fishing line. The fishing line can be attached to the fly rod in two ways:
- using a special latch;
- no shock-absorbing or shock-absorbing end switch.
Latch
Structurally, the latch has a very simple structure - it is an ordinary plastic tube with a slot, and a fishing line is passed through the slot. This latch is fixed on the tip of the rod with a rigid fastener. Also, a second tube with a larger diameter is put on the whip, which secures the first latch.
Such a latch can be bought at any fishing store or market. Self-manufacturing of such a structure usually causes difficulties for fishermen, since the process is quite complex. So it’s better not to start making it yourself, and if you can’t buy such a retainer, then it’s better to use another option.
End cap
The fly rod can be equipped with a limit switch. End switches are usually divided into two types, based on their design features. Anglers differentiate between shock-absorbing and non-shock-absorbing fly rod ends.
- The shock-absorbing end cap is made from a piece of rubber, which is then wrapped with nylon thread. Typically, this part of the tackle is about 40 - 100 millimeters long, and its diameter is only 2 millimeters. The fastening is a nylon thread, pre-treated with glue. A knot is tied at the end of this device. Then, for greater reliability, fishermen treat the knot and the attachment point to the rod with varnish.
- The end cap without a shock absorber is fixed on the rod in the same way, its only difference is its shorter length, it is only 20-30 millimeters. Yes, and it is not necessarily made of rubber; even a thin nylon cord can be used for production.
Construction of fly rods
The structure of the fly rod has some differences from the spinning rods we are used to. Each spinning rod system has its own advantages, suitable for fishing in certain conditions and using the necessary gear, but with the swing, things are somewhat different.
Hard system
The rigid structure of the fly rod is considered its advantage; with this structure, only the 3 upper bends of the blank are bent. This advantage is due to the fact that you need to hook fish with this method of fishing very quickly, but not with a too powerful poke.
Soft tuning
With a soft action, the whole rod will sag during the hook, therefore, it will be a little late. A soft action also does not contribute to casting, it will only interfere. A soft fishing rod with a long length somewhat resembles a snot, which is extremely difficult to stop at the surface of the water while casting. Often, after casting, a stick with a soft action will hit the water.
With a rigid rod you can swing it well and prevent it from hitting the water after casting.
Which fly rod to choose depending on the action
If you are going to catch small fish, such as roach, bleak, silver bream, dace, fast and medium-fast action rods are perfect for you. In order to determine the action, ask the store consultant to lay out the rod for you and load its tip, and if your first, or maximum second knee is bent, then this is a fast action rod, if half of the rod is bent, then it is a medium action form, but if it is bent along the entire arc, almost to the butt, then this is a slow action rod. Medium action rods are well suited for catching crucian carp, bream, podust, and large rudd.
Slow action rods are designed for catching large fish, as they allow you to evenly distribute the load along the entire length of the blank. Using these rods, you will not be tormented by the question of how to catch trophy carp , carp, silver carp. But again, it is necessary to take into account the fishing conditions, if there are a lot of obstacles around (snags, a wall of reeds or other aquatic vegetation), then with such a fly rod we will not be able to control the fishing process and the fish will go into the thickets and break off the tackle.
Rod weight
The weight of the fly rod is taken into account by fishermen first of all, and this indicator is the most important when choosing a fishing rod. Weight directly depends on the materials used in production, and the power and reliability of the form depends on them. Most often, fishing rods are made from the following materials:
- fiberglass;
- carbon fiber;
- composite materials (a mixture of previous materials in different ratios).
Fiberglass fishing rods
Fiberglass is not the best material for making such fishing rods. Fiberglass blanks are soft, and their weight will be very large. As a rule, fishermen use such fishing rods up to 6 meters long. Short fishing rods can be used, but long ones will be extremely inconvenient to use.
Rods made of composite materials
These are combined fishing rods that combine only the best qualities of fishing rods made from certain materials. The weight of such rods is relatively small. Fishermen recommend using composite blanks up to 7 meters long.
The percentage of carbon fiber in a fishing rod determines its quality. The higher the amount of carbon fiber, the lower the weight of the rod. But manufacturers refuse to indicate the carbon fiber content of fishing rods and you have to choose them based on your own senses.
Carbon fiber fishing rods
The rigidity of such fishing rods is relatively high, and the weight is light. But the negative factor is the huge number of fakes. Based on this, you need to independently evaluate the quality of the fishing rod or find this model in the catalog, where all the data about it is indicated.
Rating of the best models
A high-quality fly rod must be light in weight and strong enough to allow multiple casts. When compiling the rating of fly rods for 2021, we selected only proven and best models. All these models have been tested by fishermen for many years and deserve attention.
Black Hole River Hunter
Average cost: $57.
This model of fly rod tops the ratings of budget fishing rods for beginner fishermen. A reliable and durable blank, which is made of graphite and has a fast action. The weight of this model is quite large, but for such a price it is quite acceptable.
Kaida Fortexa Spark
Average price: $85.
Chinese fly fishing rod, which is relatively cheap, but the quality is appropriate. This form does not compete with professional models, but in its price range it occupies far from the last positions. Due to the very fast action of the fishing rod, you should not use heavy tackle.
It is worth paying attention to all parts of the fishing rod when purchasing. Since the model is made in China, the percentage of defective forms is very high, so it’s simply impossible to do without a thorough inspection when purchasing.
Shimano Catana BX TE 2-500
The average cost of this model of fly rod is $95.
The legendary Katana from Shimano, which is made of carbon. Thanks to the use of carbon fiber in manufacturing, the blank turned out to be very light and is practically not felt in the hand while fishing. For small fish this rod will be ideal. True, the soft action of the rod does not contribute to the forced landing of fish.
Norstream Holiday
The average price tag for a fishing rod is $55.
Inexpensive but high quality rod. A balanced and lightweight blank allows you to fish comfortably. The main purpose of the fishing rod is medium-sized fish when using light tackle. The rod has one drawback - a fragile tip. This drawback can be easily eliminated by additionally treating the whip with glue. The low cost makes itself felt, but it's worth it.
Daiwa Powermesh
The average price is $77.
Tough, durable and responsive rod. Despite the rigid action, with such a fishing rod you can easily cast light baits. True, the lower elbow has a very large diameter, but at this price it is stupid to consider this a disadvantage.
Volzhanka Modern
The average cost is $40.
A lightweight, flexible and cheap rod of good quality. Casting and hooking fish with this rod is simply perfect. While fishing, you will be able to feel every jerk of the fish with your hand. A high safety margin allows you to use the fishing rod with confidence, and you are not afraid that it will break when catching a trophy specimen.
Sabaneev Evolution
Price: $195.
Powerful, tough and reliable rods that are known to many fishermen. This is a sports line of blanks that are durable and rigid. With such a fishing rod you can easily catch medium and large fish with heavy and medium-weight tackle.
Black Hole Galaxy
The average cost is about $95.
Most often, fishermen use rods 7 meters long and leave only positive reviews about them. Durable graphite, which was used in production, allows you to successfully catch fish weighing less than 3 kilograms. The rod has a rigid action, but its whip is very sensitive. Despite its small diameter it is relatively durable.
Milo Relix 2000
The model costs $165.
The price to quality ratio of this fishing rod model is simply stunning. The diameter of the rod is very small, and its weight is corresponding. Excellent balancing of the model makes problems during fishing impossible. Most often, such forms are used for fishing for fish weighing up to 2 kilograms.
Tica Triumph Carbon
For such a fishing rod you will have to pay 35 dollars.
The Tica Triumph Carbon fly rod is very popular among anglers. The flexible whip and fast action allows you to expand the scope of use of this series of fishing rods. A very good rod, especially considering the ratio of its price and quality.
Criterias of choice
Let's look at some tips to help you choose the right option:
- Size. The shorter the fishing rod, the more convenient it is to use. This indicator affects not only convenience, but also the casting distance, as well as the process of landing prey.
- Power. For small prey, a light option is suitable, for larger fish - a medium or heavy class. When choosing, it is worth remembering that the weight of the fish in the water is less than it will be after you pull it out of the water. There are three options in total:
- light rod - for a float no higher than 2 g;
- medium - can withstand a float weighing up to 250 grams;
- heavy - for floats over 300 g;
- especially heavy - suitable for fishing for large fish, it is used only by professionals.
- Build. The rigidity of the product is also important when choosing. In models with a fast action, only the tip of the fishing rod bends; with a medium-fast action, 2 upper legs are bent; with a medium-fast action, half of the fishing rod is bent; a slow action ensures bending to the shape of a ring.
- Form material. Most often, four types of material are used in production:
- Fiberglass. It is durable and inexpensive.
- Carbon fiber. Light and rigid material, requires careful handling, may not be suitable for beginners.
- Composite Collected all the best qualities of the previous two options. Lightweight, yet tough and durable.
- Bamboo. A natural material that is extremely rare, it is gradually being replaced by all previous options.
- Number of knees. This indicator affects the strength, load distribution, compactness of the gear and the ease of its transportation.
- Rings. The material of the rings must be modern, durable and reliable. Models without rings require some skill to use, this should be taken into account when purchasing.
- Where can I buy. You can purchase such a product in a regular fishing store, or order it online in an online store. When ordering online, look at how much the same model costs on different resources and choose the one that suits you. Be sure to check quality certificates from sellers and the integrity of the product before purchasing. When ordering online, check the photo on the website with what was delivered to you.
- Manufacturers. The question often arises as to which option is better to buy: domestically produced or foreign. Most well-known brands are foreign, but the quality of products from Russian companies is no worse, and in terms of cost, they often even win.
- Popularity of models. Popular products are not always the best; when choosing fishing rods, you need to pay attention to the main characteristics of the product, and not be guided only by popularity.
- Price. The best option for float fishing can be selected in a price range of up to 17,000 rubles. Budget options have the low performance required for high-quality fishing; such options are suitable for beginner fishermen who are just starting to fish.
- Functional. It is not worth purchasing a product with a function that you will not use (various additional features). A product with an extended package will cost more, and there is no point in overpaying for unnecessary functions. For a beginner, it is better to choose a fishing rod up to 4 meters long, with a reel. This option is universal, suitable for different fishing conditions and for different sizes of prey.
