Believe it or not … when choosing a fly rod the biggest factor in deciding whether it’s for you or not may be the fly line you use to cast the rod.
Being the Owner of a Fly Shop, I’ve tried or fished hundreds of fly rods in the past 15 years. The line on the reel I’ve used while casting many rods has helped me make the decision of whether I would choose a rod for my personal use. There were many occasions when casting / trying a rod where I simply was completely “unimpressed”. Changing the line changed my opinion from “unimpressed” to “love-it”! On a few occasions, as I was learning about this great “obsession” of fly casting, I tried a different fly line on the same rod to discover the line choice often made a HUGE difference in how rod a behaved. As a matter of fact, in some cases I LOVED a rod using one particular line, and HATED it using another. Nothing can affect a rods performance, behavior and action, given the same person casting the rod, than the line.
My advice, if looking for a new fly rod, is to cast the rod with a line a professional can recommend for that rod. Most Fly Shop Professionals will know what lines work best with a particular rod. Also consider your personal preferences. You may be able to choose a line that may “slow down” a rod, a line which will not overlaod a rod if casting longer distances, a line which would be more suitable for short casting, etc.
Some examples of a few fly lines for Trout Rods and their differences / benefits are:
Rio Grand or Scientific Anglers GPX Fly Lines – Similar lines. We recommend these lines for fast action rods like Sage Z Axis or TCX or a Winston BIIMx or Winston BIIx fly rod. Both lines are best for fast action rods. Most fast action fly rods load best with a line like these. The advantage of these lines on fast action rods is that these lines help load fast rods quickly and more easily, and at most distances.
Rio Gold, Scientific Anglers Trout Fly Lines - Best for Medium Fast Fly Rods. These general purpose, high-end fly lines are great all-around lines for most rods, particularly medium-fast action rods. The newer Rio Gold is a favorite for Medium-Fast to Medium action rods.
Rio Trout LT, Scientific Anglers XPS, Sage Quiet DT Fly Lines – Excellent choice for medium to slower action rods, shorter distances, delicate presentation casting. Nicely loads a medium or slower action rod with a slower, more relaxed casting motion.
Of course personal preferences, type of fishing conditions, species and locations and casting style are most important in choosing a rod. But if you try a rod and it doesn’t seem to be exactly what you need or want, check the line and maybe try another … it may make a world of difference.
Visit us at A.A. Outfitters for all your fly fishing needs including Fly Lines. Visit us at www.aaoutfitters.com , call toll free 800-443-8119 or stop in the Shop in Blakeslee, Pa.
Gene Ercolani – Owner A.A. Outfitters
