| The art of fly fishing is a pastime shared by many | | | | Damping is a complicated subject but the simple |
| enthusiasts who escape to the shores of our oceans, | | | | definition is the rate at which the rod stops vibrating |
| lakes and rivers in the pursuit of these magnificent fish. | | | | following various types of motion. |
| Initially a technique used to catch trout and salmon, | | | | FLY ROD WEIGHT GUIDE |
| today's avid anglers have successfully set their sights | | | | FRESHWATER FISH FLY ROD WEIGHT |
| on pike, carp, big mouth bass and others. | | | | Bluegills, Rredears, Crappies, Pumpkinseeds 2-5 |
| If you are fly fisherman, choosing a fishing rod capable | | | | Grayling 3-6 |
| of accurate fly line control, momentum and distance is | | | | Trout (lake and stream) 4-6 |
| paramount. The correct weight, length and flexibility of | | | | Bass 5-10 |
| the rod in conjunction with the strength of the fly line is | | | | Steelhead 6-10 |
| the recipe for success. | | | | Salmon and Pike 7-12 |
| TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FLY ROD | | | | SALTWATER FISH |
| Fly rods are rated by weight on a scale from 1 through | | | | Bonefish 7-10 |
| 14, 1 being the lightest and 14 the heaviest. You will | | | | Tarpon 9-12 |
| need a heavier rod for larger fish however weight is | | | | Mahi-Mahi, Dolphin, Dorado 9-14 |
| not the only consideration. Take into account wind | | | | Sailfish and Marlin 14 |
| conditions, casting distances and the size of your fly. | | | | Under extremely windy conditions and/or long casting, |
| CONSIDER THE FLEX OF THE ROD | | | | it is recommended to add one to the fly rod weight. |
| A tip-flex rod (fast action) is quite stiff and can cast | | | | BAIT |
| quite a bit further with the same effort in the hands of | | | | One major difference between regular fishing and fly |
| an expert fly fisherman. | | | | fishing is the casting weight. Regular fishing uses the |
| A mid-flex rod (medium action) is more forgiving than a | | | | weight of the bait to throw out the line. Fly fishing uses |
| tip flex rod and is an excellent choice for beginners. | | | | weightless bait and a weighted line. |
| You will sacrifice some power. | | | | Dry and wet are the two bait techniques used in fly |
| A full flex rod (progressive action) is targeted to those | | | | fishing. Dry flies float on the surface of the water while |
| who fish small streams and where long casts are not | | | | wet flies are placed just below the surface. The |
| necessary. The rod will bend more as the load is | | | | internet holds volumes of information, folklore and |
| increased. | | | | family secrets touting their fly fishing products. |
| DAMPING | | | | |