Making Sense of Fly Fishing Rods : Options and Applications

Dave Rothrock and John Kolb of the Ranting Angler discuss what you need to know to buy a fly rod. They discuss length, weight, action, and other important factors to consider when buying a fly rod. Dave has over 50 years of fly fishing experience in north central Pennsylvania. Dave’s long history of fly fishing, guiding, and writing give him a unique perspective on fly fishing and fly fishing gear. Dave loves sharing his knowledge of fly fishing with beginners and those wanting to pursue the wonderful sport of fishing.
Amazon Affiliate Links to Dave and John's favorite fly rods
Douglass Sky G (high end rod)
amzn.to/3zn5sEd
Douglass DFX (mid price rod)
amzn.to/3M44h43
Douglass LRS (low price rod)
amzn.to/3ZC3hr4

[@phhdvm]

for me, a 9 ft 7wt is the most versatile. I fish pike, bass, bonefish, and baby tarpon with the same rod. 4 piece to make it easy to carry on the plane adds to the versatility.

[@therantingangler]

Yeah that seems like a perfect rod for bigger game fish. Targeting trout, the 9’ 5wt seems to be the ticket.

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Very interesting video.

[@daverothrock8372]

Thanks for watching!

[@JB-tz9pi]

I don't think I can afford to fly fish. I been spinning most of my life with occasionally using live bait. Unfortunately only recently did I learn about action and power. I was blown away. I normally bought whatever Uglystick I could afford. Now I have a 9'6" Okuma rod that states moderate fast action and medium light power using an Abu Garcia REVO2SX40 reel. It serves me well on the Lake Erie shores and tribs and the wooded trout streams where I live. I never thought I would spend that much. How would i equate that to a fly rod if I were to get into it? It kind of stresses me out a bit as there seems to be so much to learn and very expensive.

[@therantingangler]

The best thing you could do is find a buddy or someone to take you out and use a couple of their rods for the different types of fly fishing. See if you like it and what rod you like. You can buy older rods on eBay, Facebook market place or get a cheap combo fly and reel combo. Best of luck!

[@jacobjanka7578]

I’m sure that you have already gotten into fly fishing by now but if not, trust me, you do not have to go out and spend hundreds on a rod. My first one was a 100 dollar rod and reel off of Amazon and I still use it and have caught hundreds of fish on it and it still serves me well. Don’t stress it too much and just get out there and have fun.