Fly fishing is an angling method where an angler uses a lightweight rod, also known as an artificial rod, to catch fish. Fly fishing requires special angling skills, and it is different from other fishing methods. Over the years, fly fishing become very common in the USA, and nearly 4 million people do fly fishing in their spare time.
Fishing rods and spinning reels play a vital role in ultimate success or failure in fly fishing. You have to make sure your fly fishing pole is capable of tolerating the kind of fish you plan on catching. Furthermore, you have to ensure that the fly fishing rod has an excellent built quality to increase the life cycle of the rod.
As an angler, you may find it very difficult to choose the best fly fishing rods as there are so many rods available in the market. Moreover, the use and performance of fly fishing rods depend on different situations and sizes of the fish that you will be catching. So it is impossible to determine any single fly fishing rod as the best for all situations. Therefore, we bring to you a few of the best fly angling rod options for anglers in different conditions.
Top Fly Fishing Rods in 2021 (Best Picks)
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10 Best Fly Fishing Rods of 2021
- PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
- M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Extreme Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
- Temple Fork Outfitters TFO Lefty Kreh Professional Series
- DRAGONtail Shadowfire 365 12′ Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod
- Orvis Encounter Rod Outfits
- Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa Fly Rod
- Moonshine Rod Co. The Drifter Series Fly Fishing Rod
- Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod 4 Piece 9ft
- Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod
- Okuma SLV Graphite 4-Piece Fly Rod
My Top Picks of the Best Rods for Fly Fishing
1.PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
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This is an excellent fly fishing rod and reel for anglers. This fishing gear includes a fly fishing line, fly reel, and a fly fishing rod. You will get a carrier bag and a fly box with this fly fishing rod. For beginner fly fisher, this is an excellent package because it’s a full fly fishing kit. You also have the option to buy only the rod if you already have the reel. This rod is made of composite graphite and carbon body for sensitivity and durability. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod is 8 ft. long and has a cork grip for an excellent grip. This rod is thin and lightweight, perfect for extended fishing hours.
Excellent build quality makes the rod very flexible for smooth casting. It has high-quality stainless steel chromed guide rings that ensure smooth line flow without any kind of friction or heat. This fly fishing rod has a sensitive tip for accurate casts. The reel seat has great construction, and it accommodates the reel firmly. The aluminum spool and stainless steel guide rings make sure you have an amazing fly fishing experience.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Durable aluminum reel
- Ultralight rod
- Carrier bag and a fly box
Cons
- Medium size
- Require Assembling
2.M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Extreme Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
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If you are looking for the best fly fishing rod at a reasonable price, then you should consider buying the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Extreme fly fishing rod. The best part of this rod is you can use this rod in both fresh and saltwater fishing. This rod is 9 ft. long which is a considerable size. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch is portable thanks to its four-piece design. This fly fishing rod is made of IM7 Graphite and 30T carbon fiber that ensure flexibility, strength, and sensitivity. The big tip design makes casting very smooth.
For a smooth and comfortable grip, this rod has a cork handle. The guides of this rod are made of chromed stainless steel for smooth line gliding. The reel seat is made of machined aluminum for the best performance. The excellent build quality ensures you can have at least 20% more strength than regular rods. This rod comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. You also get lifetime repair services for the rods from the manufacturer. If you compare the features of this rod with other fly fishing rods, it’s a bargain.
Pros
- Perfect for fresh and saltwater fishing
- One year manufacturer’s warranty
- Corrosion-resistant guides
- High-quality components
Cons
- Require Assembling
- A bit heavy
3. Temple Fork Outfitters TFO Lefty Kreh Professional Series
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This fly fishing rod is perfect for different types of water, including rivers, creeks, and large distances. It is a medium-fast fly fishing rod. TFO Lefty Kreh is made from an IM6 Graphite which makes this fly fishing rod very lightweight. The matte finish makes the rod very stylish. The reel seat of this rod is made of anodized hardware and braided graphite for excellent durability. It is a four-piece rod, makes it very convenient while carrying. Moreover, you can easily store this fly fishing rod.
This fly fishing rod has dot alignment for easy assembling. The lightweight feature increases its sensitivity to fish bites. The cork handle has a standard size, makes gripping very comfortable. The stripper guides of this fly fishing rod are oversized to reduce line friction and improve the speed. The best part of this fly fishing rod is; it is available in 14 different sizes, weights, and lengths to meet various fishing requirements.
Pros
- Sleek design
- 14 different sizes
- Easy to store and ultra-portable
- Red rod sock included
Cons
- Require Assembling
4.DRAGONtail Shadowfire 365 12′ Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod
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Tenkara fishing is different from the regular fishing style and the DRAGONtail Shadowfire 365 12′ Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod is the best currently available in the market. Tenkara fishing is a Japanese fishing style that does not require a reel to fish. If you are a beginner in Tenkara fishing, then you should target the small and medium-sized fish fist to develop your skill. This package comes with a complete Tenkara fishing set that includes a line, tippet, a lienholder, a fly box, a rod sock, and a storage tube. You will have the option to buy the rod only if you have the other fishing gear. Isn’t it great?
This fly fishing rod is made of IM 10 graphite, which makes it lightweight and very strong. You can easily handle the medium-sized fish with this fishing rod. The assembling of this rod is very easy; you can assemble this fishing rod within three minutes. This is a very long fishing rod. It is 12 ft. long and weighs 2.9 oz. DRAGONtail Shadowfire is a four-piece rod, so you can easily store it and can carry it in the backpack.
Pros
- Made of IM 10 graphite
- Non-slip handle
- Amazing casting distance
- Sleek and modern look
Cons
- Require new fishing skills
5.Orvis Encounter Rod Outfits
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Most of the experienced angler prefers separate pole and reel, while there are others who prefer the rod and reel combo. For combo lover, Orvis Encounter Rod Outfits Rod and Reel is the best choice as it comes with great quality and affordable prices. This package includes a fly fishing rod, fishing line, backing, and a fly fishing reel. The rod is made of graphite, and it provides great sensitivity, strength, and performance. It is a four-piece rod, which makes it portable and convenient enough to carry around.
Moreover, the reel comes with a stainless steel disc drag that ensures years of protection from surf, sand, and sun. To add its feature, this fishing rod has a premium cork handle that enables you to battle big fishes effectively. You can easily convert this fly fishing rod so both the right-handed and left-handed angler can use it. Orvis Encounter Rod Outfits are available in a size of 9 ft. So it will provide more casting freedom for you. The overall performance and features make the Orvis Encounter Rod Outfits a nice fly fishing rod for the money.
Pros
- Easy to store and ultra-portable
- Excellent build quality
- Affordable and durable
- A carrying case is included
Cons
- The reel is plastic
6.Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa Fly Rod
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Tailwater Outfitters is a very renowned fishing gear brand, and they have established a reputation for superior quality. The Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa Fly Rod is one of the best fly fishing rods available in the market. This rod is available in four pieces, and it ensures high quality and high performance. This fishing rod has alignment dots so you can easily assemble it. This rod is made of IM8 Graphite, which makes the rod lightweight, comfortable, accurate, and sensitive. This fishing pole is perfect for catching big fishes and from long distances as it is 9 feet long.
It has ceramic stripping guides, chrome snake guides, which are regarded as some of the best available in the market. These guides ensure smooth gliding fly lines. The cork handle provides a good grip while catching big fish. The machined aluminum reel seat ensures the durability in tough situations. Thanks to the four-piece design, you can enjoy the built and collapsibility feature in this casting rod. So you can easily store and use this rod without damaging it.
Pros
- Comfortable cork handle
- Alignment dots for easy assembling
- IM8 Graphite construction
- Ceramic stripping guides
Cons
- The tip can be fragile
7.Moonshine Rod Co. The Drifter Series Fly Fishing Rod
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Moonshine Rod is a very popular fly fishing rod manufacturer, and over the years they have produced some of the best fly fishing rods available in the market. This rod is strong and it is made from copper anodized hardware from top to the reel seat. This fly fishing rod is very sturdy and durable. Moreover, it is also lightweight and has good sensitivity. It has a high-grade AAA cork grip that ensures comfort and durability.
This fly rod is not too stiff, and it is sensitive enough to give you a good cast and action. The design of this rod provides great balance while fly fishing. It’s a four-piece rod so you can easily store it and can carry it in your backpack. This fishing rod is tough enough to handle all kinds of fishing like the lake, river, etc. The best part of this fly fishing rod is; it comes with a lifetime warranty. So if anything bad happens to your rod, you can take advantage of this offer.
Pros
- Copper anodized hardware
- High-grade AAA cork grip
- Easy to store and ultra-portable
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some beginners find it too stiff
8.Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod 4 Piece 9ft
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If you are looking for a really good fly fishing rod with great sensitivity, backbone, and action, then you should consider buying Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod. Both the beginners and experienced anglers will enjoy fishing with this rod. It has a sleek design construction that ensures un-matched sensitivity. It has a cork handle design that provides amazing grip and comfort. This fly fishing rod is available in different forms: 4wt-8’6”, 5wt/6wt-9’, 7wt-9’, 9wt-9’. The 9wt-9’ is best for fast action.
This fly fishing rod has well-made ceramic stripping guides inserts and chrome guides, and the casting rod is sturdy enough for an accurate hook set. The casting rod is made from IM7 Graphite that ensures accuracy and performance. It has a machined aluminum reel seat with double lock rings that provides sturdy reel attachment. This is a four-piece rod, which makes it very convenient while carrying. Moreover, you can easily store this fly fishing rod. Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod comes with a durable PVC rod tube that offers protection and durability.
Pros
- Good casting distance
- Hard fighting rod
- Available in different forms
- Machined aluminum reel seat with double lock rings
Cons
- Problem with the rod splintering
9.Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod
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This is an excellent fly fishing rod from Eagle Claw, and it is strong enough to catch medium to large-sized fishes. The rod is made of Fiberglass, which makes the rod lightweight yet very durable. All the components of this rod are high standards that include stainless steel guides, titanium oxide inserts, cork handle, and rigged hook keeper. This fly fishing rod is suitable for users with different skill sets. Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod is designed to provide excellent steadiness and power when fishing in all bodies of water.
The Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod has power ranges from ultralight to medium. This fishing rod is popular among the anglers because of its fast action, precise accuracy, and consistent bending. You can easily count on this fly fishing rod to catch big fishes. You can use different baits on this fishing rod. This rod comes in two pieces so you can easily assemble and use this rod. The wooden reel seat can easily accommodate any type of reel that you want to use.
Pros
- Made of durable fiberglass
- Very lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cork handle might break
10. Okuma SLV Graphite 4-Piece Fly Rod
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Okuma is one of the best fly fishing rod manufacturers available in the market, and their Okuma SLV Graphite 4-Piece Fly Rod is designed for serious fly fishing activities. They are made of four-piece IM-8 graphite, which ensures power and precision while fishing. You can use this rod in both salt waters and freshwaters. This rod is best for moderate to fast actions. This rod comes with an Okuma storage bag so you will carry the rod with you and store it anywhere you want.
Okuma SLV Fishing Rod has stainless steel guides with titanium oxide stripper guides to give more protection on the guides. These guides make sure that you have increased casting distance with minimum effort. Moreover, the reel seat is constructed from the aluminum pipe for sturdiness. The handle of this fly fishing pole has a cork grip that offers a firm grip while catching big fish. There is a limited manufacturer’s warranty available for Okuma SLV Graphite 4-Piece Fly Rod.
Pros
- Lightweight graphite construction
- Four-piece rod
- Stainless-steel snake guides
- Titanium Oxide stripper guide
- Okuma storage bag is included
Cons
- Short warranty period
How to Choose the Best Fly Fishing Rods
There are considerable variations among fly fishing rods, and they work differently in different circumstances. So not every fly rod will fulfill your requirements and worth the money. There are a few very important factors you should consider before buying the fly fishing rod.
Rod Size
Rod size is very important when you are choosing your fishing rod. You will find rods between 5 and 8 feet long. So there is a wide range of lengths available to choose from. Make sure you buy a fishing pole that is big enough, or ideal enough, for you to exert. Moreover, you have to select a rod that is appropriate for your height.
Apart from the rod size, you also have to think about the collapsibility of the rod and how you can store them safely for further use because you may find it very difficult to store something on your house that is too long. So it is wiser to buy a long fly fishing rod that is easily taken apart and put back together.
Rod Power
This is another important factor to consider while buying your fly fishing stick. Rod power means the strength of the rod or its lifting power while catching fish. Rod power ranges from light to heavy. Most of the anglers prefer the middle of the range at medium-heavy.
This is because the medium-heavy fishing pole provides the most versatile option for fly fishing. Moreover, you have to pick the right line while choosing the rod power. If you pick a heavier rod, make sure the line is also heavier; otherwise, there is a risk breaking fish off more frequently.
Reels
A fly fishing rod works best with the matching reel. Like the rod and line reels also rated by weight. So it’s very important you pick a reel accordingly that matches the rod. Marching reel, rod, and line ensure plenty of space in your reel for an extra line. But while picking the reel, you also have to consider the quality of the reel and your fishing style. If you have a light rod, then you should pick a light reel. For the larger rod, it’s wiser to use a heavy reel. It’s always best to buy a well-constructed fly fishing reel that matches the weight of your rod and line.
Line Guide
Line guides play a very important role while buying the best fly rod. Line guides are loops that bind your rod and guide the line outwards your prey. Though line guides may not have a substantial effect on performance but they do affect the cost of your fly rod. So it’s important you choose the line guide according to your budget. Line guides are generally made of stainless steel or alloy. Stainless steel line guides are cheaper than the alloys.
Beginner Fly Fishing Gear Guide
Final Thoughts
A suitable fly fishing rod ensures many hours of great fishing experience. Moreover, it increases the chance of catching a lot of fishes. Fly fishing requires skills and it’s harder than other fishing methods. Therefore, it’s important you pick a fishing rod that suits both your style and skill. The fishing rods we have mentioned above are the best fly fishing rods currently available in the market. Pick the one that suits your requirements.
Reference
- http://www.myplusinno.com/products/PLUSINNO-Fly-Fishing-Full-Kit_20.html
- https://www.maxcatchfishing.com/Maxcatch_Extreme_3_4_5_6_7_8_WT_Fly_Fishing_Rod_Combo_Fly_Reel_Line_Flies_Outfit_.html
- https://www.orvis.com/encounter-fly-rods
- https://www.moonshinerods.com/collections/the-drifter
- https://www.piscifun.com/products/piscifun-sword-4-pcs-fly-rod
- https://www.eagleclaw.com/flr-eagle-claw-featherlight-rods
- https://www.okumafishing.com/en/product/slv-fly-rod.html
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
