Fly Rod Selection

Hopefully we're all effectively hinting about a new fly rod for under the tree. There are obviously many great choices in fly rods. Here's a couple of quick suggestions that might help you hint better.

Though they can be fun, short fly rods (7 1/2 feet and under) are often less effective fishing tools than you might have hoped. A 7 1/2+ to 9 foot rod, even in 2, 3, or 4 weight, is usually more versatile. Go short for sure if you often fish under a canopy of trees or if you just have to have that fun little toy but for most things a little longer rod makes more sense.

Fly rod action is one of the more muddled concepts out there. Faster or stiffer (for lack of a boring explanation on rod tapers and resulting action) doesn't necessarily mean better. Carefully consider what you'll be using the rod for. A fast action rod may help you cast farther but a little slower rod with a "classic" or "traditional" action will help protect tippets and help you to keep fish hooked. A fast rod is generally easier for a beginner to figure out but may not be the right choice for fishing short casts or small water. Study it out. If you want an all-around rod consider something that's medium to medium fast action in the appropriate line weight for the fishing situations you most often encounter.

Or if you're like me, just go broke and get one of everything because you're sure you need that extra rod.