Fly fishing or simply fly fishing is considered to be the pinnacle of fishing skill. Having caught a fish in this way once, you remain an adherent of this method of fishing forever. However, in our country fly fishing is not as popular as spinning or float fishing, for a number of reasons: on the one hand, it is quite difficult, on the other hand, the equipment is much more complicated here. However, is it so difficult to understand the equipment, how much it costs and what options are there?
Whether you are an experienced fisherman or a beginner, bestx.htgetrid.com/en/ has prepared an interesting overview of fly fishing and a ranking of the best rods for this fishing method for 2020.
Fly fishing
Fly fishing is a type of fishing with artificial bait, fly. Initially, this method was intended only for hunting trout or salmon, but now fly fishing is used to catch other fish as well.
This beautiful and graceful fishing method exists in fishing cultures around the world. In 1496 in England the abbess of the monastery Juliana Berners wrote a famous treatise on fishing. The book gave all sorts of instructions on fly fishing, descriptions of a dozen artificial flies imitating insects suitable for catching fish. In those days, feather, fur and wool were used to knit them on a hook. These materials are used today along with many others. The first rods were made of wood, and the cords were made from strands of flax or hair from the mane of horses, which were impregnated with fat or wax.
For a long time, this method of fishing was considered the prerogative of noble persons, along with horse riding and dancing, it was included in the list of mandatory skills of a gentleman. Fly fishing made a splash in the USA. The Americans removed the aristocratic halo from it and made it accessible to everyone. By the beginning of the 20th century, more than 2 million fans of such fishing were registered in America. Today the country is a trendsetter in fly fishing.
Figuratively, fly casting can be compared to the work of a shepherd's whip, where, thanks to skillful actions, the whip, and in this case, the bait reaches a certain place that we need. Although fly fishing looks more delicate and beautiful than working with a whip
Fly fishing tackle includes a rod with guides, an inertial reel, a special line and various lures.
Fly Rod Specifications
The main element is the rod. When choosing it for yourself, pay attention to several important characteristics:
- the size;
- class;
- system;
- pass rings;
- handle.
The size
Devices are two-handed and one-handed. It is best to start learning fly fishing with the one-handed option. Such models are produced in lengths from 2 to 3.6 meters. If you require a larger size, then you will have to choose a two-handed modification with a two-handed grip. The length of such models can be up to 6 meters. One-handed and two-handed rods are much lighter than spinning ones. For example, many one-handed models weigh no more than 200 grams.
Each length has its own advantages: the short ones are convenient for fishing in confined conditions, in shallow bodies of water or from a boat.Longer models are a separate category, they are designed for large bodies of water and heavy fish like salmon. Their size is from 3.6 to 4 meters and more. One-handed rods for underwater predators are also made over 3 meters. However, the universal (standard) rod size is considered to be 9 feet (2.7 m). The standard is used both for fishing from the shore and from a boat, and overseas.
Class
There are 21 power classes for fly rods, class 000 being the lightest and class 18 being the heaviest. For fishing in shallow lake water on small rivers and streams, options from 0 to 3 classes are intended. For fishing on medium rivers and lakes, models of 4-6 class are usually used. When fishing for predatory fish, they take rods from 7 to 9 classes, but 10 and higher classes are used either on large rivers for fishing salmon, or at sea. The higher the class, the more bait you can transfer to the fish and, accordingly, handle the larger fish.
Build
In fly fishing, when casting, the action of the rod is of great importance. There are four types of formation of fly fishing models:
- Fast (hard) - only the rod tip bends. Provides a high speed line with a narrow loop, but requires refined action when performing a cast. Reactions to the actions of the fisherman are quick and harsh. Allows you to throw even a heavy bait, breaks through the headwind.
- Medium fast (upper parabolic) - the upper third works. Requires more accurate and faster work. It is used for fishing in rivers and lakes at medium and long distances.
- Medium (parabolic) - bends from the middle. This is the most versatile option in terms of range of possibilities.
- Slow (soft) - bends completely. Works well with light flies and thin underbrush. Used for fishing at short distances in the absence of wind. Requires soft work, but ensures precise casting of the bait.
Beginners are advised to pay attention to medium fast and fast action rods. They are the best for mastering the casting technique, and it is better to take rods with a slow action when the technique has already been developed.
Rings
According to the method of fastening, there are single-support (half-snakes) and with two supports (snakes). In one case, they are made from aluminum, in the other from chrome-plated steel. Snakes work better on long range rods, and half snakes work better on medium to short range rods. The main requirement for rings is low weight and high quality.
Rings with ceramic inserts, like on a spinning rod, are not suitable here - the cord will slip through them poorly, and the snake passes it practically without resistance. This provides long casting and reduces friction. In order for the cord to have maximum slip when passing the rings, it is necessary to dock them clearly in a line. Therefore, every time you dock the rod, be sure to visually check the correct position of the rod.
Handle
The handle is most often made of a cork with a screw-type reel seat at the very bottom at the end. The lightweight rod is up to 2.4 meters long and has a cigar-shaped handle. Because the index finger is easier to hold on the handle when working with such a rod. Longer models require a thumb rest and use a fishtail grip. Heavy one-handed options are equipped with an additional fungus at the end so that you can rest it on the belt if you have to pull out a large catch.
Rod selection
Before choosing, it is worth deciding in advance what kind of production it will be used for. Because the larger the fish, the more a front sight is needed for it, and accordingly the higher the class of the line and the rod itself.
Next, explore the place where you mainly intend to fish. It is necessary to take into account the current, the composition of the bottom, the presence of underwater obstacles.For more difficult conditions, a stronger rod is needed.
Most likely, you will find the middle class useful in most cases (6-8). Ultra-light and super-heavy are exotic options.
Top fly fishing rods for 2020
Caperlan Go Fishing Fly set
Caperlan's development team independently tests all of its products. This set was tested in Ceste (France), it withstood more than 500 thousand handle turns, which confirms its durability.
The set is designed for those who are just mastering this method of fishing and are going to fish in fresh reservoirs with a fly.
Rod 4 - 5 class, length 2.4 meters. Made of carbon fiber, has 3 sections. The handle is made of cork. Supplied with a coil.
Average price: 3299 rub.
Advantages:
- great for beginners;
- strength and lightness;
- the clutch is well regulated.
Disadvantages:
- belated reactions;
- irrelevant cord included;
- the coil requires additional weight.
G.Loomis FR 1088-4 NR GLX
Powerful and beautiful rod. Designed for large bodies of water, for heavy fish, but also suitable as a universal tackle. Provides accurate and distant casts. A fast action rod of the eighth class, has a size of 2.7 meters. Consists of 4 sections, made of carbon fiber.
Average price: 37,340 rubles.
Advantages:
- lightweight for its class;
- comfortable handle;
- high sensitivity;
- excellent appearance;
- great for transportation.
Disadvantages:
- requires careful handling;
- rings are pierced with a cord.
SHIMANO BIOCRAFT XTR FLY 906 AX
One of the best in the Biocraft product line. Lightweight and well balanced rod. Solid base. The elastic midsole and sensitive tip allow you to accurately cast light bait right on target. It will appeal to both experienced craftsmen and those who take their first steps in fly fishing. It is assembled from three sections, the total length is 2.74 m. The length during transportation is 1.41 m. It is made of composite. Weight - 100 grams. Supplied in a tube.
Average cost: 5 720 rubles.
Advantages:
- excellent combination of price and quality;
- perfect balance.
Disadvantages:
- not identified.
Maximus Medalist FRM8654
Ergonomic and very light, medium fast action. Produced by a South Korean company. Equipped with classic snake rings. A beautiful reel with precious wood inserts and a comfortable cork handle are installed. A versatile tool for beginners and seasoned anglers. Works great with artificial front sight. The total length is 2.56 m. Class - 5, the number of sections is four.
Average cost: 10 620 rubles.
Advantages:
- provides easy and simple casting;
- delicate transfer of the bait;
- rigid tube included.
Disadvantages:
- high initial cost.
Banax MEGA FLY MFL9092
MEGA FLY is a budget rod series with excellent performance characteristics. Today there are 10 models from the fifth to the ninth grade. The strengths of this model are high-quality Korean assembly, good equipment and the presence of a tube made of thick nylon Cordura fabric. The total length is 2.74 meters, it is divided into 2 sections. Material - graphite, weight without bait - 120 grams.
Average cost: 2010 rubles.
Advantages:
- high level of quality of fittings and accessories;
- excellent transmittance;
- convenient to transport.
- suitable for training.
Disadvantages:
- must be completed with a cord of a higher class.
MIKADO FLY CAST 270
A sturdy rod for those who fish for fun and excitement, and not for the pursuit of tail size. Length in finished form 2.7 meters, can be disassembled into four parts. Equipped with polished snake rings. The rings have special sliding silicon inserts on the inside. The rod itself is made of carbon fiber and weighs only 111 grams. Equipped with a comfortable exotic Portuguese balsa wood grip with a metal tip.
Average price: 4082 rub.
Advantages:
- comfortable handle;
- classic design;
- ease of use.
Disadvantages:
- not identified for this price segment.
GRFISH Flycraft FC905-3
Classic rod from the budget category. Divided into 3 parts. Perfect for learning fly fishing. Despite its low cost, it is made of HC 30 graphite, the handle is made of cork, the rings are chrome-plated, snake system. The reel seat is made of aluminum and is factory machined. In addition, the scope of delivery includes a tube. Fifth class, length 2.7 meters, weight 115 grams.
Average cost: 2 870 rubles.
Advantages:
- fits perfectly in the hand;
- availability and prevalence;
- well equipped for the budget class.
Disadvantages:
- accessories from other manufacturers are not suitable.
Kola Salmon D4 LE 1305/4
This model is from a limited series of rods with two handles. It works completely with all the form, but quickly takes its starting position. Specialized for fishing in large difficult waters in summer, in conditions of deep or limited ford. The total length is 3.9 m, it is divided into 4 parts. Material - high-modulus "Mitsubishi Rayon" graphite fiber. The set includes a cover, a tube and a tulip with a ceramic insert. The manufacturer provides an unconditional, albeit paid, guarantee for all components and a trade-in service, according to which you can exchange an old model (regardless of its condition) for a new one with a good discount.
Average price: 25 960 rubles.
Advantages:
- excellent quality materials and workmanship;
- comfortable and pleasant to the touch handles;
- unmatched durability.
Disadvantages:
- additional assembly instructions are required.
Salmo DIAMOND FLY 6/7 2.85
Medium-fast action rod. Well suited for beginner fly-fishing anglers, because this action is the easiest way to make a smooth and accurate lure casting. Total length 2.85 meters (shipping 0.94 meters), weight 110 grams. Manufactured from graphite with special carbon fiber inserts. Equipped with a metal reel seat and a cork handle. The rings are made in such a way as to ensure the longest possible life of the line and the longest possible casting of the bait.
Average price 2460 rubles.
Advantages:
- made of heavy-duty material;
- strict classic design;
- provides comfortable operation.
Disadvantages:
- for this price - not identified.
Orvis Helios Switch 115-4
Declared by the manufacturer as one of the lightest rods in the world. Experienced fishermen say that this tackle can make you just an obsessed catcher.
Anyone who has held this rod at least once notes the stunning balance. This is due to the use of the newest, patented by Orvis materials "thermoset-resins / scrim". Helios 115 - comes into action with lightning speed, powerfully, clearly and extremely predictably allows you to control your throw. A beginner will cope with it, however, only a sophisticated master will feel all the delights of this tackle. The total length is 3.3 meters, it can be disassembled into four sections.
Average cost: 43,580 rubles.
Advantages:
- high class of assembly and quality of materials;
- excellent equipment;
- thoughtful ergonomics.
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for most rivers and lakes in our country.
We hope our review and rating will help you better understand the intricacies of fly fishing and choose the best rod for you. If you have experience with one of the listed rods, please share it in the comments.