Rod Construction

• Fly fishing rods are thin and long (8 or 9 feet). They are specialized to cast heavy line which allows an angler the ability to catch fish with light-weight artificial floating lures made to look like bugs and flies. The fly rod's history can be traced back thousands of years. Early rods were made of wood, mainly bamboo. Modern fly rods are made from composite materials such as graphite and fiberglass. To ensure smooth casting and reeling, fly rod eyelets are made to keep the line close to the pole for easy line manipulation.
  
  

Rod Sizes, Performance and Grips

• Fly rod grips are typically made of cork.
  
  Fly rod sizes are typically chosen based on the size of the fish being sought. For example, a light #000 would be chosen when fishing for small trout. A large #16 rod would be needed to catch much larger fish. Anglers also choose fly rods based on the type of performance or "action" they wish for them to produce. In terms of action, fly rods are typically classified in one of four categories, from "fast" to "slow." A fast action rod is typically a heavier pole which generally only bends near the tip. A fast rod is used for long-distance casting and fishing in the wind. A slow rod is light and contains a significant amount of bend which begins at the base of the pole. Slow rods are good for fishing in shallow creeks and streams. Most fly anglers choose rods that fall in between a fast and slow rod. "Medium" rods are, therefore, the most popular.
  Fly rod grips are typically made of cork and are either classified as "partial" or "full" in terms of how much of the handle they cover. Grips are chosen based on the desired feel and comfort level of the angler.
  
  

Casting Method

• The "10 to 2" fly casting method
  
  Unlike traditional casting or spinning fishing methods, in fly fishing, the angler depends on the weight of the line rather than the size and weight of the lure to cast bait into the water. Therefore, fly fishing line is heavier and thicker than traditional line. To cast fly fishing line, an angler must hold the rod in his or her dominant hand and manipulate the amount of line slack from the reel with the other. Their must be a proper weight ratio between the line and rod in order to make a proper cast. Although there are several fly casting methods, most anglers tend to use the common "10 to 2" method. Using this method involves starting the cast at the 10 o'clock position and finishing it at the 2 o'clock position making uniform and synced loops.