Best Fly Rods That You Can Get Your Hands-On In 2023

Is your favorite method of catching fish is fly fishing? But getting your hands on the perfect fly fishing rod is a difficult task for you. Then worry not because I am going to solve this issue of yours.

Fly rods allow us to cast the fly line with perfect accuracy and power. A good fly fishing rod combines the ideal rod and the angler’s skill set. These rods use a fly line to cast the fly so that the fish is not spooked when the bait is cast. The fly rod also provides impeccable control over the line, which is in and out of water.

I remember when I was learning to catch fish, I began doing so with a fly fishing rod. These rods are so powerful and provide complete control to the angler, and if the angler has a little mastery over the rod, then there is nothing stopping them from catching fish.

Fly rods are also ideal for hooking a fish and fighting it or reeling the fish to the boat. And this is why the quality of the best fly fishing rod is that they are highly flexible and incredibly lightweight. They can bend to a great extent under lots of pressure. If any fly fishing reel breaks under slight pressure, then it was never of the quality that it should be.

These reels have become a popular option among the new anglers due to the reasons I mentioned above. But, buying the best fly fishing rods is not as easy as it might seem. Buying them requires knowledge and experience about the rods. So, to end your confusion, I have crafted a buyer’s guide with the six best fly rods for 2023.

A Quick Look At The Best Fly Fishing Rods

Best Fly Fishing Rods

Fly fishing rods are perfect for any level of angler, be it a beginner or an expert angler. Most experienced anglers love these rods because they are easy to use and handy.

Apart from this, the fly rods are flexible, lightweight, and easy to cast. That is why every fisher at least has one fly fishing rod in their collection to consult it when the fishing situation requires it.

#1 – KastKing Emergence

KastKing Emergence is every fly fisher’s dream. It is specifically designed to help beginners to learn fishing properly. But, it is not limited to beginners, and even expert anglers appreciate this masterpiece.

This high-quality fly rod can be used in freshwater and saltwater, which is why many buyers have called it a great rod that they would buy again if the need arises.

The best thing about this rod is that it is very sturdy, durable, lightweight, and flexible at the same time. However, since not everything is perfect, this rod combo has a couple of drawbacks.

The rod has a shaky reel that needs to be tightened after every hour or two. The rod combo also doesn’t include any case for flies and other accessories. KastKing Emergence is a very economical rod which durability while fishing.

#2 – Redington Fly Fishing Combo

Since 1992, Redington has been ruling the markets with its innovative and diverse fishing products. They are popular among anglers for providing inventive fishing gear but at high prices.

The fly fishing Crosswater rod is easy to use and has fast action. It is ideal for new anglers and even experts. The fly fishing rod comes with a combo of 4 add ons:

• A Crosswater rod
• Two heads of the rod
• A Crosswater reel pre-spooled with a Rio mainstream WF line
• A Cordura rod tube

Most buyers like the fly line correspond to the rod’s weight and that the reel already comes with backing pre-spooled on it. But, this great rod also has its drawbacks.

The first one is that it is expensive for the cheaper quality that Redington offers, and the second is that the reel is not secured correctly on the rod, and it gets loosened whenever the fly is cast into the water.

#3 – Moonshine Rod Co

The Moonshine Rod is a fly rod from the drafter series. These rods are made from the best quality material to improve the performance and grip of the rod. In addition, moonshine rods are made to last as they are durable and sturdy.

So, whether you are an experienced angler or a newbie, this matt vintage brown rod is ideal for you. The rod has four add-ons: two-rod tips, a canvas tube, and a cork grip with anodized hardware.

The cork grip keeps the rod extraordinarily lightweight and easy to carry. In addition, the anodized hardware helps to keep the style of the rod sleek.

The best thing about the moonshine rods is that they can cast accurately and to a distance with ease. Another thing that goes in this rod’s favor is that this rod is available for a reasonable price for the quality provided.

However, the only setback this rod has is its tiny guides for even a 5wt. Also, the line and the reel lock don’t stay secured unless it is tightened several times while the rod is used.

#4 – Wild Water Fly Rod

The best way to learn about fishing is by using the Wild Water fly fishing rod. These rods have a unique design which makes the whole fishing experience aesthetic.

The rod comes with a machined aluminum reel seat with double-locked rings. The entire Wild Water fly rod set is ideal for all anglers, be it freshwater or saltwater angler.

The set includes a fly reel, tips, rod case, a fly box, fly reel, flies, leaders, line nipper, tying tool with poker to clean the hook, and other accessories.

The best thing about this rod set is that it is extremely affordable with the best quality making. Apart from this, the Wild Water fly rod is easy to use for skilled and new anglers.

This rod set has been so far so good, and there haven’t been many complaints about any product of the Wild Water set. Except for a few minor complaints like parcel arriving damaged or the reel making grinding noise while being reeled.

#5 – Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod is an ideal fly fishing rod to catch all types of fish. But, they are the perfect rod to catch trout. The Clearwater rod comes with a combo of 4.

Including a carrying Cordura rod tube, reel, rod, and fly line. This combo set is made with high quality and durable plastic, making these products long-lasting at an affordable price. In addition, the rod is lightweight and durable. These qualities provide it with excellent agility while fishing.

The best thing about the Orvis Clearwater rod is that it can catch even the biggest fish without breaking or bending. The rod also provides excellent line control. In addition, it is extremely durable and robust.

However, the few issues that anglers have faced regarding this rod is that it doesn’t come with a rigged reel even when it is supposed to come rigged and prepared to be used.

#6 – Sage Fly Fishing Rod

Sage fly fishing rods are handcrafted to perfection on an island in the USA. Their rods are fast action and help in achieving perfect performance while catching fish.

It changes the way you fish. The best thing about Sage Fly Fishing Rod is that it is one of the best rod combos with a good value of money compared to many fly rod combos. Its durability and strength are what a great fly rod and improve its performance.

However, the only thing about this rod combo that makes us raise an eyebrow is that the crying and protective rod case is not really a case. Instead, it is just a tube and a sock for the reel. Therefore, it doesn’t look like anything in the picture.

How To Select The Best Fly Fishing Rod? A Guide To Everything

Fly fishing is a sport of preferences and opinions. Therefore, your preferences will define the quality of your fishing experience. And the first preference in fly fishing is the rod.

If you are a new angler, it is essential to know how to choose the perfect fly rod. And that is why I am going to give you a brief guideline as to what you should consider before you buy a fly fishing rod.

Let us take a look at all the important aspects of a fly fishing rod.

Fly Rods: 2-Piece, 3-Piece, Or 4-Piece

The fly rods come in 2, 3, or 4 pieces. But, it entirely depends on you regarding how many piece rods you want. The number of pieces available helps in storage purposes.

If the rod is 3 or 4 pieces, you will be able to store and pack your fishing gear more efficiently. I suggest that you always go for four-piece rods. Because a 4 piece rod of a good company will feel like a two-piece rod along with giving you the benefits of traveling easily.

Currently, the angler’s standard of buying rods is 4 piece rod. These rods are usually 32 inches in length and have excellent storage space. 2 and 3 piece rods are slowly becoming obsolete because they are not travel-friendly.

If you buy a 2 or 3 piece rod, you won’t have a proper place to store and carry them. However, if you buy a 4 piece rod, you will have a bag with a lot of storage to carry the rod and other things.

Fly Rod And Fly Line

Not all fly rods work great with all fly lines. But, there is no way of absolutely telling which line will work with which rod except for experimenting with the rods and with the lines. Or you can take advantage of someone else’s experience via your friend’s circle or the internet.

But, what I suggest is that you should always go for higher line weight rods. Such rods have great casting power against most odds, like strong winds or fighting fish. You can catch even the heaviest fish with a strong rod. But, with a strong rod, you will need a firm line. For that, you should try various fly lines with your rod.

Rod Length And Weight

The length and weight of the rod complement each other. A long and heavier rod is a great caster. They are ideal for mending the line, casting with long leaders, and steering with long drifts. They are also better at absorbing shocks and protecting the tip.

However, long rods also have their drawbacks: they are heavier than the light and shorter rods, and carrying them can tire you. They also offer less leverage to the fish.

Light and short rods are excellent for cutting through the wind and carrying around. However, a short rod will become useless when you have to work with the nymphing rigs. They can cast the fly well, but they won’t help you in mending and roll casting.

But, they have another advantage of having great leverage, lifting, turning, and handling heavy fish without snapping. You should always carry a long and short rod on your fishing trips so that you may use them accordingly.

Power VS Action

The ‘rod action’ is a relative term which means the time in which the rod recovers from a flex. For example, if a rod is a fast action, it will recover quickly and need a casting stroke. But if the rod is a slow action, it will bend more intensely and require more time to recover.

A fast-action rod is ideal for a windy place, and it can also be cast at great distances. They react well to power but also require power from the angler while casting. Fast action rods create high line speed for turning leaders and to throw tight loops.

On the other hand, the slow-action rods are ideal for casting a short distance because they are flexible and have less line in use. They respond well to relax casting strokes.

You can’t cast powerfully with a slow-action rod because it can’t bear that kind of powerful pressure. However, they offer excellent rod control because of the deep reflexes of the rod.

You should carry a 9’ 5 weight medium action rod, a 9’ 6” 6 long and fast action rod, and a 7’ 7” 3 weight small action rod for your fishing endeavors.

The Guide

If you are a new angler, you are not clear about a few aspects of fishing:

1. You should know that fishing is a game of patience and precession.
2. You should learn all that you can from your fellow anglers and guides.
3. You shouldn’t jump on the bandwagon and buy the most expensive fishing equipment.

Instead, you should check your budget and buy the rod you can afford.

The same goes for rod and reel. However, before purchasing anything related to fishing, you should ask yourself where you want to fish or what approach you want to choose.

Will You Be Fly Fishing In Saltwater?

The most important question you have to ask yourself before buying fishing gear is whether or not you will be fishing a lot in the saltwater. If you decide to fish in the saltwater, then you should have:

• A saltwater fishing license
• The right rod and reel combo
• You should use fishing lures and natural baits like shrimp and baitfish to catch your favorite fish.

While choosing a rod for saltwater fishing, I suggest that you go for a longer rod with more power and action. This is because longer rods cast further and are stiff. But, shorter rods, on the other hand, are suitable for controlling the fighting fish. They are also greatly bendable but provide slow action.

Another thing you should remember is to buy a rod that is made up of either fiberglass or graphite. This is because these rods are stiff yet sensitive, tough, and powerful.

The same goes for saltwater reels. These reels are specified as high or low speed. The reels, which are high speed, use a gear ratio of 6:1 for retrieving the bait. However, the low-speed reels have a gear ratio of 4:1, but it offers more power for big fish.

Some saltwater reels also allow their fishers to switch the speed by pushing a button.

Will You Be Fishing Large Rivers?

If you have decided to fish in large rivers or any other freshwater body like ponds or lakes, your rod and reel must be versatile. It should be according to the situation and place you are fishing in.

For example, a rod with 9’ 5” is ideal for large rivers. This is because such rods can cast to great distances and can also fight a fighting fish.

Even in large rivers, you should go for medium to fast action rods. These rods will work as your all-rounder, and you can catch any type of fish with these rods like bonefish, striped bass, trout, redfish, etc.

Apart from this, always buy a 4-piece rod rather than a 2 or 3 piece rod. This is because you will need all the extra space you can get for storage, and the rods also give the feel of a 2-piece rod.

Freshwater VS Saltwater

Freshwater fishing is when you look for fish in any water body which has 0 to.05% salinity level like ponds, rivers, or lakes. Fishing trips to freshwater places are for relaxed and calm fishing trips.

On the other hand, saltwater fishing means catching fish from the boat or pier in the gulf. Saltwater fishing usually refers to fighting a fish and reel it to the boat while using any method.

Saltwater fishing is generally done in oceans and seas. Compared to relaxed freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing gives you an adrenaline rush because you have to fight a fish to catch it actively.

The biggest difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing is of the fishing rods. Therefore, rods are a crucial requirement of any fishing trip.

The rods used in saltwater fishing rods are made up of fiberglass and are longer than freshwater rods. They are made of fiberglass because the rods have to endure the salt from the water and the great strength of the fighting fish. They are longer because saltwater fish are bigger than freshwater fish.

Freshwater rods are usually smaller and are made up of graphite. Because the fish are smaller and don’t fight as much as saltwater fish. The rod also doesn’t have to be corrosion resistant as there is no salt in the water.

Shaft Materials & The Handle

Before you decide to buy a rod for your fishing trips, I suggest that you look at the shaft and handle of the rod.

The Shaft

The shaft is the body of the rod, which determines its strength. If the body is weak, then it can break even at the slightest pressure. This s why the body should be made up of sturdy and durable material.

The ideal materials for fishing rods are graphite, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or synthetic nylon. These materials are used in rod making because they provide versatility, sensitivity, durability, and flexibility to the rod.

The Handle

The rod’s handle is where you hold it to cast your flies and reel in your catch. The rod handle must be made of a comfortable material in your hand and doesn’t scratch it when you have to fight the fish, and it should also be lightweight, so it doesn’t increase the rod’s weight.

This is why the handles are usually made up of EVA foam or cork, which provide grip and comfort to your hand. The longer rods have long handles so that you can reel with both hands, especially from a distance. And shorter rods have short handles because anglers cast at a shorter distance with them.

How To Take Care of Your Fly Fishing Rod?

Our fishing gear is what makes the fishing trips so amazing, and that is why it is crucial to take care of our gear. Here are a few ways with which you can maintain your fishing rod.

• While cleaning the rod, never bend it or try to separate the parts with force. The rod is meant to dissemble correctly, which you should use, and it is supposed to twist and turn while fishing.
• Always store and transport the rod in its case. Even when you are tired after the whole day of fishing, you shouldn’t be careless about your most important fishing gear.
• Store the rod away from extreme hot and cold weather. Excessive exposure can weaken the rod over time until one day it can snap while you are using it.
• After use, wipe with a cloth or wash the rod with clean water to wash any residue. Occasionally wash it with soapy water (after 1-3 months)
• Don’t apply any polish or sealants on the handle. Instead, use it as it is because a well-used handle is the mark of a skilled angler.

Follow these steps to take care of your rod correctly.