Fly fishing is an ancient form of angling, that incorporates artificial flies which are cast with a special fly fishing rod, reel and line.

The artificial flies are tied onto a hook and made to look like local insects, or other creatures that congregate on or just under the  surface of the water. The line that the fly is tied to is heavy (normally coated in plastic) and it is the weight of the line that sends the fly to the target. This is the main difference between bait/coarse fishing, which is the weight of the lure that allows the angler to reach the required distance.

Most people associate fly fishing with catching trout and salmon, but the techniques can be used to catch grayling, pike, bass and even carp and catfish. Fly fishing can also be done in fresh and saltwater.

The Romans were first recorded as describing a basic form of fly fishing near the end of the 2nd century, so its routes are definately old. Modern fly fishing is said to have originated in Scotland and gained popularity in the 19th Century with the emergence of fly fishing clubs and published works on the subject of fly tying and fishing techniques.

The main components of fly fishing tackle are the rod and reel and this site examines the different makes and models available on the market to help you with this amazing sport.

FLY REELS

Fly Reels - a specialist reel for use with fly rods. Once the exclusive domain of trout, salmon and steelhead anglers, but now used even for saltwater applications. Sometimes considered to be just a storage device
for the fly line and backing, but if you latch on to a larger fish you'll be using the reel and its drag system to fight the fish into submission. Centerpin and Mooching reels probably fall into the same category as Fly Reels, but they are used quite differently.  Sport fishermen and anglers nowadays can select from three fly fishing reel types according to mechanism. These are the single-action, multiplying, and automatic fly reels.

Of the three, the single-action type is the simplest. The name is derived from what is known as the "retrieve ratio" - a full turn of the handle will result in a complete turn of the spool.
Thus it is easier to estimate or gauge the response of this reel when the reel is turned. Compared to the other two, the single-action fly reel has the least amount of moving parts inside it, which contributes significantly to its durability and reliability. Consequently, this type of reel is by far the most popular.

The second type is the multiplying fly reel. As its name suggests, this type has a retrieve ratio that is greater than 1 to 1, meaning that a full turn of the handle will bring about two or more turns of the spool, reeling a fishing line in faster than a single-action reel can manage. As can be expected, while certainly convenient, this sort of reel has been described as less reliable than the single-action type, and is less popular as a result. But it can be said that the multiplying fly reel strikes the best balance compared to the other two.

The last kind of fly fishing reel is the automatic fly reel. This drops the reel handle completely and instead makes use of a mechanism that reels the fishing line in very quickly.
However, many anglers have found this sort of reel boxy and cumbersome, and it has been said that the large number of moving parts makes it less reliable. However, it can't be beat for convenience.

PFLUEGER

The name Pflueger has been around for some time. My first fly reel was a Pflueger although I do no remember the model it served me well over the years. However it finally gave out and I had to purchase a new reel recently I purchased one of the 7-8 weight Summit Series Fly reels and I must say that I am impressed with this new reel by Pflueger.

This large arbor reel has two ball bearings and a one-way clutch bearing for especially smooth operation. Both the aluminum frame and spool are forged, machined, and anodized for improved strength, and they are also corrosion-resistant. The drag is a center disk system and delivers superior control to the line drag. The spool has is equipped with an easy-release switch and can be swapped out with a spare spool quickly if a line change is needed. It has a large rubber on the retrieve arm allowing for a secure grip while retrieving your line. This reel is also able to convert between right and left hand retrieve features.

If you wanting a good looking and performing reel, you won't go far wrong with this one. It works very well, It is a bit wider than I imagined it would be, yet it does seem to handle
exceptionally well. Pflueger is a name that you can trust in. The newer series of Pflueger fly reels, meaning the Summit and Trion series are just great reel values for your money.
Pflueger fly reels. Pflueger has now made it possible to own a top end fly reel without the inflated price tag. You owe it to yourself to take the time and look at one of these reels give one of them a try. The history and appeal of a Pflueger fly reel makes it a great reel to own and use.

LAMSON

Lamson Fly Reels have choices of sophisticated geometrical frames that are reduced in weight significantly while strength and rigidity is emphasized. You will discover similar products that are dependable just like the top brands in the likes of Ross, Sage, Scientific Angler, and Cabela.

There is the Konic that is a cast reel pressured with mechanical components that brings high quality performance to fishermen that come with an unbelievable price. It is equipped with no need for maintenance with the waterworks. It is completely machined and sealed in a drag that is conical. It has a similar drag system that is used in other reels from Lamson that cost $400 and up.

Not like other system that needs flat surfaces for check control, the conical drag of Lamson makes use of elements of two coned shapes for an exact fit. This is the system that acts to get the seal for the drag completed to be protected from moisture, grit, and salt. When you adjust the drag, the tension of the spring will drag the two elements at the same time, making the ultra smooth braking rates created. It responds more to the setting of a lighter drag because of the drag elements of the mass becoming centralized. You will also see that the contact surface of the average radius is not as big as the drag of the disc shaped, getting the star-up torque eliminated. The frame and spool comes next getting the cast in pressure which makes the machine reach to it entirely.

You must know that there are more fly reels choices from Lamson besides the Konic type that was discussed. There are also the Litespeed Fly Reels, Konic Spool, Gru and Spool, and Velocity Alox Flpy reels and Spools.

FLY RODS

There is not any one "fly rod" that is the "best for the money." Fly rods come in all different sizes that are made for a specific type and size of any particular fish, and/or a certain style that is to be used. We must also mention price, which varies considerably depending on quality, and quality has gone up a lot in the past 20 years. This site is aimed at helping you find the best fly rod for the money, because it is only the best if it is the right size and style for that targeted fish, and of course if you can afford it.

Size

First of all, let's talk about size. The person that tells you that size doesn't matter is definitely the person that you shouldn't be listening to. Size is the number one factor that will determine every rod choice that you purchase throughout your life, and, if this is you first fly rod purchase, there are sure to be many more in the future. It really is that fun, one fish will ultimately lead to another.

There is a size of rod that is made for each fish species and/or targeted size. The fly rod size is measured by weight (wt), but not the weight you get from a scale. It is just the term used to signify the size, where a 2wt is considered light gear, and a 12 or 14wt is considered heavy gear. A 2wt would be a good choice for small trout in a small stream; where as a 14 weight would be used for a Marlin. Then of course there are all the rods and fish in between. You will want a rod that is sized for the fish you are after. If the rod is oversized, the fight you experience will not be what it could be. Worse off, if the rod is undersized, you will struggle for control and risk damage to your gear. Plus, the faster you can get the fish in, off your hook and back in the water, the better chance it will have at surviving unharmed; also so you can get your fly back in the water after another one.

Here is a list of rod sizes and the fish they are designed for:

2wt small trout, pan fish           4wt trout, pan fish           6wt bass, trout,     8wt  steelhead, bass, saltwater

10wt salmon, steelhead, tuna, saltwater        12wt saltwater, dorado, sail fish   14wt saltwater, sail fish, marlin, shark

Style

Just like gear fishing, there are different styles that can be used to catch a particular fish. Traditional style is what most people will enter into the fly fishing world with. There are also methods within this style that will be better suited with very specific rods used to fish a particular type of water. For the most part though, we will stick with the more general focused rods for this discussion. There are also Spey Fly Rods. These require two hands and more advanced casting styles and are usually used for bigger fish such as Salmon and Steelhead in big rivers. Therefore you will probably be after a traditional rod unless you are specifically targeting a spey rod.

Price

Over the past couple decades, fly fishing rods have increased in quality and price has followed suit. Prices range from a cheap trout rod purchased at the store for $50.00, to a specialty bamboo rod with a price tag of more than $2000.00. Most fish sizes will have a rod to choose from in just about any price range. Obviously you will get what you pay for, so be sure to keep that in mind. Most midrange rods offer the best value and will have the quality to stand up to any reasonable request, but you may lack some comfortability when compared to the more expensive rods. A typical price spread for a midrange rod is $200-$400 depending on size. High end rods will be in the $500 to $800 range and will offer superb feel and sensitivity. Most midrange rods and, if not all high end rods will come with a lifetime, no questions asked warranty. It is hard not to take advantage of this by purchasing a low end rod, as sooner or later we all break rods whether it be on fish or your truck door.

We hope this website helps you find the fly fishing rod and reel for you........             Happy Fishing