| When you choose a fly fishing rod, you will have | | | | steelhead and salmon. |
| to use an industry standard system that specifies | | | | • Weight 9 to 14 - muskie, tarpon, large |
| weight. Fly fishing rods are not weighed in grams. | | | | salmon and large saltwater fish species. |
| Instead, a 1 to 14 number system is used. It's | | | | Always choose a line and reel that have the |
| quite easy to determine the optimum weight of | | | | identical rod weight that you have chosen. |
| your rod by basing it on the size and species of | | | | Beginners should use a 3 to 5 weight rod when |
| fish that you plan to catch. | | | | fishing streams. If you are fishing for bass, a 5 to |
| A basic guide that will assist you in choosing the | | | | 6 weight rod is best. Saltwater species and |
| proper fly rod is: Lower weight, small fish; higher | | | | freshwater salmon require a rod that is 7 to 8 |
| weight, larger fish. Secondary factors include | | | | weight. |
| personal preference and weather conditions. Light | | | | Length |
| fly rods do not cast well if the wind is strong. | | | | Common lengths for fly fishing rods are 7, 8 and |
| Species and Weight Guide | | | | 9 feet. Use short rods for short casts in areas |
| • Weight 1to 3 - pan fish, small trout and | | | | that are surrounded by brush, trees or shrubs. If |
| other small fish species. | | | | fishing in an open area where longer casts are |
| • Weight 4 - small fish species of all | | | | possible, choose a longer fly fishing rod. If you |
| kinds. | | | | plan to fish in lakes or rivers, choose a rod of 4 |
| • Weight 5 to 6 - small bass and | | | | to 6 weight that is 8 to 9 feet long and use a |
| medium-sized trout. | | | | medium action rod for the best results. |
| • Weight 7 to 8 - large bass, large trout, | | | | |