In this review we’re going to run through what is the best fly fishing rod for a beginner. We’re going to assume:
- You’re completely new or only have limited experience fly fishing,
- You don’t want to spend a fortune on a rod,
- You want a rod that will deal with most fly fishing situations.
If that’s not you then look at some of our other articles to discover what is the best rod for you.
Summary
Here’s a summary table of the rods.
Know Where You’ll Fish.
When you’re trying to work out the best starter fly fishing rod you first of all have to work out what kind of fishing you’re likely to be doing. That’s because flyfishing rods come in different weights. The weight of the rod determines which weight of line you can use (the weight of the rod matches the weight of the line). And the weight of the line affects things like how far you can cast.
As a general guide the different weights can be used for:
- #0-3 Weight Rods – Small streams only
- #4-6 Weight Rods – Most trout rivers and smaller lakes
- #7-10 Weight Rods – Lakes and fishing for larger fish like steelhead trout and salmon
- #11+ Weight Rods – Larger fish, saltwater fly fishing and bigger lakes
So think about the situations in which you’re likely to fish. If you’re surrounded by lakes and there’s not a small stream to be seen, then go for a 6 weight or higher.
Alternatively if you’re likely to be fishing small streams filled with small brook trout then look at something in the 0 to 3 weight range.
As a general rule a 6 weight rod will work best as an all round rod for someone starting out.
Fly Rod Action For Beginners
Fly rods have different actions or “speeds”. The faster rods are more difficult to control, but when handled well allow for more accurate and delicate presentations (i.e. less likely to spook a fish).
The action also determines how much of the rod flexes. All rods flex all the way through, but rods that flex most at the tip and less at the base are generally harder to use. As a beginner I imagine you want to make your fly fishing a fun experience, not an infuriating frustration.
Therefore for most beginners, a slow to medium action rod will be best.
The Best Rod Length
As well as weights and action, rods come in different lengths. Which one you choose depends again on the fishing you’ll be doing. This these are the most common lengths:
- 7 Foot Rods – Best for small streams with overhanging branches.
- 8-9 Foot Rods – Good all round rods, that have a bit of length to keep your back cast above the vegetation behind you.
- 10+ Foot – Good for fishing larger bodies of water, saltwater fishing and for bigger fish.
If you’re fishing small streams and brooks, there’s nothing more frustrating than snapping the tip off your new rod as it smacks into an overhanging branch. But at the same time smaller rods are harder to cast accurately (their length generally gives them a faster action).
Most beginners will start with an 8’6” or 9’ (foot) rod as a good all round length.
The Best Starter Fly Fishing Rod
So let’s get down to it. What is the best fly fishing rod for a beginner?
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
The Classic Trout rods by Redington have a reputation for being great value for money. Some owners claim they’re as good as rods three times the price!
They have a medium action meaning they’ll still deliver good accuracy and distance, without being too challenging for the beginner. The main downside is they can struggle in high winds and over longer distances.
It’s designed for freshwater situations and comes in a variety of weights and lengths from 7’6” #2 weights through to 9’ #6 weights. The rod blank is dark clay brown and has a rosewood reel seat insert. The line guides are titanium oxide.
The rod comes with a lifetime guarantee for the original owner, and is supplied with a protective tube. If you’re looking to spend a bit more on your first fly rod, then the Classic Trout is one of the best fly fishing rods for beginners.
Fenwick AETOS Fly Rod
This graphite rod is a popular seller. It’s described as having a fast action which some beginners might find challenging, but lots of the customer reviews of the rod recommend it for those starting out.
Like the Classic Trout it gives good value for money. It has an AAA quality cork handle and an anodized aluminum reel seat, which should make for comfortable fishing.
It comes in a variety of sizes from 7’ through to over 11’ long. Weights start as #3 and go through to #11. The rod comes with a protective tube.
Echo Carbon XL Fly Rod
The Echo Carbon is another popular seller in the beginner range. It has a medium-fast action. Customers describe them as being well-balanced, light to use and strong.
As seems to be standard it comes with a protective tube for transport. The rod guides and lightweight ceramic. At the time of writing it had a 100% rating on Amazon.
Sizes range from a 7’3” #2 weight through to a 9’ #6 weight which will cover a wide variety of situations, depending on your needs.
Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
Coming in below $50 the Piscifun rod is definitely the cheapest rod reviewed here, however it still does well in customer reviews. It seems to have a higher level of people reporting breaks but that’s to be expected at such a low price point and the customer service is rated well.
The rod has different actions depending on the weight. The smaller rods have slower actions through to fast for the largest ones.
If features ceramic and chrome guides, IM7 graphite (whatever that means…), a high quality cork handle and aluminum reel seat. It comes with a PVC tube for transport which looks lighter weight than other rods.
Sizes go from an 8’6” #4 weight through to a 9’ #9 weight. For the price this looks to be one of the best fly fishing rods for beginners.
Maxcatch Extreme Graphite Fly Rod
The last rod in our review is the Maxcatch fly rod. Only slightly more expensive than the Piscifun it’s at the bottom of the price bracket. But don’t let that put you off. Most reviews rave about it’s value for money and recommend the rod highly, particularly for beginners.
It comes in sizes from 8’4” #3 weights through to 9’ #10 or 10’ #8 weight rods. The rod action is fast which might prove challenging for beginners but might be a good alternative to the Piscifun if you’re after a faster rod in the lighter weights.
The reel seat is anodised aluminum, the handle high quality cork and the rod blank is made from carbon fiber. There’s a lifetime repair warranty.
What Is The Best Fly Fishing Rod For A Beginner?
In summary, working out which is the best starter fly fishing rod will depend on how you plan to use it and what your budget is. In this review we’ve shown 5 of the best fly fishing rods for beginners according to their popularity, quality and price.
