The Best Moonshine Fly Rods – Quality, Components, and Features
If you’re looking for a top-notch fly rod, you will come across many by the brand Moonshine. Moonshine rods are a well-known brand of rods that are renowned for their quality and performance. They are precisely crafted, and the materials used are of the highest quality, making them an ideal choice for any serious angler.
In this post, we’ll discuss the top-notch Moonshine fly rods of 2024, their features, and why they are an excellent choice for fishermen. We’ll also share with you our tips on buying Moonshine fly rods, so you can rest assured that you’re making the right decision for your fishing trip.
Our Top Picks
- Moonshine Fly Rods - A Buyer’s Guide
- People Also Asked
- What type of material are Moonshine fly rods made from?
- What sizes and lengths of rods do Moonshine fly rods offer?
- Are Moonshine fly rods good for beginners?
- What line weights do the rods support?
- Is there a warranty with Moonshine fly rods?
- How much does Moonshine fly rods cost?
- Can I test out the rods before I purchase them?
- Are there different actions available in Moonshine fly rods?
- How will I be able to tell if a rod is right for me?
- How do I care for and maintain my Moonshine fly rod?
- Related Reviews
Comparing Top Moonshine Fly Rods of 2024
Best Overall
The Revival Series Fly Fishing Rod by Moonshine Rod Co. is the perfect blend of old and new, designed to appeal to beginners and experienced anglers alike. This is why it’s the ‘best overall’ product on this list. Combining classic fiberglass construction with modern features, this rod combines performance, style, and convenience.
The rod has slow-action fiberglass designed for close casts and gentle presentation. It also has AAA cork grips with burled ends, a spalted burl reel seat, and copper anodized hardware for maximum durability. The two-piece design allows for easy transportation and storage and even comes with an extra rod tip section in case of emergency.
For added convenience, the rod also comes with a durable hard canvas fly rod tube for protection from bumps, dirt, water, mud, and more. Plus, it looks great thanks to an embroidered Moonshine logo on the front face.
Pros
- Versatile, perfect for stream hoppers
- High quality at an affordable price
- Balance of rod and reel
- Extra tip section provided as a bonus
- Smooth, slower casting experience
Cons
- May take some time to get used to
Outstanding Value
The Moonshine Rod Co. Drifter Series Fly Rod with Extra Tip is the perfect fly fishing rod for all skill levels. Crafted with performance-grade medium action graphite, this rod has a sleek and durable finish that will last you season after season. The cork grips are high-grade AAA with burled ends, while the burl reel seat is double-locking and dyed to showcase the impressive wood graining.
This rod also comes with two rod tip sections, so you’ll always have a replacement handy, and a durable, hard canvas fly rod tube for extra protection from bumps and dirt. This protective case has an embroidered Moonshine logo and a sleek, compact design that allows you to fish anywhere.
The Drifter Series also features effortless casting ability and can throw big flies while maintaining a gentle presentation. It is designed to give anglers of all skill levels an easy experience on the water. This product includes a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros
- Premium craftsmanship and materials
- Lightweight, well-balanced, great look
- Effortless, long-distance casting
- Soft action allows tactile feel in water
- Bend in the rod for longer casting
Cons
- No guide dots on sections for alignment
Best Accuracy
For the fly fisherman looking for a rod that provides top-notch performance, look no further than Moonshine Rod Co. The Epiphany II ESN Fly Rod with Extra Tip. This high-quality rod is constructed with anti-glare, blackout blanks, and high-modulus graphite, delivering superior casting accuracy while shaving over one ounce of the total weight to improve swing weight.
The four-piece rod features raven and concrete bindings, copper accents, and an alignment dot. Further enhancing performance, a titanium frame SiC stripping guide reduces line sag and eases knot pass-through on loaded rods. The extra tip section included with the rod ensures a replacement is always handy should you ever need it.
Portability is key when fly fishing in faraway places, and Moonshine also has you covered there. The rod includes a durable five-compartment rod tube that protects from bumps, dirt, water, and mud. Its sleek, compact design allows fishermen to go wherever they desire. Create the ultimate fly fishing experience with this amazing fly rod.
Pros
- Accurate casting for short Euro Nymph casts
- Overhead casting capabilities
- Lightweight and balanced setup
- Sensitive tip for fishing smaller fish
- Capable of handling fish up to 22″+
Cons
- A little pricier than other rods
Best for Experienced Anglers
The Moonshine Rod Co. The Outcast II Salt Fly Fishing Rod with Extra Tip is perfect for any serious fisherman. This rod is designed to take on even the toughest saltwater conditions and species. It features an anti-glare, powerful, fast-action blank made from high-modulus graphite with concrete bindings and titanium frame SiC stripping guides. The rod also features a matte engraved aluminum reel seat and stainless hard chrome snake guides for long-lasting durability. Plus, it has an AAAA grade cork, HD double blackout rings, Delrin bushings, and a fighting butt to ensure you’re ready for anything.
The sleek, compact rod design allows you to take it anywhere easily. It comes in a five-compartment rod tube with an extra rod tip section to protect it from all conditions. If an accident does happen, however, you can get a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty to get back up and running in no time.
Pros
- High-quality, top-end performance
- Lightweight design with large guides
- Smooth casting action
- Fast action for windy days
- Accurate placement of flies
Cons
- Slightly pricier than other rods
Excellent Casting Performance
The Epiphany Series Fly Fishing Rod with Carrying Case and Extra Rod Tip is a versatile, high-performance fishing tool designed to elevate your angling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting your fly fishing journey, this 3wt rod is built to impress.
Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Epiphany Series combines quality materials and expert craftsmanship to deliver a rod that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The rod blank is constructed from high-modulus graphite, ensuring strength, sensitivity, and excellent casting performance. Its Euro/Czech nymph style design makes it particularly well-suited for tight-line nymphing techniques, allowing you to feel even the most subtle strikes.
The Epiphany Series features a responsive and lightweight design, providing the sensitivity and control needed to accurately present your flies. Its progressive taper allows for smooth loading and precise casting, enabling you to easily reach those hard-to-reach spots. With a 3wt rating, this rod is ideal for targeting smaller fish species, such as trout and panfish, giving you the perfect balance between finesse and power.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Smooth casting
- Ideal for smaller fish species
- Durable carrying case
- Extra rod tip section
Cons
- Suitable for a specific niche
Moonshine Fly Rods - A Buyer’s Guide
If you want to experience unparalleled balance and quality, Moonshine fly rods won’t disappoint you. After reviewing the brand’s top options above, we bring you a comprehensive guide here, highlighting all the important features you must consider when buying one. To ensure you get the best value for your money, keep reading!
Rod Length
The length of your rod will depend on the type of fishing you want, whether on rivers, streams, lakes, or ponds. Long rods are suitable for reaching far distances, while shorter rods are great for smaller bodies of water where accuracy is key. Look for a rod length that matches the type of fishing you’ll be doing.
Action
When choosing a rod, action is an important factor to consider. Fast action rods are designed for precision casting and accuracy, while slower action rods are more forgiving and allow small adjustments in distance or power. Consider how you want to use your rod before finalizing your choice.
Line Weight
Pay attention to the weight of the line and lure you are using with your rod so that it matches the weight rating of the rod and won’t be too heavy or too light for easy casting.
Power
Power is determined by the stiffness of a fly rod, usually measured in pounds (lbs). Higher powers are better for bigger fish in larger bodies of water, while lower powers will do well in smaller places. Consider what kind of fish and environment you’ll be fishing when choosing a rod power level.
Price
The price range of Moonshine fly rods varies depending on the quality, materials used, and number of features they offer. Make sure the price is within your budget before finalizing your purchase decision.
Material
Moonshine fly rods are made from either graphite or fiberglass materials. Graphite is lightweight and offers more flexibility than fiberglass models, which tend to be heavier but more durable. Choose based on preference and intended use for your rod.
Handle
Some people prefer cork handles which provide good grip and are lightweight, while EVA foam handles are easier to clean and deliver comfortable gripping even when wet from sweat or water exposure. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Guides
Quality guides are essential for successful fishing trips as they help ensure your line remains tangle-free and provide smooth passage for lure and bait movements to attract fish effectively. Moonshine fly rods come with either aluminum oxide guides (used on beginner models) or titanium/stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts (used on higher-end models). Choose to depend on budget and experience level with fly fishing.
Reel Seat
The reel seat is essential as it keeps your reel securely attached to the rod while allowing some adjustments, such as wind changes while casting off a boat or shoreline, etc. A high-quality reel seat should fit snugly into place with just a few twists. It should hold up during any harsh weather conditions you might encounter during fishing expeditions without slipping out when adjusting tensions/powers as needed throughout fishing trips- keeping frustration at bay.
Warranty
Quality fly rods tend to come with a warranty, so it’s wise to look out for this before making a purchase decision. This provides peace of mind that if any issue arises during use, the manufacturer can offer help. Even if not immediately covered under warranty terms, repairs or replacements might still be offered depending on circumstance and severity levels applicable by manufacturer warranty policies. Purchasing from authorized resellers also helps ensure that correct parts/accessories arrive along with your chosen fly rods (especially if used as part of combo packages) and can help safeguard against counterfeited products being sold where possible. Always check the original packaging and manufacturer’s website before purchasing.
People Also Asked
What type of material are Moonshine fly rods made from?
Moonshine fly rods are made from high-grade graphite and other premium materials.
What sizes and lengths of rods do Moonshine fly rods offer?
Moonshine fly rods are available in a variety of sizes and lengths, ranging from 5 feet to 9 feet.
Are Moonshine fly rods good for beginners?
Yes, Moonshine fly rods are perfect for beginners due to their lightweight and easy-to-use design.
What line weights do the rods support?
The rods support a range of line weights from 1 to 12 weights.
Is there a warranty with Moonshine fly rods?
Yes, each rod comes with an industry-leading lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
How much does Moonshine fly rods cost?
The cost of the rods varies depending on the size and model, but most retail for around $200 - $400 USD.
Can I test out the rods before I purchase them?
Yes, you can test out the rods at local fly fishing shops that carry Moonshine fly rods to determine if they are right for you.
Are there different actions available in Moonshine fly rods?
Yes, there are slow-action and fast-action rods available in the lineup.
How will I be able to tell if a rod is right for me?
The best way to determine if a rod is right for you is to try it out firsthand, either at a local fly fishing shop or by renting it from Moonshine Fly Fishing Co.
How do I care for and maintain my Moonshine fly rod?
To ensure your rod stays in top condition for years, it is important to clean and store it properly after each use. After cleaning the rod, be sure to dry it completely before storing it in a cool, dry place. Before each use, it is recommended that you inspect your rod for any visible damage or wear before using it in order to prevent accidental breakage or damage to your rod while out on the water.