Catch Prized Fish With the Best Fly Fishing Rods
For experienced anglers and hobbyists, there's nothing better than spending a day on the water, catching those elusive fish. But if you want to take your experience from good to great, you need a fly fishing rod that can handle the task. Designed specifically for the unique requirements of fly fishing, these rods are made with a unique blend of materials that help them cast further and land fish more efficiently than conventional rods.
There are many different types of fly fishing rods out there, each designed for a specific purpose. Some are suited to fishing in narrow streams while others are perfect for catching large fish in open water. If you’re new to the sport, it can be difficult to know which fishing rod is right for you. To help out, we’ve put together a list of our favorite fly fishing rods of 2024. Let’s take a look.
Our Top Picks
Comparing the Top Fly Fishing Rod of 2024
Best Overall
If you’re looking for a fishing rod that’s lightweight and easy to carry, then Moonshine Rod Co.’s Fly Fishing Rod is just what you need. Made with medium-action graphite, this fly fishing rod boasts a copper anodized finish that adds to its durability while providing much-needed protection against scratches and corrosion.
Unlike other fly fishing rods, this product comes equipped with high-quality cork grips that will give you a firm grip on your rod as you cast it out into the water. It also features double-locking reel seats to keep your reel locked in place as you cast and retrieve your line. With your purchase, you’ll also get two rod tips, so you can customize your rod to fit your needs. And, because the rod comes in a protective canvas case, it’s easy to store when not in use. Because of its durable construction and convenient design, this fly fishing rod stands at the top of our list.
Pros
- Durable, rugged construction
- Smooth reeling and casting
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Comes with two replacement tips
Cons
- Flimsy reel lock
Great Value
Whether you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced angler looking for an affordable yet high-quality product, the Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod is an ideal choice. Built with IM8 matte black graphite, this fly fishing rod is super lightweight but still extremely durable. This product also features a stainless steel stripper guide and silicon carbide rings that eliminate tangles and knots while casting and retrieving. Outfitted with a western-style cork handle, this fly fishing rod provides a secure grip for hours of comfortable use.
What’s more, this rod boasts an 85mm diameter quick-release spool, an adjustable disc drag, and a one-way clutch bearing, allowing you to cast further and land more fish. With the included chartreuse WF5-F floating fly line, 9-foot 5X tapered monofilament leader, and nine different plastic insects including ants, tan caddis, and nymphs, you can get started right away.
Pros
- Medium action reel for smooth casting
- Comfortable cork grip
- Adjustable click drag
- Come with zippered storage bag
Cons
- Inconsistent reel drag
Most Versatile
If you’re looking for a rod that will help you catch more fish, check out the Martin Fly Fishing Rod. Crafted from premium quality fiberglass, this fly fishing rod is lightweight and easy to handle, but still packs enough power to reel in your catch. Its spool is engineered with premium aluminum material and comes with an on/off control clicker and push release button so you can keep track of your line at all times.
This pick comes fully loaded and pre-spooled with a 6-weight floating premium fly line, backing, and leader, so you can get started right away. Because it’s equipped with an EVA foam handle, this rod provides ultimate comfort during those long days on the water while preventing accidental slips. Measuring 8 feet in length, this moderate action fly fishing rod is ideal for reeling in panfish, bass, walleye, trout, and more.
Pros
- Moderate action rod for catching different fish
- Well-padded, comfortable handle
- Smooth line retrieval
- Comes with an assortment of fishing tackles
Cons
- Doesn’t include a storage bag
Most Lightweight
With the ability to cast long distances with ease, the M MAXIMUMCATCH Fly Fishing Rod is perfect for aspiring anglers. Offering the perfect balance of weight and comfort, this model is made with IM7 24T and 30T carbon fiber and features a cork handle, so you can fish from sunrise to sunset without getting tired. This fly fishing rod also boasts hard chrome snake guides that give you flexibility in casting and line control, while the ceramic insert stripping guides add durability and reduce friction on the line.
With pre-spooled backing, a weight-forward floating line, and a tapered leader, this option can help you catch more fish than ever before. This fly fishing rod even comes with 12 different wet and dry flies to lure in those prized fish and a fish nipper with a zinger for easy hook removal after catching your prey!
Pros
- Sturdy, lightweight construction
- Stable disc drag for better control
- Comes with preloaded lines
- Includes a strong, waterproof case
Cons
- Mediocre-quality flies
Ideal for Beginners
Want to step up your fishing game? Then the Sougayilang Fly Fishing Rod is hard to beat. Made from carbon fiber and featuring a combination of wire loop top guide, snake-type guide ring, and ceramic guide ring, this fly fishing rod has enough strength to handle big fish without getting tangled up.
The reel is made of CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, so you can be sure it will stand up to the rigors of fishing. It’s also got a 1:1 gear ratio and comes with a large spool capacity, making it ideal for catching big fish in open water. Best of all, it’s fully adjustable and can be used by both right-handed and left-handed anglers. This fly fishing rod comes with a 100-foot fly line, backing, and leader so that your first time on the water can be as smooth as possible. You’ll also get 12 flies, a spare leader, a zinger, a nipper, and a convenient carrying case.
Pros
- Smooth reeling and retrieval
- Western-style cork handle for enhanced grip
- Comes with different fishing accessories
Cons
- Only available in one size
Buyer’s Guide: Fly Fishing Rods
Fly fishing is an increasingly popular sport, and it’s easy to see why. For one, it’s a great way to enjoy being outdoors without having to worry about the weather. Secondly, it allows fishermen to target everything from trout to salmon, bass, and even carp. And while the equipment may vary depending on what kinds of fish you’re after, here are some basic things that every angler should look for when buying a new fly fishing rod:
What To Consider Before Buying a Fly Fishing Rod
Length
Fly fishing rods come in different lengths, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Generally speaking, longer rods allow you to cast further but can be harder to use in tight situations where accuracy is more important than power — such as when fishing for smaller fish like trout or panfish. Shorter rods may not be able to cast as far but provide more control over your line during casting and fighting fish.
For maximum control and accuracy, pick a fly fishing rod that is between 8 and 10 feet long. But, if you plan on fishing in smaller bodies of water like streams or ponds, a 6-foot-long rod might be more appropriate.
Rod action and flex
Fly fishing rods are also designed with different actions. The action describes how flexible or stiff the rod is when casting and fighting fish. A rod with a fast action will launch the fly farther but isn’t as forgiving when you cast and hook a fish. A slow action rod provides better control and accuracy when fishing in windy conditions or when casting to small targets like panfish.
If you’re new to fly fishing or plan on catching trout in freshwater, you should start with medium-action rods as they provide enough power to reel in prized fish but are easier to manage than fast-action rods.
Material
The material that a rod is made from has a big impact on how it performs and how long it lasts. The most common materials are graphite and fiberglass, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
Graphite is the most popular choice because it’s lightweight and inexpensive. It’s also flexible, which makes it easier for beginners to control their casts. Unfortunately, they don’t last as long as some other types of rods because they tend to break more easily when they hit rocks or other hard objects
Fiberglass rods are stiffer than graphite rods and are usually preferred by anglers who want more control over their casts or who fish in windy conditions. While fiberglass rods can help you land big fish, if you’re not familiar with different casting techniques, it might be better to stick with a lightweight graphite rod. Once you gain experience, you can upgrade to one made from fiberglass.
Handle style
There are two main types of handles — cork and EVA foam. Cork is a natural material that absorbs shock and provides good grip but doesn’t provide much cushioning against bumps and bruises. EVA foam is a synthetic material that offers optimal cushioning and an enhanced grip but can give off an unpleasant smell if not cleaned properly. Whichever type of handle you choose, make sure that it fits comfortably in your hands and allows you to cast easily without any issues.
Reel guides
Often made of aluminum or stainless steel, reel guides are the metal rings at the base of the rod that holds the line in place during use. The more reel guides a rod has, the more control you’ll have over your line while casting or playing fish with it. But, fewer guides mean less weight added to the tip section of your fishing rod — something that’s important if you’re planning on using light lures like dry flies or nymphs at all times. Before buying, also check the rings on the reel guides. They should be made of metal and have a smooth finish, as this will help your line glide smoothly without getting snagged on any rough edges.
Included accessories
Before finalizing your purchase, you should check what type of accessories are included with the rod. While some rods only come with a carrying case, others include dry flies, wet lures, tippet spools, and monofilament lines to help you get started right away.
People Also Asked
Does the line weight of a fly fishing rod matter?
Yes. The weight of your fly fishing rod will determine how much power and control you have over your case. The lighter the fly fishing rod is, the easier it will be to use, but you’ll also have less power at your disposal. If you're targeting small trout in close quarters, a 4-weight fly rod will serve you well. If you're fishing for monster salmon on big rivers, you'll want a 9-weight or higher rod that can throw heavy flies over long distances.
Should I use a leader when fishing with a fly rod?
You should definitely use a leader when fly fishing! The leader — usually made of nylon — attaches the fly to the tippet (the thinner line) and allows the fish to feel the lure before feeling any resistance from your line or tippet. It also protects your tippet from being cut by sharp teeth or gill plates on larger fish.
Does it matter if my fly fishing rod has a flexible tip?
Yes! A flexible tip allows you to load up on more lines by reducing line sag at short distances. This can be especially helpful when fishing in windy conditions or casting into tight spaces where you may not have enough room to get all your line out before beginning your backcast.
Should I get a spare spool for my fly fishing rod?
Rods are designed to be used with one line size, but sometimes you may have to switch from a 5-weight line to a 6-weight, or from a floating line to a sinker. If you're going to change your line size frequently or experiment with different lures and baits, consider getting an extra spool for your rod. This way, you can switch back and forth between line sizes without having to swap rods.
How much do fly fishing rods cost?
Depending on the type, length, and materials used, fly fishing rods can be quite expensive. For example, a high-end fiberglass rod with a carbon fiber reel seat could cost anywhere from $150 to $350. But, if you’re just starting out or are looking for an inexpensive starter rod, there are plenty of options available at less than $50.