Due to its simplicity, fly fishing is one of the most preferred fishing techniques for amateurs and pros. Once you have all the right resources and a proper setup, you should be able to catch more fish. A proper fly-fishing setup should include a rig, line, rod, reel, and other equipment.
However, you should pay more attention to the rod and reel due to their critical role in ensuring you enjoy the best fishing experience. Instead of buying each separately, you can opt for a combo or a rod and reel. This way, you get the two perfectly paired.
Despite being sold in combo, you should still take the time to select the best one by following these guidelines.
1. Selecting The Best Rod
The rod has a substantial weight when dragging the fish out of the water. It also provides pivotal support to roll the reel, moving the line and enabling you to pull the fish to the surface.
Select the best one that will not break or be too rigid to support the reel, line, and the whole weight.
When buying a fly fishing rods and reel, consider all the components to make the best decision.
A light and Sturdy Rod
A good rod should be durable and able to withstand any weight, making it suitable for small and big fish fishing. It should also be light, making it easier to manoeuvre. It should weigh under 12 ounces.
Since the rod should be lighter, consider those made of graphite. Graphite is light and strong but is not as long-lasting as fiber. The only challenge with the fiber one is the vulnerability. It can break when knocked on certain surfaces. Otherwise, if you care for it, it should last longer.
Instead of the modern graphite and fiber rod, you can opt for a bamboo rod. Bamboo rods are light and also maintain the traditional feel when fishing. Unlike other options, they are smooth and retain the traditional craft of making fishing rods. They also have the best visual appeal. However, you should care for them and store them away from moisture.
Consider the Ideal Length
When selecting a good rod, ensure it is not too long or too short. It should be of average length. However, there are occasions when a longer rod would be suitable. A good rod should be between 8 and 10 feet.
The longer ones suit large water bodies fishing in the lake or ocean. These rods should be about 9 to 10 feet. The shorter ones are suitable for small lakes or rivers and should be about 6 to 8 feet.
Rod Action
Another criterion to consider is the action. Fat action rods enable you to cast the line longer and suitably to catch large fish. These rods are 8 to 10 feet long, creating the perfect pivot to drag the fish. Medium craft rods are ideal for small fish and fishing in confined spaces or smaller water bodies. For these rods, select a medium height.
You can also opt for slow-action rods for fishing in ponds and narrow rivers. They are also great for fishing in a canoe or small boat.
2. How to Choose the Best Reel for the Combo
Before you decide on the best reel, get the one that will match the rod. You can choose a larger, smaller, or other type of reel. The first consideration when selecting a good reel is the drag system. A perfect drag system should enable you to roll the fishing line smoothly to drag the fish out from the trap.
The drag system should be fast and smooth so you can drag out the fish fast before it releases the hook or the bait.
Therefore, you need a real one with a perfect arbor size. A large arbor size is ideal to avoid recoils. As such, you only rotate the reel once and keep coiling the fishing line with limited effort.
Durability matters; hence, you should select a reel made of lightweight yet durable material. A good reel should be made of aluminum and composite. Aluminum is ideal for maintaining lightweight, and the composite elements strengthen the aluminum, ensuring it does not crack or deform.
A heavy reel adds more weight to the pivot, requiring more energy to pull out the fish. It also rolls slowly, requiring more effort to coil the line.
3. Selecting The Rod and Reel Combo
Now that you know the attributes of a good rod and reel, the next decision is to select the perfect combo. Ideally, the whole pack should be lighter than others; you should compare the weight.
Next, focus on the material. The material should guarantee durability while maintaining a lighter weight. So, pay attention to each and select a combination made from lightweight materials.
Focus on the individual items since both cannot be made from the same material. Finally, consider whether the item is suitable for a certain fishing technique. If you fish in a lake or an ocean, ensure the rod is longer, and the reel is wider to enable you to pull the fish fast out of the water using less energy.
When picking fishing gear for rivers, both should be shorter due to the smaller space and the length of the line you need to cast.
Finally, if you love fly fishing, consider a rod and reel perfect for various water bodies like lakes, oceans, and rivers. You can select a reel and a bamboo, graphite, or fiber rod.
Conclusion
Before you decide on the perfect rod and reel combo, consider your fishing technique and the place you like to fish. These two factors will help you choose the best combo based on size, length, and weight. Besides that, ensure both are lightweight and durable.