There are many fly rod manufacturers out there both in the USA and abroad. During our last assessment there are at least 15 fly rod manufacturers with a main office in the USA. The members of our team at Tail Fly Fishing Magazine all use different brands and site different reasons for why they prefer a particular brand or model.
I throw a Redington Vapen in just about every size. From a 5 weight to a 12 weight, from trout to tarpon, it works for me. My Vapen casts in any conditions, and even on the windy days without issue. The most important reason why it’s my rod of choice is because I trust it. I can pick up my vapen with confidence. My friend throws a rod that has three times the price but my confidence in that rod is non existent. It is a phenomenal fly rod that is lightweight with serious lifting power but it’s just not for me. He trusts it and swears by it. He will never throw anything else.
The two lessons that I have learned from fishing and buying fishing gear is that one should not ignore a particular rod or brand because of the price tag. The other thing learned was that you should trust yourself on what rod you like. It should feel right and cast without effort.
When it is time to buy a new rod, like any other purchase, you need to do your research. A lot of research can be done online. Reading forums and blogs are great to get an idea, but nothing can beat seeing a product in person. Go to a fly shop, grab some rods, hold the cork and most importantly, cast them. And actually cast them, don’t just wiggle them back and forth. Many people pick up rods and wave them back and forth like a middle schooler waving their pencil to make it wave. You learn nothing about a rod by doing this, besides maybe how fragile it is when you accidentally smack the wall or display rack with the tip.
When you cast a rod, put it through its paces. Cast it into the wind, across the wind. Throw it side armed, overhanded and everything inbetween. You are about to make an investment whether big or small. It’s your stick after all. The obvious comparison is test driving a car. Most people won’t buy a car without a test drive. Yeah, obviously you are not going to do a burnout to test its true horsepower, but you will kick the tires, test the acceleration and the brakes at a minimum.
Even if the most expensive fly rods are not in your budget, still give them a cast. You may be surprised how some of the less expensive rods hold up in comparison. I usually am. That being said, some rods are definitely more special than others and that “touch of specialness” might warrant a higher price tag. Perhaps if you try our approach you might actually find several rods that you like. With multiple options that you cast well making your decision to buy a much easier one.
Remember that it is rude to go to a fly shop and ask for help to only go and purchase what you were looking for online. Make sure to support your local fly shop. If you test out a rods, it is usually assumed that you are actively shopping for a rod. This implies that you might actually buy a rod. Even if you decide not to, buy something else, even if it’s just some flies or a hat. That’s the least you can do to thank the shop for their time and support them so they remain there.
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