A 9 foot 5 weight is the most versatile size of fly fishing rod and reel combo for trout and it s the fly rod size i recommend most for beginners.
Fly rod length for beginner.
If you want to know more about fly rod action read the how to select a fly rod guide.
Fly rods range from size 0 or 1 weight which is the lightest rod to about a 15 weight which is the heaviest.
The majority are manufactured around 9 feet.
Beginners will not want to go any longer and only should go shorter if the majority of their fishing will be for smaller fish such as panfish.
Rod length for trout fishing should be 8 5 to 9 feet in length.
An 8 5ft to 9ft rod is the perfect place to start as a beginner.
The majority are manufactured around 9 feet.
Fly rod manufacturers today sell more rods in 9 foot lengths than any other but that doesn t make it standard it does make it average for a fly rod 9 feet is a middle of the road length.
You will want a shorter rod if you are casting short distances in tight areas with lots of brush or trees around you.
It s by no means short but as far as fly rods go it s really not very long either.
8 9 foot rods are general purpose especially if the weight ranges from 4 to 8w.
The fly rod itself has an aluminum body and less than nine feet length good enough for beginners.
The reel seat on a fly rod is close to the butt the guides are small and length varies from 5 to 10 feet in general use though special circumstances call for 12 to 14 foot or longer rods.
Fly rods are available in lengths that range between 6 and 15 rods under 7 and more than 10 feet are considered extreme and beginners should avoid them.
If you need help understanding how to choose a fly fishing rod or how to choose a reel i ve added more detailed recommendations at the end of this guide.
Because fly lines are characterized by weight as opposed to breaking strength fly rods are rated for casting a specific weight line.
Thus a 5 weight rod is designed for use with a 5 weight line and a 8 weight rod is designed for use with an 8 weight line.
Simply put there is no standard or traditional length.
The rod length is versatile and it should be your first choice.
However if you are confident you ll be fishing in a small stream you can then go for a rod with a shorter length.
So what is the best fly rod length for a beginner.
Typically the weight of the rod is determined by the line weight that is paired with the rod.
If it came with a construction manual it would be much more helpful for beginners.
A rod that is too long can be difficult to judge distances on the back cast and a rod that is too short requires a more brisk motion to keep the fly above the ground.
Rod manufacturers design their rods.
Rod length rods come in varying lengths from 7 to over 10 feet.