FS Digest

Hey everyone, I’m looking to get into fly fishing and I found a brand new fly rod, just the rod no reel, in my grandpas garage. However, the rod only seems to be about 5 feet 6 inches tall. Most of the rods I’ve seen are like 9 feet. Is it ok to use a shorter rod like this? What are the differences?

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by biophysicalchemistry

FS Digest

It would appear they are different lengths.

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by Twincky

FS Digest

Right, one is 5 and a half feet and normally I’ve seen them around 9 feet. I’m wondering if there’s differences when you’re actually fishing and if the smaller ones are different

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by biophysicalchemistry

FS Digest

It would most likely be stiffer and your casts would be shorter and quicker. It could be fun if heavily wooded creeks.

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by Twincky

FS Digest

Ok, thank you. Yeah I’ve never fly fished before. Is there an difference in buying equipment like reels and line because it’s a shorter rod, or is it all the same?

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by biophysicalchemistry

FS Digest

I would definitely get a smaller reel... line shouldn’t matter. You may want to find a 9ft rod you’ll probably need one eventually.

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by Twincky

FS Digest

Thanks a lot!

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by biophysicalchemistry

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Are you sure you have all of the pieces? Are you sure it is a fly rod? If it is a 5' 6" fly rod it will be very difficult to cast it very far and that could be why it is brand new, your grandfather bought it, tried it, didn't like it and didn't use it. It should tell you the weight of the fly rod and that will determine what line and reel you will have to put on it.

Capt Lou

Short rods unless very mild tapers are an abomination to cast unless your an experienced caster !
You sound very inexperienced so I would look for at least an 8’ rod to learn with , aquistion of timing much easier !

BobbyJ Loc: Texas

I have several fly rods of various weights and lengths. As one stated below, the longer rods may be easier to learn on. Yes, I have a 5’ 6” 3 weight that I use depending upon my location. It is a little more difficult to use, as the fly passes closer to me when casting. I consider it more of a special type rod and use it when needed. 8’ to 9 ‘ rods are common. My suggestion is to locate someone that fly fishes to give you personal advice hands-on.

muckraker7080

Oh yea, big difference. Orvis sells inexpensive rigs for around $100US. the rig is a basic set up for normal size 7, (like pH scale). It's basically a trout set up. Choosing flies (bait) is another world, which we won't go too deeply into here and now but it comes with a beginners assortment of flies to help you off on the right foot. It comes with a 9'2" rod, "cheap" but serviceable reel, already set up with floating line. The first one broke on the 2nd day. It happened again but they had no trouble replacing it until I was "satisfied". I'll say for me, it was a bit frustrating but I'm sticking in there with Orvis because they kept their word and they paid for all the shipping except the first time. I take my set up to the local park and practice my casting on the lawn. We have a great deal of interest in FF and have public casting pools in the park, if you want to get great advice, this is the place. Some of the instructors have won world class casting awards and are great and generous folks with info and ideas: also provide fly tying lessons. Get a rod and get into it. Like anything, you have to practice, so get into it and enjoy yourself. I wish you the best of Good luck. Now go fishin'!

Salesrep Loc: Maryland

Nothing wrong with a short fly rod.May be a little harder to cast or carry a long line but a short rod is made for small water.Just make sure you get a small reel to match the rod and line to match the rod.