| Fly rods are generally long and whippy compared to other kinds of
rods, and there is a big difference in reels, also. In other casting
methods, when the rod is flexed and the lure flies out, the lure pulls
the line out from the reel. In fly fishing the reel contributes
nothing to the cast. It merely holds the line. Fly rods are made of 4
basic materials:
Bamboo - Rods made of split bamboo have exquisite actions
(how a rod bends or flexes). Bamboo rods are heavier than hollow glass
rods, and most makes can take a set. The best bamboo rods are
impregnated with Bakelite resin or plastic material, greatly reducing
the bamboo's tendency to set.
Hollow Glass - They are resilient; can have excellent
action; do not take a set; are practically impervious to sun, heat,
cold, or salt water; withstand hard use; and, compared to rods made of
some other materials, are inexpensive.
Graphite -Rods made of carbon-graphite fibers are fifty
percent lighter than comparable bamboo rods, and at least twenty-five
percent lighter than comparable glass rods. They are also very strong,
have less vibration and quicker recovery times. Graphite
Glass Combinations -These are rods made mostly of graphite carbon
filaments, with tips made of fiberglass. They are said to be stronger
than regular graphite rods, but are lighter with better action. All
fly rods have the same components: guides, ferrules, reel seats, grips
and so forth. The tips, guides and ferrules are very important on any
rod. If a rod's tip top and guides are not of quality material or are
badly designed, they will wear quickly and then can ruin you fly
line. The ferrules (the sockets that join fly rod sections
together) must be made of good materials or the rod will come apart
easily. A new rod whose ferrules fit loosely should be avoided. Reel
seats of the screw locking type are the best. They will hold a fly
reel firmly in place even after hours of casting. It should be
possible to mount a fly reel quickly and easily on the seat. There
should be no need for pushing or forcing to get the reel seat hood
over the reel foot, or the rear reel foot into the rear hood of the
seat. Once in place, a reel should not be loose and wiggly in the reel
seat. Fly rod handles, or grips are uncomplicated. The cork
grip can be one of the many different shapes: cigar, half Wells,
fishtail, full Wells, and so on. The most important part of the fly
rod grip is that it is comfortable and well made. Related
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