Avoid These 4 Fly Rod Buying Blunders

[@FlyFishDan]

If you are looking for a fly rod designed to ease the burden of casting, check out the FFD series of fly rods here: fishonrods.com/

[@jamesowen5593]

I have 3 FFD fly rods. SO Gooooood! Better deal for high-end rod than any of the top brands.

[@jumpjump2906]

Brilliant upload buddy. You are a font of knowledge. One thing I have found when introducing anyone to fly fishing. They always think fly fishing is about the overhead false cast. Once I show them the benefit of the roll cast. And how basically all casts start with getting line tension. Then the bulb moment happens, and fly fishing and casting is no longer this dark art. Keep up the good work. You are a legend. Welcome from Scotland. The home of the Spey cast 👍

[@FlyFishDan]

I appreciate your kind words, thank you for that. Pretty cool you are watching from Scotland, on my bucket list of places to visit one day. Cheers and FISH-ON!!

[@jumpjump2906]

Absolutely best u tuber. Your up loads rock!! Keep up the great work. You are a legend!!

[@ryanward58]

Thanks FFD. Always great knowledge share! I wasn’t a believer in how much line made a difference until I upgraded mine. Added distance to my cast with less efforts. Keep’em coming! And Fish on!

[@FlyFishDan]

Good stuff and thank you Ryan! I appreciate you being a part of the channel!

[@brianboechler8494]

Another very helpful video Dan. You keep it simple and accurate. Fish on !!

[@FlyFishDan]

My pleasure - thank you for taking the time to watch! Cheers and FISH-ON indeed!

[@braw5051]

Great video. Another thing to keep in mind is that fast action rods are more suitable for heavier flies so the tip of the rod can load properly.

[@FlyFishDan]

Good tip!

[@mattharkness6697]

Thanks Dan Very helpful information as far as the casting ability of the rod. I was aware of the different actions but I didn’t realize how it affected the casting

[@FlyFishDan]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks again Matt for being a part of the club!

[@FlyFishDan]

You bet Matt, happy to help!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Matt, I am happy to hear you found it helpful. Cheers!

[@lastcoyote2355]

Action should be the first to consider , along with whether you’re a beginning or more seasoned . 2nd is weight . For a beginner a 5-6 weight rod , a 8.5’ long rod is a good starter rod …. If you plan on doing a lot of fishing from a drift boat ..a 10’ is out standing …. Also a 10 footer is great for mending line . Also consider the size of stream or river you fish .

[@lastcoyote2355]

Action should be the first to consider , along with whether you’re a beginning or more seasoned . 2nd is weight . For a beginner a 5-6 weight rod , a 8.5’ long rod is a good starter rod …. If you plan on doing a lot of fishing from a drift boat ..a 10’ is out standing …. Also a 10 footer is great for mending line . Also consider the size of stream or river you fish . If your just starting avoid a fast action rod and a slow action

[@jaaron2834]

Hey there Dan,… great tips for beginners and for everyone as well… After high school,… I gathered most of my info and experience through a friend …Tim Rajeff ,.. I’m sure you’ve heard of him… I have several rods but nothing lighter than a 8wt. To me, anything lighter feels like a twig ,.. just hate being undergunned…I gave up targeting smaller fish a long time ago … been casting 11 & 12wt in the salt as well as a 15’ 10wt in the surf It’s just my preference in rod weights … and feels awesome when you’re hooked up to a substantial size fish on a fly rod…🤙🤗😎👍

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks! Great feedback as well - thanks for taking the time to watch and for the feedback - good stuff.

[@grob25]

I was going to ask if you could talk about this. My first rod is a fast action and I struggle with it. I bought a medium action 3wt and, I learned on that. The line on that first rod is from Scientific Angler. It was $130!!! I don't like it as much as the $99 line on my 3wt. Thank you for going through this topic, I feel better about my casting.

[@FlyFishDan]

I am very happy to hear that this might help - thank you again for being a part of the club too!

[@timingram8953]

I made all those mistakes; I love my medium action Sage 6 wt 9ft rod; it is my go-to for most fisheries. My fly line selection is normally centered around midges vs. dries.

[@Dream-season]

Just don’t break it … they take a year to repair their rods

[@timingram8953]

Actually, I received my repaired Sage Rod in 3 months, and it was destroyed. It was ran over by a truck and they repaired/replaced for $75.00, I was happy to wait.@@Dream-season

[@vedan304]

Nice vid, great for new anglers! I thought you were going to give all the mistakes at the beginning of the video... glad you saved one mistake for the end!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks! 👍

[@brokenk5hl131]

Hey Dan. Little late and odd to ask on a older video, but what are your or other members here thoughts on piscifun sword fly line? It’s a weight forward floating fly line with a welded loop that is considerably cheaper ($24.99) but was not reviewed much on their website despite having really impressive reviews on other places for its price and performance. It probably is not as good as the more expensive lines and heck may not even be super impressive compared to a rio or cortland fly line but I’m wondering if anyone knows what they think about it here to see if there are any issues I should know of or if it would make a pretty decent fast replacement for really beat up old fly line in a hurry. Thanks.

[@FlyFishDan]

Hey there! Prepare for a long winded answer! The Piscifun Sword fly line is a popular choice among budget-conscious anglers, and it often receives positive reviews for its price and performance. Here are some thoughts on it: Pros: Affordability: At $24.99, it's a very economical option compared to premium lines like Rio or Cortland. Performance: Many users report that it casts well and handles a variety of fishing situations effectively. It's particularly praised for its smooth casting and decent distance. Welded Loop: The inclusion of a welded loop makes it easy to connect to your leader, adding convenience for quick setup and leader changes. Versatility: Suitable for various conditions, whether you're fishing in freshwater or targeting different species. Cons: Durability: While it performs well, it might not be as durable as more expensive lines. If you fish frequently or in harsh conditions, you might notice it wearing out faster. Coating Quality: The coating might not be as high-quality as premium brands, potentially affecting floatation and longevity. Less Specialized: Higher-end lines often have specialized tapers and coatings designed for specific fishing scenarios, which the Piscifun Sword might lack. Overall Impression: For a budget-friendly fly line, the Piscifun Sword is a solid choice. It’s especially good as a fast replacement for old or beat-up lines. While it may not have the premium feel or durability of a Rio or Cortland, it offers excellent value for the price. If you're looking for an affordable line to get you back on the water quickly, it’s definitely worth considering. Final Tip: If you plan on fishing frequently or in demanding conditions, you might eventually want to invest in a higher-quality line (like Cortland). However, the Piscifun Sword can be a great backup or a starter line to keep you fishing without breaking the bank.

[@brokenk5hl131]

@@FlyFishDangreat overview! Thanks a-lot Dan! I’ll always keep a conscious eye on cortland or rio lines but this helps me be better aware of my options. Fish on!

[@rogerfranz1152]

I had a one of those cortland float line it was in closet for 10 years it disintegrated into dust so much for durability😂

[@spicerish]

Thanks for this. I made this first mistake. I went with a package deal to start out that gets here tomorrow. I’m definitely saving up to get one of your rods.

[@daveschlom4033]

That package deal rod won't be excellent but depending on the manufacturer, it might be decent, especially if you are a beginner. It took me about a year to outgrow my Wildwater 5 wt. I caught fish with it and had fun. Once your casting stroke gets better then you'll really appreciate a better rod. I have an Orvis Reconn and a Fenwick Aetos. Both perform well. But today I should be getting a new 3 wt (my cheapo one naturally broke after a year) from some cool dudes in Washington. Can't wait!

[@spuddoright1970]

@@daveschlom4033I started with a Reddington Field Kit 9' 5wt. I love the setup and caught a lot of fish with it. I picked up a Fenwick Aetos 9' 5wt and use it exclusively for nymphing. The Aeoto has become my main rod for the river down the road from my house since it's most productive w/ nymphs. I matched it with Rio DT4F line and it does really well with the bobber setup. For my birthday this year I'm going to splurge and get a more expensive rod.

[@spicerish]

@@daveschlom4033 ya I went with a package deal from venture fly company. Got really good reviews and it comes with a lot of stuff to start out to get my feet wet. So I hope it works out and I know it will but definitely saving up for a better one in the future and then a Spey rod.

[@daveschlom4033]

@@spicerish Beware the trout spey...it's highly addicting!!!

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you Dave - hopefully you'll see your rod today!

[@Sides1160]

Mistake #5, buying a fly rod without casting it. Most fly shops will string up a rod and let you try it, out in back of the shop. There are some that have access to water, that is even better. If it is a good fly shop they will even help with your casting, while trying to sell you a rod. Kinda like a free casting lesson. All the more reason to support your local fly shop.

[@FlyFishDan]

Well said...your local fly shops and locally owned fly rod business :))

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

I found all a fly shop does is butter your a$$ I have never seen any of them try and help. Just steke and sell.

[@Sides1160]

@@adventureswithfrodo2721 Well go back to the shire and find a better one. There are several by me. I live in Wyoming. It’s very easy to find a good fly shop. If they aren’t helpful, then take your business elsewhere.

[@edcooke1209]

I enjoyed your video and your commitment to making fly fishing accessible and understandable. However, I don’t think you mentioned WHY less expensive, lower quality line is a problem and that more expensive line is better. I would love to know why I should buy more expensive line. Thank you.

[@FlyFishDan]

While high-quality fly lines come at a higher price, their benefits in terms of durability, casting performance, reduced memory, consistent floatation/sink rates, sensitivity, specialized designs, and aesthetics make them a worthwhile investment for serious anglers. These advantages lead to a more enjoyable and effective fishing experience, potentially improving your success and reducing frustration on the water.

[@edcooke1209]

Wow! I got a personal answer from a KZbin celebrity!! Thank you. Keep up the good work and best wishes to you.

[@justal4844]

FFD: "...why is length important?..." Women: "...if we have to explain..." 😉🙃. Okay, don't take this too serious, as I'm just helping Dan's engagement with a little humor. ☮ from Idaho.

[@FlyFishDan]

Lol - that is funny! Hope you are staying warm, no fishing this weekend, the Yakima is a river of ice!

[@justal4844]

@@FlyFishDanYeah, we're at minus-degrees (Celsius or otherwise...). NOT fishing for a couple of weeks here.

[@lincolnprojectnemesis3253]

Good recommendations and guidance for buying a rod. Reel should be at least moderately matched to the rod. This is just the beginning of your journey with flyfishing and guaranteed your first rod wont be you last nor your only rod. Tons of great rods at all price points out there. Enjoy the process and growth within the sport..and subscribe to Dan's feed for the exuberance and no BS tips.

[@FlyFishDan]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@barry4fish]

Two problems that didn’t used to be an issue, but are even bigger today than they were years ago - the first one is handle grip comfort. The current trend is to use shorter grips, and skinnier grips. Also, another trend is that companies go with a grip shape that is easy to duplicate, so they can use the same one on every rod model and save on labor costs. These are all problematic, shorter grips make it harder to balance an outfit correctly with a lighter reel, skinny grips make rods feel heavier than they actually are, and grips that don’t have enough contour in shape to support the palm can be uncomfortable to fish with for long periods. The second issue is the quality of the components, and in particular, the guides. I have built many rods over the years, and the good quality guides and tip tops are now more difficult for the average rod builder to get. The big companies and serious rod builders buy large quantities, then that leaves the rest of us waiting for availability. Lots of readily available tip top guides lose their plating finish after a few uses, are not very durable, or constructed with wire that is too thin. Dan, I hope that these issues can be addressed in some of your future videos, as always thanks for your help.

[@FlyFishDan]

Great comments - thank you for those. Check out Snake Brand in Battleground WA. Mike (the owner) uses high grade components and even built his own machines to form his guides. Piscari cork in Port Angeles WA uses agglomerated cork handles that are designed for comfort and durability. Hope that helps!

[@kornelkowalczyk4568]

So do you mean I should not skunk on a fly rod? I live in Poland and fly fishing equipment is really hard to get. We have like 3 or 4 fly fishing stores in the whole country and the prices are... Well, to high for a broke 14 year old who has saw a wild trout once and has a 3 hour drive to the closest trout stream. I only fly fished with a rod bought from a grocery store and I had some great time flinging flies with it (even tho I haven't technically caught a fish on a fly YET) and if the prices of these can reach up to 800$, these sticks be better wiping my ass. How great can they be?. btw great vid, just about to buy a 4wt konger outfit, and I hope it dosen't break apart on the forst cast. Tight lines!

[@FlyFishDan]

Super cool you are watching from Poland - I love how social media can connect us all. Glad to hear you are out there fly fishing and I am sorry about all the crazy high prices!

[@tomasssh87]

Też jestem z Polski. Już nie przesadzajmy, sklepów jest dosyć sporo Caddis, Salar, Gawlik, Flyartfishing...można kupić wędki np Trapera które są dobre i nie kosztują fortuny.

[@waxknucklebearingjuice5592]

When you pay a lot for rods your more or less paying for weight reduction and a warranty. Performance is pretty similar across prices.

[@FlyFishDan]

With all due respect, that might be true in the retail world, but in the realm of custom products, they typically start at $850 and go up. At fishonrods.com, we offer the same premium gear priced at $499, without compromising on performance.

[@billanderson5078]

The investment in a good line is first lesson I learned

[@FlyFishDan]

Indeed!

[@waxknucklebearingjuice5592]

The 50$ combo i picked up served me well for years trout and bass fishing. 9ft 5w. Click and pawl. Caught hundreds of fish with 0 problems. Price is nonsense. I caught a few steelys before i fell on it and broke it.

[@FlyFishDan]

You get what you pay for - custom rods also require significant time to build, which adds inherent value. It's perfectly fine if you prefer purchasing combo setups, but they will never provide the same personalized feel and significance as commissioning a fly rod specifically tailored to you.

[@theredfishchronicles7929]

We used to call the action the flex. Tip flex, mid flex... Mid flex rods were always what I suggested to new casters. more forgiving. the line issue is paramount. I can cast a crappy rod 80 feet if it has good line but you put a crap line on a $1000 rod it will cast like doo doo ;-) Never skimp on your lines!!!!

[@FlyFishDan]

I too remember those days of the 'flex' - good stuff. Well said regarding the lines too, makes all the difference.

[@jayanderson2993]

My wife always says, “it’s not the size, it’s how you use it”. 😅

[@rte66pawnshop]

Having fine time working for and eating big trouts with eagles claws. No sell organ for easy catch, no?

[@DPM-dp9on]

Watch Kelly Galloup’s video on $1000.00 fly rods. A thousand dollar fly rod is bs.

[@FlyFishDan]

@@DPM-dp9on I believe that everyone, even some of the industry legends, is entitled to their own opinions. I strongly disagree with you when it comes to the value of a custom handbuilt fly rod - a thousand dollars may actually be considered quite inexpensive when you factor in the time invested to create one of these heirloom fly rods.

[@DPM-dp9on]

@@FlyFishDan I appreciate a luxury fly rod for the artistic quality as much as anyone. I am fortunate enough at this point in life to be able to splurge from time to time and even have a family friend who works at Thomas and Thomas. However, I think looking down on “those fly rod kits” and telling people they need expensive gear reinforces the reputation of fly fishing as being elitist. I agree, we are all entitled to our opinions and I enjoy your videos. Some disagreement is always healthy.

[@FlyFishDan]

You have a good point, thank you for the video inspiration as well (regarding the fly rod kit). My first fly rod was a Cortland starter kit almost 40 years ago. I'll cover that on my next vid :)) Cheers and FISH-ON!!

[@flyguy2021]

One thing to remember about $1000 fly rods is they are manufactured in the U.S. that includes rolling the blank. That’s the single most important factor in the price of the high end rods. I have probably bought more than 50-60 rods in my lifetime and researched many more. I am not sure there is a U.S. manufactured rod (from a major manufacturer) for less than $600 or so. Like almost everything else we buy these days, it is way cheaper to build it in Asia and ship it across the ocean. An iPhone would be $4000 if it was made in the U.S. whether it’s worth it to pay for that is up to the individual.

[@RoryLynott]

It's a fly rod. Just fish it.

[@FlyFishDan]

Many people end up choosing the wrong fly rod and never go back to the sport, education is the key to that first purchase. Then just go out and fish it! Cheers and FISH-ON!!

[@borbonic]

Mistake 1. You paid way too much. Fly rod more than 100 quid is too much.

[@FlyFishDan]

Most fly anglers would disagree with you - including myself.

[@borbonic]

@@FlyFishDan that's because most of them are rich. I use cheap and catch the same fish

[@rogerfranz1152]

The only thing you might get is robustness and extra durability over time but for cheap you can replace by simply buying another one when it worn out quicker.Lets say hou have a limited lifespan on it anyways.

[@borbonic]

@@rogerfranz1152 the way I see other than practical sense: If one wants to secure the activity of fly fishing as an expensive and rich man's sport is to continue suggesting that the most costly products are the only ones worth considering. That's aside from the fallacy presented already which suggests most people agree with me, therefore I am correct.

[@rogerfranz1152]

Yes its slated for the elites only to enjoy thus I wont expect quality to be anywhere as good for the budget minded like me thus I'll have to keep my expectations lowered and accept that the inferior fly fishing will only be a secondary partial fishing activity along with my main fishing which is spin and bait fishing