What I wish I knew before buying my first fly rod

Chris Niccolls from Bow River Troutfitters explains everything you need to know before purchasing your first fly rod. It's important to have a good understanding of what to expect before you head down and try out different fly rods, and we explain it all.
bowrivertroutf...

[@bobmooney4173]

As a manager of an outdoor retail store, all I can say is that I wish I had him as one of my employees haha great video. Will be using this for my employee fly fishing training video!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thanks for the compliment! Chris will work for free flies, and tippet!

[@grantnorthcott5112]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary ..same here but I'm in an area where there isn't much fly fishing although I truly love the sport!

[@trevorsmart844]

I know, right? This guy needs to be on prime time television.

[@DavidWaltman]

I’ve watched your camera reviews for years. Now I find out you’re a Fly Fisherman?! My man!!!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thanks David! Sorry you have to deal with a double dose of Chris! :)

[@MrMysto]

I thought i was seeing things

[@randellgribben9772]

i was taught by my grandfather when i was 9 or 10 years old..late 1960's he taught me on bamboo rods... i started to ask him about buying a fiberglass rod.. he told me there o.k. but then he told me this.. no matter the cost of the rod/ reel/etc... the only thing the fish see's...is the fly.. i now teach casting.. even though i have $$$ rods to chose from..i teach with a 100 set up form bass pro/ cablea's as my students have the same rod..it just goes to show them,, its the person using the rod.. not the rod that will catch the fish..i have seen other instructors using $$$$,,rods and reels.. and i have come across these folks that want to learn..byt were intimidated by the instructor.. when they see me teach with the same rod they are using.. they are not intimidated any longer... they ask questions. Laugh at their mistakes.. they learn to have fun... if they have fun... they will want to fly fish..

[@stevenhansen5251]

Christmas 1968 got my 1st fly rod Shakespeare outfit I believe. Every late summer my folks planned a cheap trip. Like firing up the old Colman stove at waysides for lunches. Dad had a carside tent that he made and Mom sewed. I'd wander off to any water fly rod in hand . It just never gets old and remember to teach this young generation something besides this phone lol.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

It's probably more important to teach our youth now, more than ever before.

[@nubiaskax139]

That's a beautiful memory my friend! Thanks for sharing. Hope you are well.

[@gronthomson]

I can identify with this completely!

[@thelister7393]

Chris Nicholls is a multi subject expert. He is probably the best camera reviewer on tubeland

[@Fatguyintheforest]

Dude! I enjoy all your camera reviews, now on rods! Love everything you do. Thank you

[@andrewperry5242]

This has got to be the best explanation of weight and action I've heard. Seriously helped me figure out which direction I want to go for a trout rod.

[@niccollsvideo]

Hey I'm glad you found the explanation helpful! Thanks for the feedback

[@blaqueification]

Lol, also watched countless video reviews when getting into mirrorless cameras a few years back. And was Very confused running into you in a flyrod video 🙂 I thought I was losin it. Been fishing dries in the catskills for several years and it's time for a rod upgrade 👍🏻

[@SkillCollectors]

Same hahahaha

[@chrissywhiskers]

Hahaha. Exactly the same. It seems everything I get into is introduced to me by Chris.

[@justelvin]

Same here

[@anthonycollins9414]

This is the only explanation video of rods that makes sense to me. You break it down for simple people like me to understand and thats awesome! Thank you!

[@peterdunbar9935]

This guys knows his stuff. And his presentation is excellent. Very impartial yet honest insights into the best route to begin your fly fishing outfit.

[@Gettra64]

What a great introduction for those starting fly-fishing! For those beginning then keep in mind your first, entry-level rod can be the ideal backup rod as you move on. It's always a good idea to have a second rod nearby just in case you snap a top. Especially if you have spent time and money getting to the fishing-spot.

[@mm111303]

How often does that happen?

[@Gettra64]

It happens. Broke a top 2 weeks ago in a spot 4 hours from the next town. Had 2 spare rods in my truck. Over maybe 20 years of fishing broken 3 rods: 1 snapped when netting a trout, 1 snapped in a car-door an 1 snapped when I tripped. As you develop as a caster you realise the rod that does all doesn’t exist. Chose a good beginners rod and it later becomes the ideal backup.

[@scottjames6037]

Got back into fly fishing 35 years ago with Sage DS2, which is a great M action rod which I believe helps the beginner with technique.

[@b_FlintY]

Really appreciate all the insight and presentation in this video. As someone just getting into this hobby, being more informed and better prepared is only getting me more excited to start!

[@shane4176]

Man you are so good at explaining and getting your points across effectively! Thanks for the great video!

[@3runjosh]

Nine years ago I chose my first camera (a6000) from your review on tcstv and here I am randomly finding your fishing channel and learning which rod to get from you. Going out to buy my first fly fishing gear this weekend. Thanks Chris

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Awesome! I'm glad to hear that you are starting your fly fishing journey.

[@3runjosh]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary Thanks Chris

[@sergtang5593]

Very well done. I’d showed this video in my course anytime 👏👏👏

[@andyimplodes]

Whoa! Youre camera gear videos have helped me out so much figuring out my camera setups! Im surprised to find you're going to help me with my gear all over again now that I'm getting into fly fishing. Thanks dude!

[@niccollsvideo]

You got it! Any questions, let me know.

[@AkDeluxeRider]

Same reason I watched this video. I didn’t think I would pick anything up from this video but I did! Really enjoy the video Chris does.

[@firemansamful]

I WAH hi j b

[@andrewdomonic6603]

This is the best video on the subject I have seen yet. Right on.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thanks Andrew! Glad you found it helpful.

[@Rook9696]

had a giggle to myself when you used the echo lift for the example of a lower cost rod, thats the exact one i got as a first rod. love it.

[@fishingamericathegreatadve4349]

Great, great!! Definitely a "wish I knew" thing. Over 40 years ago I watched a guy fishing little poppers from a float tube for bluegills. Looked like so much fun, so... ordered a 7-8 wt through an outdoors store fishing catalog (no internet to research back then :-). Miserable. I wouldn't be surprised if I put much lighter fly line on it, cause I didn't have a clue. Couldn't figure out why it looked so fun and was so un-fun. Decades later, finally figured it out. Got a 3 wt and the bluegills (and bass, and small bowfin,...) are hugely fun. This is a great video that is exactly what the beginner needs to know.

[@bunnymann8685]

That was an extremely helpful, concise explanation. Thank you..

[@nickhumphreys3160]

Been fishing since shortly after being born. Been teaching myself fly-fishing for about 5 years and I have learned more from your videos in the last week than I learned that whole 5 years.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Glad to hear that Nick. We're happy that you are finding the info useful!

[@99problemsbutafishaintone35]

Very sharp and articulate dude. Good vid.

[@gronthomson]

Outstanding review of teaching about fly rod selection!

[@kellyphillips4404]

Thanks for your videos, been very helpful. Watching from Kentucky “ The Bluegrass State “.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Nice! We love our trout but boy would we enjoy a some pan fish and bass once in awhile!

[@TravisRayWatson]

Great video! Now I know what type to get for my first fly rod!

[@CN-re5ut]

Amazingly clear and concise info.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Cheers!

[@wyattk3757]

This video was amazing. I am 14 and I learned how to fly fish a few years ago and I wanted a second pole so I could cast a little heavier of flies and this let me know exactly what i am getting into. This video was very helpful

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

That is awesome! Thanks for taking a look.

[@wyattk3757]

What is your favorite fly for an 8 size pole

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

That's a tough one because it really depends on what you want to fish for, and where. But I would say that an 8 weight is ideal for larger streamer style flies, so try the classics like Peacock leeches, Muddlers, Clouser Minnows, Buggers. 8 weight rods can cast lots of flies up to hook sizes as large as 2/0 or so. I even use my 8 weight to occasionally throw pike flies although heavier rods are more ideal for that stuff. Here in Alberta we can use multiple flies at once too, so an 8 weight is great for heavy Stonefly, double nymph rigs, or two streamer flies in tandem.

[@wyattk3757]

Wow thank you so much I had found a rod and reel that I liked and after watching your video I went and bought it my other pole is a 5/6 so all that I really have is dry flies. So I will try to look for some of your suggestions. Thank you so much for replying

[@NickMorgan256]

He was great at talking about cameras and what do you know, he’s great at talking about fly fishing. Now he needs to do a cycling channel to compleate my trifecta

[@benpyeatt9986]

Amazing video and extremely informative. I’m just getting into fly fishing and this was a BIG help. Thanks

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

That's all we want to hear! Glad we could help you out, and if you have any questions let us know.

[@ingvarkristjansson766]

Wow….simply an amazing and informative video 👍

[@grantnorthcott5112]

I've been taught that a slow action rod (what you call a medium fast action)is more forgiving for a new fly fisher. Temple forks has been my go to rod to almost when I started fly fishing in the mid 80s.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Medium Fast rods are in our mind the best to start with, and even remain with for most anglers. We find Fast Actions have a time and place but only if you know how to use them. Otherwise they end up being used by beginners to mask the mistake of applying to much power and muscle. This can really hinder you down the line when you need to unlearn bad habits.

[@briandeeley1599]

I paid fourteen dollars for my first fly rod from Caldors department store and I can't remember what brand it was.I do remember my second fly rod because I still have it, a Cabela's fish eagle graphite 7'6" 5 wt. I bought it in 1981.

[@jascott-tr9ek]

Thank you. Very educational.

[@keithnguyen1997]

Wait a second you do camereas and FLY RODS?! I kept on watching and thought you looked familiar lol!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

I certainly do! Thanks for watching both channels!

[@Bwanar1]

Another point...is rods have changed a lot over the years. A mid grade rod nowadays has a lot more feel than the best rods of days gone buy. Seems we're going for the lightest rods that can still deliver the payload.

[@FrederickRH1]

Great job Chris!

[@anttitapio4145]

I've been wondering why Chris always uses Orvis jacket in camera videos. Cameras and fly fishing, nice 👍🏻

[@Hendrix312002]

Is this Chris Nichols from DP reviews? This guy also fly fishes? This dude rules.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Appreciate it Robert!

[@jcmoore1976]

I noticed he was always wearing Orvis gear in the camera reviews!

[@Raevenswood]

but what about the Nikon Z9? LOL I love that this guy covers all of my passions.

[@davecollins6113]

First one I bought was from a restaurant/gas stn in BC, maybe 1967-68, still have the click reel it came with, I caught fish with it all around the Cariboo for quite a few years, eventually broke it. Think it was fibreglas, forget what weight, caught some good fish on it though. Seems to me it was like 8.00 for rod, line and reel. Last one I bought was a 7wt 10ft Grey's 70, ordered out of UK direct, somewhere around 700.00 landed, 5-6 yrs ago.

[@andysanchez1210]

Excellent video!! Thanks!

[@timl9495]

Good video for me as a beginner !

[@juans3728]

Thank you for this video. I am new to this sport and understanding the different types of rods means a lot and i search your videos for the proper lines to use and what fly reels to select for i will use this outfit in salt and fresh water. Peace

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Glad to be of service Juan!

[@johnx9318]

Very helpful, and very well presented. Thanks.

[@stealthfirefishing]

Great information I still feel like I’m a beginner only been fly fishing for about 4 years

[@BVDsGoneFishing]

Here's what I've come to realize: Lower priced rods are made in China/Korea, and typically have better no questions asked warranties due to the volume they sell. Higher priced rods tend to be hand made in the US, and warranties can't be counted on unless it's a manufacture defect. When I started, I couldn't tell the difference between the Orvis Clearwater and Sage Foundation or R8 Core.

[@MichalGalinski]

Thank you, sir ! Best of luck. M.

[@bfjoutdoors]

I thought I accidentally clicked on a Panasonic Lumix video for a second. Had to take a double take. Lol

[@isaacgroundhill947]

Your videos are exceptional! Love your videos!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate you watching and supporting our show!

[@scouser2230]

Great video for someone who wants to experience fly fishing, as you accurately explain the important differences in fly rod choices out there.

[@germando81s]

Very informative and helpful. Thank you! Liked and subscribed.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Awesome, thank you! We really appreciate the support.

[@ChaseArrington]

Wait bro, aren’t you on the DPreview?!

[@rayflores1261]

awesome video

[@michaellacy8510]

My first fly rod was the cheapest one I could find. IIRC, about $10. I made about $2.50 an hour part time so my choices were, let’s say, limited. It was a stiff 6 wt that hinged at the ferule. “How it spoke to me” really didn’t apply. Action? Who knows. It threw a line though. I caught lots of fish with that rod.

[@Tyty0817hope]

What length would you recommend? Im an avid spin fisherman, fishing mountain streams for brookies and valley rivers for trophy rainbows and browns. Even in thick cover my #1 favorite rod to use is a 8 foot custom that i had made by a guy in Colorado. Its an ultralight with a very unique action. Ive fished inline spinners for years as well as drift/float and no float approach. The last 2 years ive experimented a lot with flies on a spin setup. Ive used double dry, a dry and nymph, tandem nymph, various drop shop fly rigs. I also have a very unique spinner setup inspired by fly leader variations. So im familiar with leaders, tippet, knots, flies, etc and im used to and comfortable using a longer than typical, by far, spin rod. As mentioned my go to is an 8 foot and i also always have a 7' ultralight/ moderate fast just in case but ive gotten pretty good with the 8 footer in very dense foliage. I get comments all the time. The typical spin rod where i live is a 5 or 5'6". Anyways i mentioned that because ive heard some folks recommend even a 6.5' fly rod around here. Ive found some 8' @ both 4 and 5 wt and a 9 foot 5 wt. Tbh my heads spinning trying to find a rod and reel. I prefer not to get a combo either. Id rather pair independently. Im prepared to invest in a setup that will last me a long, long time as well. Idc how hard it is to learn im going to do it no matter how aggravated i may become or how difficult and time consuming the learning curve may be. Patience is a virtue as well as persistence and relentless determination. With that being said could you perhaps recommend a rod and reel and even a fly line? In terms of brand and model. Thank you for this video, very much. The man explaining everything is extremely good at explaining and describing exactly what the topic is wo wandering. Its obvious he was born with the gift of teaching. Great video. Instant subscribe and im sharing this with every one.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Hey I really appreciate the kind words! So there are plenty of fly rods in smaller lengths like 7.5 to 8 feet. These are excellent for smaller mountain creeks and rising fish on dry flies. Generally the shorter the rod, the more accurate it can be to cast and more importantly the easier it is to manage in close cover and tight banks. However, the real key is what weight of rods you’ll need. Rod weight has everything to do with what flies and rigs you can cast properly. I like 3 or 4 wt rods for the small mountain streams that I fish here but they aren’t well suited for heavier flies like streamers and heavy nymphs, nor are they ideal for long casts on bigger rivers. So you kind of have to have both a nice compact 3 or 4 wt as well as a more standard 9’ 6 weight rod for example for bigger rivers. If everything you are doing is fairly close in and smaller waters though a good 4 or 5 weight rod can cover a lot of your bases.

[@Tyty0817hope]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary thanks so much for reply. It is very much appreciated. Ive found an 8' 4wt per your advice that i believe will serve me very well.

[@creativeflyfishing998]

One reason lighter weight rods are more difficult to cast with compared to heavier is the ratio between volume and surface. For thinner lines, the surface area is proportionally larger relative to the diameter compared to thicker lines. Thus, given the same density, a thinner line will experience more wind resistance. Compare for instance trying to toss a small rock (gravel) compared to a normal rock, no matter how much arm speed you put into it, you will never be able to toss that small rock as far as the larger. This is particularly true for line weights 30 years of experience).

[@flyfishre]

Great video

[@thefella131]

Very informative video. 👍

[@raywalteroutdoors]

I’m a higher weight # take that any way you want. 3wt and 5wt are my go to for trout.

[@seanb2604]

Invest in good line, you can get away with a cheaper rod but cheap line will leave you frustrated

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Very true. A proper premium flyline is one of the best investments you can make.

[@anablakp3200]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary What is a proper premium flyline? Is it expensive?

[@destinhavens2211]

Do you guys sell tying supplies in the store iv never been in thought you were just a guide service. Your videos are great thanks.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

We certainly do, and have a whole playlist of fly tying videos as well. Please check them out if you get some time to do so.

[@mateusz2571]

That's great that Hikaru Nakamura found a minute to recommend some fly fishing stuff for beginners instead of playing chess all day long 😁

[@thealpineexperience]

VERY well done!!

[@guyvk357]

Very helpful advice

[@knurles]

I tell people the first thing to decide is evens or odds. I like odds 3 5 7 because below 3 just go tenkara

[@gabeelkins9059]

Makes sense, I went with a 3, 6, and an 8. Buying a 12 for tarpon, striper, and pike. I travel to see family a good bit and all of the rods come into use.

[@GmanfromTexas]

Great information. Thanks

[@snagrbuster7343]

With greatest due respect, No Rod has "Energy" or Power, We apply the energy into a fly rod, and a good rod fast action graphite rod, hopefully, gives most of it back during the cast, and that's Not my Opinion, but rather Basic Newtonian Physics!! Also I've been a rod crafter since 1976, and I would Never recommend a Half wells Rod, as I hate them with a passion, but that's a different discussion, where I can write a Paragraph!! Also I'm at the home of G.Loomis, Lamiglas and Sage and have owned and tested them all. Regarding half wells rods,read "A Fly Fisher's Life" by Charles Ritz Thank You 😊

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Certainly you are correct. We often overuse these terms in the industry when talking about rods. Appreciate your input. As for half wells grips, I get where you are coming from but you'd be hard-pressed to find lighter rods with anything but. I like full wells too although everyone is entitled to decide what they feel works best for them. I don't mind half wells grips in most situations.

[@justinssleeyt]

excellent video, thanks!

[@joshuapatterson6330]

What are good reputable brands? I know very little to nothing about fly fishing.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

It’s rare to find disreputable brands although some are made better than others or have better build quality. The major brands are all making functional gear but people might have reservations about the more affordable brands. ECHO, Redington, TFO, Fenwick, they all make decent stuff for a good price.

[@KeithFoster-re5xj]

I doubt you are still replying to comments here but I'm an avid outdoorsman and Survivalist. What rod/brand would you take with you if you had to take only one and bet your life on it working great and not breaking?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

It’s a tough question Keith. I’m first assuming you mean a fly rod and not a spinning rod or baitcaster. The challenge then is what kind of fishing you are going to do. A good general purpose six weight rod would be my choice if i could only pick one weight of fly rod. It would cast a fair range of fly sizes. As for breakages, that it is a tough one. I’ve seen every brand of rod break and it is usually, but not always, related to a fall or drop or inappropriate use. Fiberglass rods might be more durable but they are more specialized as well and are not always a great general purpose choice. I guess a decent graphite rod from one of the major manufacturers would be a good choice. I’d stay with something more affordable because classic medium fast general rods tend to be overbuilt a little more and thus can take some abuse whereas very specialized fast action and expensive rods often reduce wall thickness in the blank and use thinner epoxy resins to keep weight down. You could argue that these will be slightly more delicate in use but the fact off the matter is that a fly rod either breaks right away or it kinda doesn’t ever.

[@codycook9610]

I know the weight of the fly rod can make or break how easy it is to cast bigger flies but how much does the correct leader and tippet size affect the castability?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Good question. Exactly the same way. Heavier tippets and leaders are needed to throw larger flies, and at the same time would probably transmit to much energy to a lightweight fly, sending it hard onto the water surface. A good rule of thumb is take your tippet X number and times it by three, that should be roughly the hook size of fly to cast. 5X for a size 14 or 16 fly for example and 2X for a size 6.

[@codycook9610]

@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary that means I need to get a hook size chart. That way I know exactly the size I'd need. Would I need to consider whether a fly is weighted when it comes to leader choice also then? 🤔 there's so much to this stuff! Lol I'm assuming I'd need to get a little heavier leader for, say, a streamer that had weighted eyes. I'm on the hunt for my first salmon and steelhead on the fly. And it's makes it especially hard given that I just started fly fishing a few months ago. Thanks for the info!

[@noel3422]

Why are most fly rods 3 & 4 piece now? Why are there no more 5/6 weight rods and is a fast action rod the same as a flex tip rod? My first rod was a 10' two piece 5/6 weight flex tip graphite orvis I loved that rod and could cast in most situations without issues. Is there a low to mid priced rod that could replace the orvis?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Rods use to have major casting compromises when broken up into 4 pieces, however with modern materials and tapers, this is no longer the case. Therefore almost all manufacturers now make 4 piece rods because they are easier to transport. You can still get 5/6 split weight rods, but manufacturers often like to tailor a rod more specifically to one ideal weight of line. Honestly you can up or down weight the line on a rod in most cases and be fine so if you want the split you still can. There are tons of low cost rods that perform amazingly. I'm partial to something like the Echo Carbon XL for example to keep the cost down. They are fairly light, and look quite nice too!

[@noel3422]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary thank you for your response, I have only used one fly rod and it did everything I needed it to do. I remember reading about travel rods "more than two piece" back in the mid 90's and the general feedback was "fishing with an al dente spaghetti noodle" I am looking to replace my loved orvis 10' two piece 5/6 weight rod, I lost it back in 2002 which was the same year I started driving, did not have time to fish being on the road so much so I was out of the flyfishing loop for quite some time and in that time it seems like everything has changed. If I can apologize for the long post I would like to add that even the casting technique has changed, to my eyes this new technique looks sloppy but watching drew on his looknfishy channel this "sloppy looking" technique yields some very accurate fly placement, I am in awe and clueless as to wether this is because of better rod designe and line tech allowing better control or just a different casting technique I missed. I can imagine with the former better line and rods the casting technique would have changed as a result of this new tech but Idk.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Can a nerd treat a cork handle with something like boiled linseed oil? I’ve just got my first fly rod, the redington crosswater, 9ft 5wt medium fast.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Generally we would suggest not putting anything on the cork. We certainly freshen up the grip with a light sandpaper or a Magic Eraser to clean it, but as for treating it, we'd just leave it as is.

[@f1sk8mm]

Really appreciate this video, thanks for the info...been trying to wade back in, not having cast since I was a kid. I didn't catch any info on length. Living in the NW, what's the pros/cons between a 5 wt 8'6" rod vs 9'? Thanks!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Generally speaking the longer a rod, the longer the casting stroke. They tend to be slightly faster in their action, but this isn't always the case, and they tend to have a little more backbone. Longer rods tend to roll cast better, and can assist in mending line a little bit more. However we are talking about very subtle differences. Shorter rods tend to be easier to cast accurately, with slightly tighter loops and more predictable tracking of where the fly will go. They also work better in somewhat tighter spaces but again we are talking subtleties. In the grand scheme the 6 inches difference will have little impact on your fishing, however you will find that even in the exact same brand and model of rod, that the different lengths feel and cast differently to the point where one might feel better for you then another.

[@f1sk8mm]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary Good to know, thanks!

[@robrunner1372]

I'm stumped. Should I buy the Winston bamboo or the Canon Eos R5?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

That's a very tough call. I'd say the Canon R5 is a near perfect photography camera whereas the Winston bamboo is a very specialized tool. But what's the point of having the camera if you don't have the rod to catch fish in the first place. Get the rod.

[@AlfieinMontana]

Great video 👌🏽 what rods do u recommend for mountain creeks. 3 wt 7’6

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Definitely a good choice. We tend to prefer 8'6" 4 wts for our mountain streams, just because the wind can kick up in these parts and you'll want a touch more oomph. But in small creeks, when conditions are good, a 3wt can give you that extra fun factor and delicacy. We sell a lot of 7'6" 3 wts for this very reason.

[@rsi2493]

How does a 4 weight Echo Traverse sound for midges with indicator in colorado streams/rivers?

[@jarednmurphy]

Being down in the south, I generally do Bass and Saltwater fishing. What type of length would be recommended? And I’m assuming around 6-7 weight.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

A 7 weight is just about right for bass although and 8 wouldn't be unheard of. For Salt Water 8 to 11 weights are the standard fare. We like as a rough guide 7 or 8s for Bonefish, 9 to 10 for Permit and smaller Tarpon. Heavier for the really big fish. 9 ft length is fine for all of that.

[@rudyruiz9521]

Always going against the grain. I have 3,4,6,7,8,9,10 wt rods. At this point it is a matter of principle. No 5wt for me. I agree in trout areas it would be a great starting point. Here in Texas I think a 6wt is probably a little better choice for smaller bass flies and general fishing. Fantastic video.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Here on the Bow River as well, I would go 6 weight. I have a 5 and barely ever touch it.

[@garlandhowe]

Did some fly fishing when I was younger and was looking to get back into fly fishing. I currently have a South Bend 8 ft.,med-action 2 pc 5-6 wght rod and a Rim-fly reel. Would this be a good set-up for a beginner

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

It's certainly a good way to start and you have to start somewhere. Get back out there on the water and let us know if you have any questions.

[@poly_hexamethyl]

What do you think about the difference between bamboo, fiberglass, and carbon fiber rods?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Yah this is a good topic, probably worthy of its own video. But to give you a start here goes. Bamboo is where it all began. Typically heavier physically than graphite, bamboo is also typically a slower feeling action. Longer timing in between casts, and more feel of the line and action to the hand, makes these fun to cast. They also feel lively when fighting fish, and have excellent tippet protection. But it's a misconception that all bamboo rods are slow. Just like with carbon fiber, there are many different tapers and designs, and thus bamboo can have a wide variety of relative actions. You can think of fiberglass as the more rugged, less maintenance version of bamboo, but with a similar feel. At least at the beginning. They also tend to be a more relaxed casting stroke, but modern versions are now in some cases almost as fast as typical graphite. When you look at early glass rods they are heavy and ponderous, but nowadays there is again a huge span, from either being a very slow "vintage" kind of experience to modern designs which are lively and quick. Graphite however is in our mind the most advanced and superior of materials, and can be made in so many ways to be anything you want it to be. Ultra fast rods, lively medium fast rods, slow progressive delicate dry fly rods. Graphite does everything, while typically being the lightest weight and most nimble.

[@poly_hexamethyl]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary Thanks for the great explanation!

[@jaaron2834]

An 8wt. is the lightest fly rod I own because,. I don't want to tie on those tiny little flies when I can't see the tiny little knot ....🤣 also I don't deal with tiny little fish either.

[@DickTHChan]

Hello sir, do you hv a shop in Vancouver area?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

No, sorry, we are just located in the heart of Downtown Calgary but we can ship whatever you would like.

[@Jimsranch]

Ok now wait a minute- Chris are you both a photography expert AND a fly fishing expert? Your delivery, content and emphasis is great in both hobbies but what gives with 'diversity' - really do appreciate your information-

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Yah I've been dipping my toes in multiple fields. I have too many hobbies.

[@bobmccarney4772]

Why no discussion of rod length?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Its a good point. We didn't want to get too far down the rabbit hole, and certainly not into Spey or Switch rods. Maybe we will do a separate video just on rod length though. It's a good idea.

[@davidfarmer6988]

I have been watching your video and Can you tell me what action a St Croix Pro Graphite PF906 is, thank you

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Like most versatile rods these would be classified as a medium fast general purpose action. However these rods in particular are a little more towards a medium action than a medium fast action so, they have good feel, easy to cast with a bigger window timing wise to cast within, and very sensitive for dry fly action and tippet protection. Maybe not as ideal for heavy streamers in strong winds, but definitely still a good all round rod in a 6 weight, and much more fun with lighter flies or smaller fish.

[@SD-ft6gs]

my head is super confused because I thought I was on DP review or Peta Pixel but than the content was about my main hobby as opposed to my job.... what is happening here, is Chris Niccholls not doing cameras anymore?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

I'm doing both! Im on Petapixel as always and here at Troutfitters too.

[@Aparsons57]

Great info thanks. Do you have a similar video but for reels?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

stay tuned 😜

[@DavidStanleymusic]

8 wt or 9wt are the best choices even for trout they cast better

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

We're gonna go ahead and disagree with you on that one. It's really about the size of fly you want to throw. 8WT and 9 WTs are great for throwing streamers to trout but way too much energy for smaller flies. A little bit of practice and anyone can cast lighter rods adroitly.

[@DavidStanleymusic]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary the trout here are big and the salmon are even bigger i use size 18 to 8 flies and the im 12 carbon rod I use does it all the line casts the fly not the fly itself

[@Nakai2024]

What rods do you recommend?

[@MrDanieto1]

Did you use a Panasonic to record this Video?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

We usually shoot on the Olympus cameras. Either the EM1mkIII or OM SYSTEM OM-1

[@WolverineXXXX]

How come I don't see many 2 piece no more?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

The ease of transporting 4 piece rods has really won the industry over, and although they used to have inferior casting properties WAY back in the day, nowadays they are the best choice.

[@Roadwarier9871]

Hey where's your camera...LOL

[@kennethmidwinter982]

Great video. I estimate that I agree with 70% of the advice you have given. Having been fly fishing for 40 years there is merit in most of what you say. However, if you were to look at your video in 30 years time I suspect you would critique it differently; however a great video. Kind regards as always.

[@TheBeefSlayer]

Things I wish I knew…. You will break if 5 times and put new tip on it and it becomes short and heavy.

[@edwrobel]

How about tenkara rod?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Tenkara is a whole other ball game especially with the lack of reel and limited use for smaller streams. We do carry them and generally its about choosing the right length for size of water. The longer 13' rods are good for small rivers and somewhat bigger fish but the 11' are nicer for small streams in the mountains and idyllic ponds with little fish.

[@notmissingout9369]

If you have the money buy yourself a greys rod or guideline stoked rod

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Reel means nothing! The rod is everything! I have hundred dollar rods, five hundred dollar rods and thousand dollar custom built rods. There is a big difference!

[@danielpitman5140]

Stream Mac. #IASIP. Country Mac's neighbour.