How to Test a Fly Rod with Kelly Galloup

In this video, Kelly will explain how to test a fly rod when casting isn't an option.

[@cnelson1978]

I'm not sure what's better in this video, the information or Kelly's sarcasm.

[@CAT5752]

I know right? HAHAHA

[@19DevilDawg86]

Guilty as charged and I'll not make that mistake again.....ever. Great information and really appreciate your honest and very insightful videos.

[@GunnySGT1911]

Getting ready to purchase my first rod and reel for fly fishing. Great advice and you take the time to explain the reason behind it.

[@tomthorpe412]

I like the way Kelly lays out all the facts and lets you decide and try's not to offend anybody by calling them out. I typically just nod and say yes and I"ll take one

[@Piscatorialveteran]

Awesome how you answered the one question that was burning in my mind regarding the size of the reel and how not to be afraid of having a bigger reel! Thanks! Your videos are pure gold!

[@scotsmaninthephilippines1659]

Best advice video! As for me, I've always used mt reel when testing a rod, I know how it feels on my existing rods, I know how I cast my existing rods. I won't buy unless I can cast it. Simple really, we all cast a bit different so buy a rod that suits you.

[@rbuenafe100]

Kelly, awesome vid! Very educational and informative. Thank you!

[@mr.johnson9122]

Thanks. As a bass guy moving to fly fishing. Your videos have saved me from getting caught up in the fluff of hardware purchases.

[@LOMPOC35]

Always nice to get tips from the ones that know. Keep them coming, great job. Old Coach

[@beo77]

Informative and funny. Thank you Mr. Galloup for your videos.

[@Dinoxt12]

Excellent Advice ....thanks my friend helping us get up to date from a Pro...like your style straight to the point no BS............

[@matthewackerson7861]

Good advice. I still fish glass rods back from the 70s and I like when I can feel the bend all the way down to the handle. Fast rods are a bit of hype, yeah the help with pulling line off the water and casting a tight loop but Joan Wulff sure made it work

[@drpipe]

What a breath of fresh air you are. After all an extra oz here or there that's great ...big strong people we are Fantastic I love it. I hope you do one on types of lines next...talk about the colours etc ! Fab.

[@jamesjames1847]

You smoking crack?

[@larrycipollone7202]

Thanks! Makes total sense. I’ve been wiggling rods wrong for the past 30 years.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Very insightful, as I am getting back into fly fishing again, and need new rods. After watching this tutorial, it seems that I will need to get bigger reels for trout fishing, as I currently own an English Orvis CFO III. It's compact, and light weight, and I want a 9 ft, 4 wt rod to throw nymphs 90% of the time, and drys when there is a hatch.

[@irideaduck939]

Very educational and informative.

[@J0Gu7]

Love this video! the condescending sarcasm makes me laugh, even though the first time I picked up a rod I probably did the "ridiculous wiggle like an idiot!"

[@18aprilia]

I tested a fly rod at a local shop and asked them if i could throw some line in their back yard. "sure". That made a huge difference to see how the rod bends and feels.

[@josee7425]

Thanks for the video. Great info, but if I may add to this I would ask the rod be setup with a reel and the correct weighted line with leader, tippet, and a hookless fly. Take it outside and cast it. Get the feel for the timing and power the rod requires and the loops it generates. See if this suits your casting style and your intended fishing method. Only then can you gauge the rod's performance.

[@TheSlideinn]

Daniel, not sure you will need to up size the reel on the 4 wt? That is just my preference to go bigger on my reels but if your CFOlll is capable of holding a full line it may be fine, especially for nymphing where you often high stick. However does give you an excuse to buy a new reel, which is good. KG

[@cjnut]

Man you are a smart ass, I love it. No bs just what I need to know about that's all.. tight lines

[@duncansutherland47]

Whew, as a beginner, I’ve been testing rods correctly, thanks!

[@Hockeyfan9884]

as well , even in the shop with higher ceilings, I "dry cast" the rod and watch for flex on the backstroke and forward cast.

[@RefinerSimilitude]

Now you tell me, two months after I shook every rod Orvis had. 😆 Seriously, though, I was able to tell which ones I wanted to test cast outside based on which ones shook like my old one I was replacing. Not a science, but it worked for me. p.s. I was overwhelmed by the change in materials used and units of measure that apparently took place between the time my old rod was made in the 80's and the new ones that they had on the floor. So, I relied on feel-in-hand. I went with a used, Superfine fiberglass on Ebay that they don't make anymore. Not the same feel, but I'll adjust. The joy I get from handling a beautiful, hand-made rod with gold accents and, yes, a cork handle that tapers almost seamlessly into the rod, is worth the cost of entry to me when backed by their warranty.

[@ricknelson7824]

I have 2 rods with synthetic handles and love them.

[@thomasbickel5128]

Great video!

[@dcmsr5141]

Just discovered this channel. Great info no B.S. just subbed

[@KenGerathsDuck]

I know this is an older video, but I'm an old guy. Thanks for the tips, I'll see you in July!

[@rme6953]

Refreshing. And it all makes sense.

[@thibaultjaberg4658]

Now this was usefull. I will buy my first fly rod soon so im looking for all the info I can get

[@TheSlideinn]

+Thi J Glad you enjoyed the video and feel free to call the shop if you have any more questions about picking out your first fly rod.

[@thibaultjaberg4658]

+TheSlideinn Well I live in Switzerland so quite far away...But what rod would you use for grayling in a large river?

[@TheSlideinn]

+Thi J If you are looking for one rod that will handle a variety of situations then i would go with a 9 ft. 6 wt., especially if you are going to be fishing large rivers. This will let you fish nymphs, dries, and streamers effectively and will handle floating and sinking lines very well. There are a number of great options out there, and nowadays you don't need to spend a fortune to get a great rod. The St. Croix Imperial is a good choice, and they retail for $220 - $250 depending on whether you go with the 2 piece or the 4 piece. The St. Croix Legend Elite is one of our favorite all-around 6 weights but at $460.00 it may be a little more than you want to drop for your introductory rod. That said there are plenty of rods in that 150-400 dollar price range from St. Croix, Temple Fork Outfitters, Echo, and Loop so much of it depends on how much you are looking to spend. It's actually a lot harder to find a bad fly rod these days, and the more you get into fly fishing the more you will find out what type of action suits you best. Thanks-- John

[@thibaultjaberg4658]

+TheSlideinn Wow! Thank you very much for all the great information, it will help me a lot.

[@stephensullivan201]

Thibault Jaberg same

[@denniscaton3894]

The first test of a new rod for me is to check the price. This eliminates a great deal of inventory for me to wade through.

[@jazztoad54]

Thank you for the video. Now I know how to wiggle a rod in the store !

[@MrStuk2112]

So if you are going up 1 or 2 sizes on the reel. What line weight do you use. The rods or the reels line weight?

[@CAT5752]

As always, very well done video with a ton of knowledge. This has got to be one of the funniest videos I have seen yet. "Don't look like an idiot" I am laughing so hard I'm crying man. Never thought of the logic (or lack thereof) behind the traditional balance technique. You make very good points and pretty much shoot that theory full of holes. Again, thanks for these videos. Where do I get a bumper sticker "I Love Strippin' Junk"? I placed an order this morning but didn't notice it on the website.

[@TheSlideinn]

Glad you liked the video Andres, and I'll stick a junk sticker in with your order. Thanks-- KG

[@Mikishots]

This guy. I like this guy. Subscribed.

[@legnoferro]

Hi Kelly, I have a Ross 5wt 9’ rod with a Ross 7/8 reel. Do I stick with the traditional 5 wt fly line? Or can I mix it up? And if so, what line size would you recommend? Thank you for posting these great videos✌🏻

[@Freddo4J]

Good question R M! So I s it OK to use 5wt line on a reel designed for 7/8wt? Hope to hear!

[@straubdavid9]

Perhaps you will get your answer by watching this other Kelly video ..... good luck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqS8mYSPip2ki68

[@straubdavid9]

How would you compare the Bank Robber to a 2 piece StCroix Imperial 9' 8wt, for throwing big streamers, or have I over done it with an 8wt? What weight Bank Robber do you lean towards? I've not had the opportunity to try out this rod yet ....... got it directly from StCroix. Thanks in advance.

[@oystacrew]

What do you think of Edge Rod's fly rods? By Gary Loomis? Thanks

[@gregoryburchstead6286]

This is the best video on checking out rods and reels I have seen! The other thing I've seen many times is sticking the tip in the floor and pushing the rod forward to determine the flex, usually ends in broken tips. If your looking for a rod, watch this video first!!

[@gregperkins8335]

I love this video it never gets old funny

[@byr0]

Nice work Kelly! I like the NOBL approach...

[@loveishope4406]

Can you or should you purchase only a rod that you are able to hold/feel? I am going to NC in 3 weeks. I want to find a good rod that doesnt cost 300 dollars. Can you suggest a good starter rod for trout, panfish? Will be fishing streams, creeks, and 1 lake. Ive looked at the combos but many reviews dont care for the rods. Kind of lost here. I have amateur fishing experience but never fly fished.

[@muz3003]

Kelly, what about putting a 3wt line on a 2wt rod? On a slow rod like bamboo or fiberglass rods.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

I've been testing rod the correct way for over 30 years.

[@BenPlass]

So glad I watched this before going into a fly shop. Just to clarify, I have an 8wt 10' rod I want to use for steelhead. Im looking at a 7/8 reel, but you are suggesting a 9/10 might feel better? Thank you, Ben

[@TheSlideinn]

Ben not as important on the bigger reel sizes as they are already pretty good line pick up, depends a little on the style of rod but most reels today are over sized a little more than they were in the past so you should be able to go 8 with 8 or whatever reel they designate for the rod. thanks, kelly

[@vadimpestovnikov8601]

Kelly what are you thoughts on modern fiberglass rods e.g. echo bigwater glass or bad ass glass?

[@TheSlideinn]

Vadim, I really like them, i am fishing a echo glass 4 wt right now for my evening spinner stick. I love them for my dry stuff, fish a Fenwick 7'6" 5 wt. most of the time. I prefer the softer rods over the big water version but that's just personal preference from growing up with the Fenwick actions. I am not a long caster, prefer to stalk more cast less and the soft rods just have soul. Fast rods have a tenancy to make straight line casts from the speed they generate which makes controlling the leader a little tougher so drag can be an issue.

[@vadimpestovnikov8601]

Thanks Kelly. I like my echo glass bigwater 5wt. Ordered new Fenwick Fenglass, what a terrible quality. Feels like a noodle and the quality is very bad. I returned it right away. But I have heard that the old/original Fenwick glass rods are much better. Thanks again for the reply.

[@TheSlideinn]

Vadim, good to know. I have never cast one of the new Fenwicks but was going to order one. Mine is a early 70's model and kind of figured they would just duplicate it, guess not. KG

[@izhal75]

Kelly, please talk about the line weight ratings of the rod. Please make it simple like your other videos. Just simply the wt ratings of a rod. Would appreciate as this topic confuses people like me... double number ratings, wt7/8 then we have the single number ratings wt#7, then the ones with only grains... thanks... and thanks for making this video...

[@TheSlideinn]

I will see if I can address it. KG

[@rob3518]

First and last time I’ve seen a synthetic grip and it’s now 9 years after this video was made

[@TheSlideinn]

yup, never took over like the companies thought it would, guessing the supposed cork shortage was not as real as we lead to believe? They said the same thing about wine and that all cork would be replaced by synthetic or twist on??

[@jamesjames1847]

105 foot single-handed Spey cast? What line was he using?

[@bowriver1]

When you say go up a size for the reel..would you put a 5wt reel on a 4 wt rod?

[@swashbucklingadventures9929]

Watch the video again.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Cork is nice. It breathes so it's not slippery. Also smooth to touch. I'd like to try that synthetic, but I'm doubtful.

[@frozen6043]

If you're still monitoring this video, it seems the truest way to see the rods flex would be to suspend a weight from the tip. If so, what about placing the tip on the floor and putting downward pressure on the rod to see how and where the rod flexes?

[@wolverinex4243]

What do you think of the Sun Ray GT?

[@flyfish6473]

Back in the early 90's, when I was an idiot, I was in the Troutsman to buy a 3 wt. Kelly was holding a long rod, (no jokes here please), and I said to him "Oh that's one of those splay rods." The look on Kelly's face was trying not to say, "you idiot":))) He politely corrected me saying it was a spey rod and, to my appreciation, went on to educate me on spey rods. I don't remember if I wiggled that spey rod or not, but I did buy a Sage SP 386-3, still my go to dry fly rod.

[@TheSlideinn]

Your clean, you didnt wiggle it. KG

[@flyfish6473]

Praise the Lord! Don't know if you've talked with anyone back here, but do you have any thoughts on how long it will be for the fishing in Brown Bridge Pond area to be decent? I fished a few hundred yards in there last summer and it was pretty slow.

[@TheSlideinn]

Should be fishing by now, I saw it a couple seasons ago and it sure looked good, kinda western looking. shouldn't take long to get bugs in it and then the fish are there

[@flyfish6473]

I thought the same thing when I first saw it, western looking. I was thinking it might not be fishing that great yet because there are no big trees yet cooling it. I'll keep trying it though.

[@charleshubbell4332]

TheSlideinn shhhh. Lol.

[@Keydet1992]

Got it...I shouldn't wiggle my rod in a continuous motion, and the tip is always stiffer than you think. Thanks.

[@metamurph]

I do something scarier if I want to know the bend profile, I put the tip on the carpet and apply slight pressure.

[@EatShredSleep87]

So if you’re using a 4 wt rod, you like to pair it with a 5 or 6 wt. reel? But you would still use a 4 wt line right?

[@TheSlideinn]

You can for sure, I personally don't start jumping sizes until I get to a 6wt. But if you do decide to jump a reel size still match your line weight to the weight of your rod. -Jeremy

[@222buckley]

So I take it your not a fan of the Lamson Litespeed reels?

[@jasrobsny]

+TheSlideinn Do you have any recommendations of the budget rods out there or if they're worth it (

[@TheSlideinn]

Jason, I would say that there are two I would get behind. The St,Croix Imperial which is a little more in the 2 to 250 mark and the Echo Ion which is going to rollout in the 150.00 price range, both are really good rods. Also the Rio Santos StCroix is a great enconomical rod. KG

[@Nestta5252]

Novice question: When you say go 2 sizes bigger on the reel. Do you mean that if I have a 6 wt I should go for a reel for an 8 wt?

[@kellygalloup6073]

Nestta, depends on the reels. Many of the new tall reels can be done with the actual designated size but some of the older shorter reels really need to go up at least one size and often two for my liking. That is how I like them but that does not mean you will. I like line pick up that is quick, and today's new reels keep getting taller and narrower so they pick up line quicker. Bottom line is you have to look at it and feel it to see if it is what you like. Thanks for watching

[@Nestta5252]

@@kellygalloup6073 thanks!

[@joshamato3498]

where are you located in mt

[@steveconquest6684]

I rather enjoyed your perspective on everything from rod length, reel size and flourocarbon. I agreed with everything you said (which for me is a nice surprise). Longer fly rods have always been my favourites and the majority of my collection is comprised mostly of rods in the 9 to 10 1/2 foot range and the smallest reels I prefer are my Hardy Princesses and my largest reels are my 4 inch Hardy Bougle's (I leave the toys to fisherfolk who think their tiny tackle is more "sporting"). Leonard M. Wright wrote an interesting piece on how longer fly rods are more sporting because the leverage is on the side of the fish (simple physics). I have to disagree with you though on that hideous synthetic grip. Maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist, but a top grade cork grip perfectly formed is more indicative of the rodmakers art than that chunk of space age rubber. But then again, I also detest tip over butt ferrules, much preferring spigot joints or at least the sleeve type ferrules found on the older Orvis rods. I'm a bit more advanced in years than you and will probably meet the "dirt people" sooner so I'm sure your ideas and opinions will outlast mine Lol. Cheers, Steve

[@TheSlideinn]

Steve, that was a great read I'm still laughing. Leonard Wright was one of my favorites writer of all time for sure. As for the grip I may have to agree with you, given that I can always have cork I would prefer that as well. However that will likely not be the case unless we meet the gopher for our mail soon, but I am hoping we both don't see that for awhile. I was more trying to make the point from what I have been told by the manufactures cork is on its way out and synthetics as well as chopped cork are going to be the future. I too was not happy about it but then I fished the handle I showed in the video and was amazed how light and grippie it was. Make no mistake about it though, I would like cork to stay forever just don't think it is going to. Thanks for watching man, KG

[@4492573]

Sorry I’m 8 years late but hey I’m here. I’m buying a 3 wt -7’6” echo Carbon XL for small brook trout. I’m looking at a Lamson liquid that fits my budget. So I was going to purchase a -3+ they’d design for rods 2-4 wt and the next size up is -5+ that is designed for rods 4-5-6 wt. So you would use the -5+ Lamson liquid on a 3wt 7’6” echo Carbon XL ? Thank you.

[@TheSlideinn]

I would go with the -3+ on that rod. Should be a perfect fit and thanks for watching

[@aggyuvf]

So much for cork handles going away ! this video is from 4 year ago and cork handles are still the most popular, apart from that good video

[@TheSlideinn]

I have been being told from virtually every company in the business for the last 5 years that it was going to go away but so far all seems to be hype, hope it stays that way but when you see the wine industry switching makes you wonder how long we have? KG

[@aggyuvf]

Thanks for the reply mate i can only speak about here in Scotland and i don't see many handles that aren't cork, i think maybe people still like a bit of tradition in their modern rods, tight lines bud :)

[@TheSlideinn]

I agree, hope it never goes away. Nothing like the feel of quality cork. Thanks for watching. KG

[@lippesmit6542]

I agree that because of the amount of line that's out, balancing an outfit at your grip on the rod is not necessary for when your fishing. I insist on grip balance for when you're walking with the outfit. A rod tip that moves up into an overhead tree limb or down into the ground when you're walking, ads up to broken rod tips when you're not paying attention like you should be.

[@travisbrown1619]

Thx

[@kd5846]

Honesty and no B.S., very rare nowadays.

[@rudygurule8493]

Does st croix make good fly rods?

[@metamurph]

yes, of course now a days, everyone makes "good" fly rods - the question is level of finish you want and the performance profile you are looking for.

[@chrisingram9798]

So I shouldn’t shake it then?

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

8 years later and I'e never seen a synthetic rod handle. Its all cork...

[@ktrigg2]

Man we kept hearing cork was disappearing but I still see it everywhere. Wine bottles, fly rods, etc.

[@pauljohnston2324]

I'm an idiot.

[@PonyFoot123]

Paul Johnston now we know what not to do!

[@WeldingForJesus]

I'm still an idiot I guess, I don't wiggle, but I blindfish stillwater with streamers alot, so the longer distance the more coverage.

[@ngoshawk1]

I think we all are at one point!

[@foghornleghorn3478]

Let's step into not what "I" LIKE TO SEE .bot how anyone that dont look at brands names chickenhawk shit and put some line on a reel a leader and some yarn go outside at any real pro shop and cast the rod is simply it balance is different between every person good video

[@santiagomramos]

Good video! hopefully we will NOT see that ugly handle again

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Maybe I'm just simple, but I'd look more for quality of construction over how much something weighs.

[@rubenand4825]

Fuck yea . No bs. Thanks

[@ryantherock7664]

Five yrs later and none of the top fly rod manufacturers have used plastic grips...still using cork

[@TheSlideinn]

Ya, seems the cork shortage they all said was coming isn't ??

[@fnvhkbeanvwoaa8390]

It's fine to look like a beginner

[@steveevans424]

So long as You don't snap the rod in half or snap off the tip >>> in the shop

[@rickynelson7384]

put line on the rod first then cast it to test it !!

[@owljones7749]

I always thought the best way was to line it up and actually cast it. Fly shop won't let you test cast a rod, find another shop IMHO.

[@KyleCasper-ie6bk]

Yeah....I've done that....I am now smarter in the way of the rod.

[@tomrizzo1554]

How about going to the parking lot and throw it like you would a real fly rod instead of flicking it in the showroom

[@adithyans.k6435]

does 7/8 weight work for pike??

[@TheSlideinn]

7 can be a little on the light side, I would run it up to the 8. Mostly for carrying the fly and setting the hook. Mr. Pike doesn't pull all that hard but the flies and lines can get on the bigger side so it is easier with the 8. KG

[@adithyans.k6435]

Yea I have 8 no floating line..but the road is 7/8

[@adithyans.k6435]

And I'm in Alberta

[@scottmehlhaff8124]

That's what everyone does when they want to check out my sage xp's. Even though I asked them not to. Why is this?

[@B58FTW]

With all due respect, I disagree. If you’ve shook a current rod you own and have that knowledge of how quickly the tip recovers, how far down the blank it wobbles and it’s overall action, you can use that to compare it to other rods in determining which rod or rods to test cast. Some people may be looking for a slower rod with a soft tip-you can determine that by shaking it.

[@skymcgaw9412]

if cork goes away its the beginning of the end.

[@jamesbrede8700]

Let me see! It's been 7 years and I don't see those fake handles. Lmao

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Best test? CEILING FAN.

[@Redneckeverything]

This guy picks up the rod, wiggle it, says you cannot tell anything by doing so and then proceed to being able to tell alot from the wiggle ;) The problem is not the wiggle, its the conclusion drawn from it..

[@mikea9365]

Sounds like you've wiggle a few rods

[@toddgray6274]

I think I acted the part of an idiot last week. I know better now.

[@TheSlideinn]

We have all done it, KG

[@jamesgiles9246]

.

[@frozen6043]

Oops, just saw this comment already made.....

[@garymcnabb7527]

As usual I learned something from Kellly, but let’s talk about presentation here for a minute. No, not fly presentation, but how to present new material to an audience. “We”, his audience are not stupid, yet at times the condescending tone of voice and words he uses are distracting and it is a trend that is consistent in all of his videos. Sure, Kelly knows an incredible amount of information on fly fishing, and I appreciate him sharing that information. Let me qualify, I do not have thin skin. During my initial military training, yelling and screaming at recruits as well as bullying and verbal put downs were part of the drill, no problem. However, the remainder of my military training and experience was much different. It was a accomplished by professionals who knew their material and shared it so that their audience learned the material. As a veteran, college professor, and a now retired health care provider I offer this opinion in the hopes that Kelly modifies his teaching style without all the “harmonics”.

[@TheSlideinn]

Gary, Thank you for tuning into our channel, but I truly disagree with you in terms of Kelly being condescending to our viewers and especially your statement that it is "a trend that is consistent in all of his videos." Nothing could be further from the truth. If I could pick one that has a shot at doing so, this is the video I would agree with you on as you could misconstrue the whole "you don't want to look like an idiot" dialog as being something other than him joking around. I have never met anyone else in the Fly Fishing industry that will take the time to help EVERYONE that asks him/her a question regardless of experience than Kelly Galloup. There are hundreds of 5-6 minute tying and technique videos on KZbin and when we started this channel we wanted to carve our own path and really teach people the little things that make it all come together. The nice thing about Kelly is that he is no different on camera than he is when you meet him in the fly shop and you never have to wonder what he is thinking. Like him or hate him he is genuinely himself, and that is becoming harder and harder to find in this day and age. That said, I don't believe he will change his tone, harmonics, or whatever guttural notes you would prefer in my lifetime so if you truly feel like he is being condescedning towards our viewers I think you may have to re-examine your defintion of "thin skin" or simply find your information elsewhere. - Johnnie

[@garymcnabb7527]

Hi Johnnie, appreciate your feedback on my opinion, sounds like you are a loyal friend. I probably overstated my point about the prevalence of Kelly’s style in all of his videos. For that I apologize. There is no need for me to redefine my definition of thin skin as I know myself pretty well. Of all the types of fishing, with the exception of offshore big game fishing, fly fishing is the most expensive with the longest learning curve. Why would a potential customer want to be treated like they are stupid? I have fished overseas and across the United States and have met many fly fishermen and women who are great teachers. KZbin has a wealth of information on our sport, presented by folks who have not only mastered fly fishing but also the art of communication.

[@caseylrand]

Try working at a golf shop.

[@cachi-7878]

I don’t care what anyone says, that rod with synthetic grip is ugly as sin. I hope we never go down that road.

[@johnframe177]

Kelly would do better showing WHAT to do rather than telling us on and on about folk who have NO idea and what they do wrong. Tell us what we wanted to hear..HOW TO DO IT..!!!

[@jedblues]

Talking crap