Fly Fishing Rods

In article , W. D. Grey
wrote:
In article , Charles Turner
writes
Hi Guys,

I go fly fishing here in the UK a few times a year, but I might now go
a bit more frequently, mainly reservoir / river. I'm thinking of
getting some new tackle and am just looking for a bit of advice.

I have a really old glass fibre rod (20 years??). It's a Shakespeare
Sigma Supra 1725 - 285. 9.5 ft AFTMA No. 8-9. I also have a multi turn
fly reel.

The spec for the rod seems to be fine for UK reservoir fishing, but I
would recommend a new rod made of modern materials. Fibre glass is sooo
yesterday :-) A rod with s fast top action is what you need.

Maybe Bill, but he might find the slow action more suitable if he's no need
of long casts or wanting to fish awkward/encumbered banks.

Am I right in thinking that virtually no-one uses the drag on a reel to
play the fish? I've certainly never seen anyone doing it, so is there

What size are the largest fish you expect in your preferred waters? If a
6oz brownie then no drag required, if 15lb+ then it probably is.

any point in paying £200+ for a reel?

I never have.

On still waters or reservoirs, usually the fish are played by hand
lining in the line. I can't say if this is the best way, but it is the
most common way.

I usually reckon that once you are playing on the backing the reel ought to
be used - but that's just imo.

So I'm guessing that the real value lies in the rod / line combination.
Now from experience of other sports (tennis / squash etc) that use
carbon fibre equipment I've always found that there is quite a big
difference between the lowest price and around the 60% of top price,
but very little difference in the top 30-40% of the upper price range.
Is this the case for rods? I.e I can imagine a big difference between a
£59 rod and a £250 rod, but what about between the £250 rod and a £500 rod?

Apart from the extremes - under £20, over £500, there is very little
difference in the blanks and many of the budget rods are made on the same
blanks as the upmarket ones with different furniture and finish. Ask to
handle a few of last years models ('out of date' and so cheap) - pick the
cheapest one that feels OK.

You will be able to buy a rod that will cast a good line for less than
£100, especially if you match it up to a WF 8 or 9 line. Floating is my
first suggestion and I prefer Cortland 444 but things surely must have
moved on since I last bought a line.

You should be able to get a complete outfit for under £100 - use what you
save on a refresher casting lesson and a couple of fishing trips. :-)

Cheerio,

--
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Writing: http://www.author.casterbridge.net/derek-moody/
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