Whether you are a new angler looking for your first fly rod or an experienced angler looking to replace “old faithful”, shopping for fly rods can be a daunting task. Simply put, the fly rod market has become saturated with hundreds of rod companies each selling a variety of rods at a variety of price-points.
Some rod companies market their products by appealing to our desire for performance. They make claims that their rods (typically the more expensive ones) will help you cast further, cast more accurately, or provide better strike detection. In essence, these rod companies are alluding to the thing that every angler wants to hear, but no rod company could realistically claim: that their rods will help you catch more fish. At the end of the day rods are just tools. Whether or not you catch fish is contingent on how well you are able to use your tools.
Other rod companies market their products by appealing to our desire for longevity. They describe their rods (again, typically the more expensive ones) as durable and tough, boasting that their rods are made of the best materials. The idea is to conjure images in your head of cheap rods snapping on the fish of a lifetime. The truth of the matter is that graphite is incredibly strong regardless of grade. At the end of the day, it’s not a 30 lb striper that’s going to break your rod. Rather it’s little accidents like a stiff breeze blowing a lead-eyed Clouser Minnow into the rod tip, or a roof rack malfunction that results in rods meeting pavement at 40 mph that will break your rod.
Once you know what line weight and length rod you need, the best rods are those you can afford and those that offer a lifetime warranty. When a rod company backs their rods with a lifetime warranty it is their way of acknowledging that accidents happen, while still standing behind the rod’s performance and durability. Better yet is a company that offers a “no questions asked” policy. Just make sure you don’t abuse the warranty. Warranties are put in place to provide anglers piece of mind when accidents happen. “The cork isn’t as soft as it used to be" and "the reel seat is all scratched after 20 years of use” are not good reasons to seek a replacement via a warranty. At that point, the rod has lived a good life and it’s time to support your local fly shop by purchasing a new one. On the other hand, if you are continuously breaking rods you need to consider the way you treat your rods and seek to become a bit gentler in the way you handle your fishing gear.
In conclusion, rods don’t catch fish, people do; all rods (even cheap ones) are pretty good at doing what they were designed to do—cast flies and fight fish. No rod will last forever, so your best bet is to get one with a warranty that will let you replace it when accidents happen.
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