Fast, Medium, Slow Action Fly Rods Which do You Choose???

I can remember back when I first started fly fishing. I wasn’t concerned with rod action, fly presentation, casting distance or the lightness of the rod. It didn’t make any difference how the popper touched down on the water or the speed at which the rod propelled the popper to its target. Notice I said popper not fly here, because back then I only fish poppers in warm water areas. All I wanted to do was get the bug to a point on the water and hopefully land a fish, in other words I was not interested in the mechanics of the sport. Well after getting into trout fishing four years ago I have learned that all the above factors play a big part in being successful on the water, especially trout fishing. I think for me the most important factor when it comes to fly fishing is the rod action. The most common rod action and the most used is the medium action rod. This type fly rod can be purchase at your local Wal-Mart or any other discount outlet. If you are looking for diversity such as fast action, medium fast action or a slower action rod you will have to go to your local fly shop or purchase on line at your bigger fly rod outlets across the U.S. All these action rods have their places on the water. I know for me I use my fast action rod for heavier nymphs or bigger poppers. I use my medium action rod for med size flies or nymphs. I don’t own a slower action rod, because I really haven’t found a need for it as of yet. I guess in time I may need to look at this type rod if I keep landing those stocker trout below the dam. Temple Fork has a great definition for the action of the fly rod on their website.

The action of a rod is determined by where it bends with a given amount of weight. Fast action rods bend nearer the tip area and medium action rods bend down nearer the middle of the rod. Slower action rods bend all the way down into the butt section and look parabolic when bent with that same given amount of weight. All you really need to know is that faster action rods are stiff in the butt and flexible in the tip, because you will use a great range of weight when you cast varying distances or when using larger/heavier flies.

I am curious as to how you let the action of the fly rod determine the way you fly fish?

Exceptional Flies in my Latest Fly Order

I just got my fly order from J & M at Fly Fishing and Tying Obsessed. The detail is unreal on these flies. He got the color combos I told him I liked perfect. The Road Kills, which is what these bugs are called, should be the perfect fit for the spots on Smith next year. They should entice some monster hits from those large bluegills on the lake as well. I also ordered a couple of poppers in the smoke and black/white combo that I think will get the top water action going really well. I like to order different fly patterns from great fly tiers and J & M are some of the best on the net. Ordering from my fellow bloggers is a great way to support small business and to follow one of my favorite blogs. I really enjoy his post especially the ones where he is using his Road Kills and Poppers. Can’t wait for spring to get here to try these bugs out.

I can't say enough about the detail tying on these flies, really exceptioanl. Show me a fish that would not break the water for one of these kills.

Lanyard Verses Fly Fishing Vest Which Do You Choose

When is the best time to use a fly fishing vest verses a Lanyard on one of your many fishing outings? I know some may say that if it’s a short trip you might as well go light and use the Lanyard over the vest, but just as sure as you do you get on the water needing something that was left in the vest. On the other hand sometimes the Lanyard is just what you need for that hour trip or is it? That is the question of the day for you guys. I would like some input on your reasoning why one would use the vest over the Lanyard or the Lanyard over the vest.

I do know for the money these items are cheaper than your traditional vest. I must confess I have never use a Lanyard. I do know the vest can get fairly heavy if you are on the water for a while.

I thought I would throw in this clip of an outing in a country setting enjoy!!!!