Fly rods come in various lengths. Clearly the 9' rod has become the standard with single-handers. But, from shorter and lighter dry fly/spring creek rods to 11' Czech style nymphing rods, lengthcan varydramatically. But why? What are the benefits to using a short or longer rod? Is a rod that is longer or shorter than your current 9' going to help you? Well yes and no.As many techniques as there are in fly fishing, there are also variations in gear to help. Here are some ways in which a longer fly rod can help an angler. These are more with freshwater/trout in mind, but can be applied to saltwater as well...
- Distance - Longer rods present the ability to cast further. You generally have to slow down your casting stroke, but a longer rod can cary more line, keep it off the water, and help give you that extra distance you want. Accuracy usually suffers with a longer rod (which is why most small stream/dry fly rods are short - the angler doesn't need distance but needs accuracy).
- Mending- When negotiating moving water, the ability to mend the line properly can keep the fly/flies drifting properly (less drag) and also helps to control the fly's position in the water. A longer rod can give you the ability to lift more line off the water and manage your drift better.
- Roll Casting - If you fish in areas where there is very little room for a backcast, then you are familiar with the roll cast. Creating that D-loop and "rolling" the line out in front of you can be a huge asset to fishing in tight quarters. A longer rod gives you the height needed to pick up more line off the water and roll cast with better efficiency.
- Covering More Water- Although this could be under the category of "Distance" I am actually referring specifically to nymphing here. When you are using the techniques such as tight-line/Czech nymphing, the depth and drift of your flies is controlled solely by the angler (and not necessarily by an indicator, etc). A longer fly rod gives you more water (under the rod) to fish effectively. If you can reach out another 1ft and cover that small pocket of water in front of you while maintaining better control of your flies, you will be more successful.
There are also benefits to using a shorter rod too! Stay tuned for that article soon!
Words + Photo By: Josh Thelin
FAQs
Long rod advantages: Long rods give far better line control. It is easier to perform Reach casts & to mend line post cast with a long flexible rod. When high sticking & Euronymphing it is far easier to hold line off the water & any rogue currents with a long rod, particularly with the very long Tenkara rods.
What are the advantages of a longer fly rod? ›
Long rod advantages: Long rods give far better line control. It is easier to perform Reach casts & to mend line post cast with a long flexible rod. When high sticking & Euronymphing it is far easier to hold line off the water & any rogue currents with a long rod, particularly with the very long Tenkara rods.
What are the advantages of a longer rod? ›
It can pay off with bottom bouncing baits like jigs, worms or tube baits, too. Not only can you make longer casts, but it helps you keep a proper line angle and maintain bottom contact longer. Another advantage – and something anglers need to remember – is that longer rods move a lot more line when setting the hook.
Does the length of a fly rod matter? ›
So, it's the reach. That's the benefit of a longer rod. And there really is no other reason that doesn't come down to the distance gained by fishing a longer rod. It's easier to pick up a dry line for the next cast, because of the extra reach.
What does a longer rod length do? ›
"Longer rods are supposed to extend the power range through improved breathing ability and allow the piston to dwell longer at TDC," continued Sherman. ' This means that a long-rod motor should make more power at a higher rpm than a short-rod motor.
What is the best length for a fly rod? ›
A 9-foot rod is almost always the perfect length for the majority of fly fishing situations.
What are the pros and cons of a longer fishing rod? ›
A rod's length affects casting distance, accuracy, and hook set leverage. Longer rods (over 7 feet) will cast farther than shorter rods of the same power and action, and shorter (<under 7 feet) rods will be more accurate. Longer rods also give you more leverage on the hook set, as they take up more line while swinging.
Do longer rods make more power? ›
A long piston rod allows for a smaller and lighter piston, helping an engine to rev more freely, but the shorter compression height and resulting pin location can interfere with the oil ring and rail and the shorter overall ring pack is less stable inside the cylinder.
Are longer rods more sensitive? ›
Two rods, exact same brand, model, action, make and materials - shorter is more sensitive.
What is the advantage of a 10 foot fly rod? ›
This extra beef in the first two sections allows for additional power, giving anglers extra oomph when casting rigs through the wind. The larger diameter butt section, in conjunction with the extra 12 inches, give 10 ft. rods another advantage. They are superior when fighting large fish.
It helps you pick up an appreciable length of line off the water to recast. It also helps you keep a taut line well above “stickups” such as mangrove shoots on the shallows as you fight a fish.
What are the benefits of a 10 fly rod? ›
The additional rod length allows more line to be lifted off the water, making water-mends much easier. The end result is longer, drag-free drifts when dry fly or dry-dropper fishing. When tight-line nymphing, the added length allows the line to be kept off the water more easily.
What is a 7 foot fly rod good for? ›
7 weight fly rods are the perfect utility rod for a variety of applications. From throwing streamers with heavy sink tips to casting to tailing bonefish in a headwind, a 7wt fly rod can do it.
What does a longer rod mean? ›
Longer rods also mean shorter and lighter pistons can be used, so the additional weight of the rods is more or less offset by the reduced weight of the pistons. One of the disadvantages of longer rods and a higher rod ratio is that low RPM intake vacuum is reduced somewhat.
Is a 10 foot fly rod too long? ›
Longer rods simply have more power. Thus a ten foot five-weight rod easily casts the distance expected from a nine foot, six or even a seven weight rod. The result is a marked reduction in the need for false casts and less arm fatigue over the course of a day's fishing.
Can you cast further with a longer rod? ›
A longer rod will give you a longer cast. It's really that simple. If power and action are the same, generally speaking, a 7-foot rod will cast the same lure farther than a 6-foot rod. Now if the lure is light, like 1/8 ounce, it can be a little more managable on a softer shorter rod than a longer rod.
What is a 10 foot fly rod used for? ›
“Dry-fly fishing is no problem, since the longer length is better for mending and roll casting; it can handle any style of nymph fishing, from tight-lining to indicators; and you can even fish smaller streamers with it.” Pete attributes this versatility to more than just the extra foot of length or the extra weight, ...
