Fly Fishing Rods and Reels: Try Something NEW!
If you're fly fishing and catching fish, it's most likely a pretty good time. However, if you're in a constant routine of targeting the same species, in the same places, and with the same tackle, it can take a little off the excitement factor. Don't get me wrong; catching fish is always a great time, but I've always enjoyed changing things up in one way or another. Even if typically fishing the same places every week, just altering your tackle can bring some "newness" to the overall experience.
Ditch the Graphite- Graphite is a wonderful thing; it's light, strong, and responsive. These are some of the reasons why it's the most popular material for constructing fly rod blanks and the go-to for many anglers, including myself. With that said, have you ever tried a rod built from an alternative material, like glass or bamboo? Although I have never fished a cane rod, I do have some experience with fiberglass rods, and they offer an entirely different feel and experience. The slow, soft action of a glass rod can take some getting used to, but I highly recommend trying one if you want to really switch things up.
Go Lighter- Are you always fly fishing with the same line size(s)? You might consider simply trying a setup that's one line weight smaller. If your trout rod of choice is always the standard 9-foot 5 weight, try a 4 weight sometime. You might be surprised how much bigger a 12-inch trout feels by just dropping a size down.
Go High End- I have a lot of love for all types of tackle, from affordable to premium. While there are some outstanding rods these days in the low-to-middle price tier, a truly high-end rod typically offers careful craftsmanship and a precise, ultra-responsive feel that's unrivaled by its more price-conscious peers. Simply put: a top-shelf fly rod offers an angler the highest quality experience possible. Once you fish with one, it might be tough to go back!
Click-Pawl Reel- A reel with a click-pawl drag system uses a clicker (aka pawl) that ticks loudly against the teeth of a gear to provide tension. These systems typically offer no to little adjustment, with any added tension coming from the angler's palm or fingers. I call these reels the "manual transmissions of the fly fishing world" because they require much more user input. Just like how many drivers will argue that a manual offers a more raw, interesting driving experience, some anglers feel that a click-pawl reel similarly upgrades their fishing experience, too.
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