The action and length of each rod determines how easy and how far it will cast a line. Most Fly Rods are available in 4 different tip actions and several lengths. Each fly fishing rod is characterised by its action: A tip action rod quickly returns to its original position when fully flexed is excellent for distance casting. A rod with a deeper flex that extends closer to the butt is ideal for delicate presentation at shorter distances. To guide you in your choice of rod, we have graded rod actions as follows.( see tip action chart below ). Rod Action is as much about feeling as it is science and mechanics. Words alone cannot descripe the 'feeling' of a fly rod. Rod Flex Characteristics: Select The Tip Action Thats Right for You. . .  The average fly fisher should select a " soft / slow action rod ". This rod action makes casting much easier and helps protect light tippets from breaking,since the entire length of the rod is flexing. Slow action rods may be harder to handle in high wind conditions.
Rod Flex Characteristics Explanations: Loading Point: The loading point of a fly rod helps descripe the relative stiffness of the blank and gives an indictation of how much effort is required to flex the blank in casting. Low Loading Point: loading point rod such as a glass rod with relatively low stiffness indicates it's general suitability for close range tactics and anglers who perfer an easier more relaxed casting stroke. Perfect for the beginner fly fisher or an advanced fly fisher who likes an easier to load & cast fly rod. A High Loading Point loading point would be used to refer to a rod with relatively high stiffness and indicate a rod more suitable to longer range tactics and generally a more powerful casting stroke. Recovery Rate: This refers to how quickly the rod recovers to straight from its deflected position during casting. Recovery rate is influenced both by taper design and the type of material used. The discriptions of low, moderate and rapid can help the angler get a sense of the rod's " tempo " or " cycle time ", this indicates if the rod responds best to a slow, smooth casting stroke or a quicker more percise stroke. Flex Characteristics: Split into three categories, this gives an indication of the nature in which the rod bends, although there are many variables in-between, in its most basic form, you can split a rod's flex into 'Through', 'middle to tip' and 'tip'. Hardy Advanced Composites are the highest quality rod blanks for the parent company Hardy & Greys Ltd. Hardy & Greys Ltd are renowned worldwide for the quality and actions of their fishing tackle. Part of this reputation is built on the research & development carried out on on their behalf by Hardy Advanced Composites. Learn More About Hardy Advanced Composites' Design Fly Rod Length is as important as rod action when selecting your fly rod. Use the below chart to help select a rod length that is right for you. Handle Abbreviations: A = CIGAR B = RHW C = FW+EH D = FW+EH+FG E = TPS F = Greys Streamflex XF2 Handle Extension ( Click Here to View Handle Types )
For all around fly fishing, an 8 foot to 9 foot fly rod will meet the requirements of most anglers. Select an 8 or 8.5 foot rod if you will primarily fish small to mid-sized rivers. Select a 9 foot rod if you will spend most of your time float fishing, fishing on large rivers or casting in windy conditions. A rod shorter than 8 foot may be great for fisshing real small mountain streams or fishing overgrown spring creeks where long casts not not required.
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