A primer on factors of design in graphite fly rods
A primer on factors of design in graphite fly rods
DESIGNING GRAPHITE FLY RODS. About 95% of us use modern graphite fly rods for our sport. They have been around about 25 years and they keep getting more expensive and are oh so light, smooth and responsive. But what are the principles that go into designing fly rods? These are not incredibly complex computers or robotic orbiting satellites, they are, after all, just manufactured plastic sticks. A recent article in Fly Tackle Dealer offers some insights into fly rod design. Experts from Scott, Thomas & Thomas, Sage, Lamiglass, Diamond-Back, Winston, Loomis, Redington, Orvis, Gatti were all interviewed, including Lefty and others.
While there were a lot of general statements about design.."a rod that fishes well".., one of the designers interviewed said his company tried to build a rod that allowed the angler to do four things well: (1) present the fly, (2) control the fly (i.e., retrieve, mend), (3) hook the fish and (4) play/land the fish. If you are buying a rod, these criteria make good sense.
However, with all the different fishing situations that a rod may be used for, getting just the right balance among these four rod design goals could get pretty difficult. If you are casting big bass bugs and need to set the hook and drag old bucket-mouth out of the weeds, a rod to meet all four of these criteria is easy. But other factors come into play. If a rod is too heavy, it will be a burden to cast. As one of the manufacturers said, the best rod is the lightest rod possible. So that bass rod must have the backbone to fish bass, but it can't weigh a ton either. In other situations, a great rod for presenting a fly may not be very good for hooking or landing a fish. Some fishing situations are very demanding. A rod that is delicate enough to present a #22 blue winged olive to a 20 inch Big Horn River rainbow may not have the necessary rod backbone to cast into that Montana wind, move line in that Bighorn current and play that hyperactive rainbow to the net.
So when we are thinking about a new rod, it is wise to remember that casting a long or precise line is not the only factor. We also have to think about controlling that fly, setting the hook and landing the fish as well. The best rods will do all of these well - or should.
This article was provided by the Federation of Fly Fishers. Visit their site for more articles and information about fly fishing. The Federation of Fly Fishers is a unique non-profit organization concerned with sport fishing and fisheries.
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