Most fly fishermen take the sport very seriously. Going beyond the fact that it is a way to catch fish and also to enjoy the outdoors, fly fishermen think of what they do as an art, and rightly so. Fly fishing is much more involved than regular fishing, and it takes practice and dedication to learn the intricacies of the sport. Most fly fishermen will tell you, however, that it is definitely worth it.

When learning how to fly fish, or if you have already been doing it for a while, having the right fly fishing rod is essential. There are several types of fly fishing rods on the market, and which one you choose to use is a matter of personal preference, your fly fishing style, and what you are most comfortable with.

Bamboo fly fishing rodsTalk to many fly fishing enthusiasts and you will hear a lot of good things about bamboo fly fishing rods. Many fly fishermen swear by them, saying they are the best type of fly fishing rod that you can use. Although this is obviously a matter of opinion, there are a lot of positive features in a bamboo fly fishing rod. Bamboo fly fishing rods were one of the first fly fishing rods used, and it is a tribute to their popularity that they are still being made today. These fishing rods are light, flexible, and they have a nice slow action that means they are ideal for those who practice a more refined method of fly fishing. Making bamboo fly fishing rods is a delicate and exact process, and for this reason they tend to be the most expensive fly fishing rods that you can buy.

Graphite fly fishing rodsFly fishing rods made of graphite tend to be quite stiff, but this doesn't mean that they are not effective. This type of fly fishing rod is very strong, although the strength can vary depending on the quality. Fly fishermen like the performance and durability that they get from graphite fly fishing rods. They can vary in price and design, so if you are a beginner at fly fishing, you should bring along someone who can help you pick out just the right graphite rod for you.

Fiberglass fly fishing rodsThese days, a large number of fishing rods, whether they are for fly fishing or 'regular' fishing, are made from fiberglass. Fiberglass is strong, durable, and flexible, making it perfect as a material for fishing rods. The drawback to fiberglass fishing rods is that, compared to bamboo and graphite rods, they are relatively heavier. This means that fly fishermen who are using fiberglass fishing rods may find that their arms feel a little more tired and achy at the end of the day. All in all, though, their strength and their ability to take a lot of punishment make them a popular choice.