Where Can I Go?

Fly Rod Classification
the criteria by which fly rods are classified

Fly Rod Components
the key parts of fly rods & their function

Fly Rod History
fly fishing over the years

Care & Maintenance
how to keep your rods in top repair

Fly Rod Cost
what should they cost?  how much should I spend?

Selecting A Fly Rod
a step-by-step on how to pick out your rod

NFSP Online Store

some fly rod ideas

Glossary
words & phrases used in this course

School Library
books, glossary, costs & more

Fly rods . . . mighty mite

Fly rods are magical things.  They are very light . . . delicate . . . even "frail" to the uneducated.  Extraordinarily thin, very diminutive.  They weigh as little as 1 ounce, no more than 6.

Yet these "magic wands" are capable of repeatedly battling the largest of fresh and saltwater fish without a hitch:  200 pound Marlin, 100 pound Tarpon, 50 pound Salmon, 30 pound Lake Trout, 20 pound Northern Pike, 8 pound Bass, 1 pound Trout, 8 ounce Bluegill, and all "lesser" species are caught on these wispy rods year in and year out by fly fishers.

Fly fisher's best friend

Many upland bird and waterfowl hunters develop a special and binding attachment and commitment to their hunting dogs.  They become like "a member of the family."  The word "love" is affectionately used to describe this emotional relationship.  And so it is with our fly rods.  For like a favorite pet, they have the unique ability to work their way into our hearts, souls and minds.  Forever.

Far more than merely a lifeless tool, the fly rod becomes an integral part of our overall enjoyment of fly fishing.  In the end, many fly fishers receive as much or more satisfaction from the process of fly fishing and its sensual rewards as they do from the actual purpose of our sport: catching fish on a fly.

Our fly rod is the essential, indispensable part of this overall experience.  Its repeated use in a rhythmic motion. . . . the sensitivity of feel it conveys to us with every cast . . . and the lasting visions of perfect presentations in perfect places . . . these are the memories that remain indelibly etched in our minds that are the most satisfying ingredients in fly fishing.

Let's begin our learning journey by reviewing fly rod history: