Fly Rod length

Rod Length

From a practical standpoint, fly rods generally available in the marketplace range in length from 6' to 15'. Although fly rods in each of the common range of lengths serve a useful purpose, for the flyfisherman just getting started, rods under 7' and over 10' are somewhat "extreme" and should be avoided. Most flyfishers consider their 8 to 9 foot rods to be "general purpose", particularly if their weight class is in the range of 4 to 8 weight. This is where the beginner should begin.

If there is a "standard" length system (which there isn't), it is represented in the marketplace in 6" increments ranging from 7' to 10', with shorter and longer rods too few to consider as "standard". For example, 7 1/2', 8', 8 1/2', 9' etc., length fly rods are accepted as "standard" lengths.

Pros & Cons of rod length
For some "Pros" and "Cons" of fly rod lengths, refer to the chart below. For specifics on how to select the proper length fly rod for your particular needs, refer to "selecting a fly rod."

Rod length	Characteristics *	Pros	Cons
less than 7'	shortest rods; sometimes called "midge" rods; mostly 2 piece	Pros: best for short casts in limited space; lowest profile to fish	Cons: most difficult to cast for most novices; shortest rod tip movement; not "backcast tolerant"
7' to 8'	2nd most popular length range; abundant choice; mostly 2 piece	Pros: easier to cast & control line than shorter rods; OK in restricted casting situations; medium profile	Cons: not as easy to cast in tight situations; somewhat short for "big water"
8' to 9'	predominant length choice; generally best length for novice; 2, 3 & 4 piece selections	Pros: widest general use; easier to cast for many; keeps line above head & vegetation on backcast	Cons: heavier; not good for backcast in some small streams with vegetation
9' to 10'	"longer" for bigger fish, water, etc.	Pros: usually stronger rods for larger water; enhances line mending	Cons: too long for many small stream wading situations; heavy
10' to 12'	big water length, mainly saltwater rods	Pros: open/"big" water casting for distance & fish-fighting strength	Cons: quite heavy; requires casting proficiency
12' to 15'	longest rods; many this length are 3 piece & very specialized	Pros: only length for some special open water situations	Cons: require top casting proficiency & endurance

* For specifics on how to select the proper length fly rod for your particular needs, refer to "selecting a fly rod."