Fly rod for put and take

The all-round choice for put and take is a 9-foot fly rod in class 5. It matches stocked rainbow and brown trout, usually 0.5 to 2 kg, and is light enough to learn to cast with. Need more margin in wind or against larger fish? Take class 6. Once that is decided, most of the rest follows, because class also sets line and reel.

Class is the important choice

• Class 5 is the all-round rod for put and take.
• Class 6 gives a bit more power in wind and on heavier fish.
• Class 7–8 is too heavy for ordinary put-and-take fish — that belongs on pike and the coast.

Do not buy too much rod. A class 8 makes playing a kilo rainbow dull and makes casting practice heavier than it needs to be.

Length, action and what to check

9 feet is the standard and what you should aim for as a beginner. Shorter rods can be nice on small, tight waters; a bit longer gives more reach when you wade. Start at 9 feet. A medium to slightly faster action is easiest to learn, because you have time to feel the load. Very stiff rods punish rough technique.

Check that the class is marked clearly and matches your line and reel. Fit the sections and mount the reel so you can feel the balance — a tip-heavy rod wears you out. Dry it after fishing and store it in its tube.

The rod is one piece of a kit: fly reel with a drag, WF fly line in the same class, backing and tippet. The whole package is in the buying guide best fly rod for beginners. How you use it: fly fishing. What goes in the box: flies.