The Best Fly Fishing Rods for Beginners – TOP 10 Picks Reviewed in 2024

When looking at fly fishing gear, a fly rod will probably come pretty high up the list.

If you’re going to master casting, and catching then something that performs will make the start of your journey so much easier. But which to choose?

Well, I’ve assembled this handy guide with some great suggestions for the best beginner fly rods to get you on your way.

I’ll also run through some features that you really want to look for when deciding.

Best Beginner Fly Rods & What to Looking For

When choosing a fly rod for a beginner, durability, ease of handling and assembly, and straightforwardness to cast are all important factors to consider.

A beginner doesn’t need an overly expensive or sophisticated rod, but should look for something that is going to be reasonably easy to use and will last a while. A good starter fly rod can be found for around $100.

With that in mind, I have a few favorite rods that I think are best suited for fishermen that are just starting out.

The Maxcatch Premier is the standard beginner fly fish rod. There is a good reason why it has held on for a long time as one of the go-to beginner rods. It is highly functional, easy to use, and very durable. It is all of those things at the most affordable price on the market.

There are some drawbacks to the Maxcatch Premier that you will notice as you improve. It is fairly heavy and is limited in its casting capabilities. For any beginner though, these are things that you will worry about as you improve and are ready to naturally upgrade your equipment.

The Redington Classic Trout is another great choice for beginners from one of the biggest and best brand names in fishing. As with any Redington equipment, this rod is high quality, fairly lightweight, and extremely versatile. For an affordable price it offers all the capability that a beginner could want.

Similar to most beginner rods, you will work your way out of this rod as you become better and need a rod with a bit more casting capability.

The Echo Carbon XL is the most expensive of the rods we highly recommend for beginners. It is easy to handle, carry, and is one of the best if you want to quickly improve your casting technique and accuracy.

If you are willing to spend some extra money on your beginner rod the Echo Carbon XL is probably the best choice.

There are plenty of other options out there too, so make sure to read the features and reviews and really understand what the best fit for you is.

TOP 10 Best Fly Fishing Rods for Beginners 2024

Maxcatch Premier Fly Rod

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The Maxcatch Premier is a versatile and affordable rod that is popular among beginner anglers.

It is made from high-quality carbon fiber, making it lightweight and durable.

The rod is also fitted with foam handles for comfort and grip. With its versatile design and affordable price, the Maxcatch Premier is a great starting point for anyone looking to get into fishing.

However, as you start to improve your skills, you’ll likely find that the Maxcatch starts to hold you back a bit. That’s when it’ll be time to upgrade to a more advanced model. But in the meantime, the Maxcatch is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of fishing.

Pros

• Very affordable.
• Strong and durable.
• Holds up over time.

Cons

• Not built from the same high-quality material as other rods.
• Tough to replace any broken parts.
• Heavier rod.

Takeaway

If you’re thinking about getting into fishing, the Maxcatch is a great entry-level option. It’s affordable and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.

Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

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This is one of the classic rod manufacturers and they deliver with this rod. It is available in a wide range of weights, from 2-6.

It is a medium-fast action rod which is great for beginners. It is easy to carry with you and is versatile for fishing in all types of situations.

It is also simple to use while giving its user a high quality rod and the chance to catch some fish.

Pros

• A rod that is versatile for any situation.
• Easy to carry around and put together.
• Weights for any type of fisherman.
• Affordable.

Cons

• Slightly limited as you become more advanced.

Takeaway

This is one of the best options out there for a beginner fly fisherman. It can be used in almost any type of fishing context.

Moonshine Rod Co. The Drifter Series Fly Rod

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Do you know what I love?

When you can get affordable fly fishing gear, that really works. This might not be a premium brand…

But it certainly acts like it.

Moonshine has crafted a rod that is great value and looks the part too. You’ll find quality features that give this rod a truly vintage feel. The metallic hardware on the rod is made from anodized copper.

The reel seat, the rings, and the tips all have a soft red hew as a result. When combined with the exquisite hand-turned spalted burl, it is a head-turner.

And then there’s this…

How a rod feels in hand is one of its most important attributes, the grip is like something I’d expect to see on a $600 rod. It is a soft and smooth AAA cork.

Aesthetics aside, this rod performs beautifully. The blank is stiff enough to accelerate the line but soft enough to ensure that even a new caster can generate a decent line speed. And if you hook a fish, there is more than enough power ‘under the hood’ to land whatever you need to.

Pros

• Amazing finish.
• Performs like a more expensive rod.
• Easy to cast.

Cons

• While there isn’t too much to dislike, the younger angler may want something that looks a little more modern.

Takeaway

If you are looking for a middle-of-the-road, easy-caster, then this would be a great choice. I really like the attention to detail. The burl and copper finish works really well.

Redington Vice Fly Fishing Rod

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Ah, good old Redington, once again pulling a wonderful product out of the bag without charging a fortune. This is another rod that offers excellent value and would perform great in the hands of a beginner.

This rod is fast action, meaning that it is softer and more flexible. This will enable the beginner angler to easily pick line up off the water and cast with ease.

Here’s the thing about me…

I love little touches that make a good product into a great one.

Want to know what I mean?

Take the laser-etched reel seat. This is engraved with the model of the rod for quick identification. Snake guides may look basic, but they tend to be a feature of pricier rods. They are also anodized, meaning they won’t corrode, exactly what you want for a rod component that is sure to get wet.

At 8’6″, it is just the right length for smaller still waters and isn’t too long or unwieldy to cause beginners trouble when casting.

Pros

• High quality anodized reel seat.
• Fast action, great for casting.

Cons

• I’m not a huge fan of the green finish. I think it makes the rod look cheap (even if it isn’t).

Takeaway

If you were to only buy your gear from Redington, you’d catch plenty of fish. They tend to produce really great fishing equipment, and this rod is no exception. The color won’t be for everyone, but as the performance goes, it’s pretty great.

K&E Outfitters Silhouette Series Fly Fishing Rod

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If you liked the Moonshine rod’s look but weren’t so keen on the price, this rod by K&E Outfitters would make for a really worthy alternative. It has many similar features but is much lower cost.

Let’s take a look!

Just as with the Moonshine rod, this looks absolutely ideal as a fly rod for a beginner. The caramel guide wraps and brown blank are really easy on the eye. Throw in a wood burl reel seat, and it looks like a winner.

The rod is 9′ long. This is within the optimum range for ease of handling and casting distance. The rod is medium to fast in action, which will allow the beginner to cast in whatever style they see fit.

Remember how I said that I like little extras?

The reel seat is manufactured from super strong CNC cut aluminum. It also comes fitted with a double screw clamp allowing you to make sure that your reel stays firmly in position on the rod.

Unlike the moonshine, the rings are made of slightly cheaper steel, so they might not be quite as durable, but they are hardened, so they should last a while.

This rod is available as a 3 or a 5 weight, so towards the lighter end of beginner fly rods, it should still be hardy enough to get most lures and flies traveling in the right direction.

Pros

• Another great beauty!
• Good action for a beginner.
• High-quality cork handle.

Cons

• It might be a little light for bigger waters and faster flowing rivers.

Takeaway

While very similar to the moonshine, there is a minor reduction in some of the components’ quality. This isn’t a deal-breaker, and it performs just as well. If you want to get started with light and delicate dries, the #3 weight, in particular, looks pretty great!

Orvis Clearwater 5-Weight Fly Rod

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Ok, so let’s take it up a notch. We are now into the realm of serious fly rods. If you didn’t know, Orvis is one of the world’s most premium manufacturers when it comes to fly fishing. If you take a look at this rod, you will be able to see why.

Beginners often want to throw bigger flies, as they are easier to see. It also pays to have techniques in your back pocket, so if dries aren’t catching for a beginner, they may stand more chance with a streamer.

If this sounds like you, then this rod could be the one. It has a powerful blank that will get the line traveling far and accurately. It also has the power to land some seriously big fish.

You know what’s next?

That’s right… The little things. Here you’ll see quality additions that just tip the balance to make this rod slightly more premium. First off, the large stripping guide. Orvis has lined this with ceramic. This is frictionless and reduces line contact for smoother casting and retrieves.

The black chrome blank looks phenomenal too, it features white accents, giving this rod a really great visual appeal.

The reel seat is of superior quality too. You won’t find any steel here, oh no, just solid and durable nickel aluminum. This is backed up with a superb high-quality AAA cork rod handle.

Pros

• A trusted rod from a trusted brand.
• All parts are really high quality.
• Rod tube included.

Cons

• There isn’t too much to dislike. At weight #5 it might be a little heavy for smaller still waters and streams.

Takeaway

Orvis hasn’t let me down yet. They always seem to come up with the goods. The Orvis Clearwater is the sum of all its great parts. If you fish medium to large waters or fast-flowing rivers, it is excellent.

I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am that you are considering getting into fly fishing! It truly is a wonderful sport, and once you get the basics down, it’s a skill that will keep on giving.

To make sure that you fall in love with the sport, I want you to have the best possible experience, and part of that experience comes by choosing the right gear. If you aren’t sure what you need, why not start at my essential fly fishing gear list guide.

Anyway, you’ve no doubt got a few questions.

But listen to this…

While some things might sound pretty technical, they are easy once you know what they mean. I’m going to give you a rundown of the basics so that you can choose a really great fly fishing rod.

How to Choose Your First Fly Rod?

Choosing your first fly rod isn’t easy, I’ll be the first to admit. You don’t know what’s ‘good’ and have nothing to compare it against. But what you can do is buy a fly rod with proven features that will make it easier to use.

Want some ideas… Here, I’ve got you.

What to look for in the best fly fishing rods for beginners:

Length

Let’s start with rod length.

Does it matter?

Absolutely! Let’s just put the venue to the side for one second. You will want something easy to handle but isn’t too short that casting becomes difficult. Anything over 11 feet is probably going to be a bit unwieldy for a beginner. Likewise, anything shorter than about 8’5″ is probably too light.

The sweet spot for a good all-around rod that will cover you in most situations is somewhere in the region of 10′.

You might have noticed that I mentioned the venue too? This has a bearing on what length of fly fishing rod you choose.

Here’s a simple rule that works in most cases.

The bigger the water, the longer the rod. The smaller the water, the smaller the rod.

In simple terms, if you are fishing small streams and tiny brooks, you will need a fly rod that is really accurate and isn’t so large that it’s forever getting caught in trees and bushes.

Conversely, if you are fishing big lakes or rivers, you will need to cover a lot of water. Big rods are easier to cast further, so opt for something above 10′ if you think that you will be fishing a big lake.

Pieces

I used to have a beautiful 1-piece fly rod given to me by my grandfather. It cast like a dream, and I caught my all-time personal best trout with it when I was 16. Ah, I loved my 1 piece rod…

Do you know what happened to it?

It became a two-piece rod when I was careless with my jeep door. The moral of the story? Buy something easy to transport in a sturdy tube.

All of my suggestions above pack down into a small tube no bigger than a few feet. They are easy to transport, and unlike grandpa’s rod, they won’t get broken easily.

There was a stigma attached to multi-pieced rods in the past, and they were considered ‘not as good’. However, rest assured, nowadays, 4-piece rods far outnumber any other styles of fly fishing rods.

Action

Action is one of the most important features of your fly fishing rod.

Here’s why…

The action dictates the rod’s behavior in everything that it is designed to do. The way you cast will be determined by the rod’s action. The way your fly lands is determined (mostly) by the action of the rod, and the way you play a fish is determined by your rod action.

You’ll hear several terms relating to rod action. Words such as ‘soft’ and ‘quick’ are often used.

Here are the words you really want to hear when shopping for a new rod as a beginner…

‘Medium’ and ‘fast’.

A fast rod action means that the rod is really responsive. It will have a really significant amount of bend and flex. This is good as it transfers energy quickly. When casting, it will give you a little extra speed to your rod tip, which in turn will ‘shoot’ your fly line.

When pulling your line off the water, it makes sure that there is less ‘drag’.

And most importantly, when you hook a fish, it will act as a really great ‘shock absorber’ to any runs and pulls. This is particularly useful for a beginner as they might not have the sense of touch to know when to ease off on an aggressive trout.

If you want to know more about rod action, I’ve done a little research and have found a great video that explains it really well.

Weight

Ok, rod weight has a couple of meanings in fly fishing… If you want to know about weight rating, see the next heading down.

Where was I…

Ah, weight! For the time being, we are talking weight in the standard ‘pounds and ounces’ way. What I’m getting at is that you want to choose a rod that is as light as possible.

Here’s the thing about fly fishing.

There is no rod rests or sitting idle with your rod lying on the bank. If you are fly fishing, that rod is in your hand. All-day. Let me ask you a question.

Do you want to hold something heavy all day or something light? I already know your answer, which proves my point. Pick a lightweight rod.

You’ll tend to find that the cheaper a rod is, the heavier it is. For a couple of hours, this might be ok, but by the end of the day, your arm will be ready to drop off if you pick a heavy rod.

If you choose a heavy reel too, then you are going to have bad times. Fortunately, I have a guide just here on the best budget fly reels. You won’t believe how lightweight they can get.

Rating

So this is what I meant when I said ‘weight’ has a couple of meanings. You’ll hear rods referred to as ‘weight #3′ or weight #6’. Be aware, this has nothing to do with how much the line physically weighs.

This is, in fact, a measure of what weight of line the rod is designed to cast.

To put it in the most basic terms, the higher the number, the heavier the line. Lines for lightweight work like fishing tiny dry flies and nymphs might be #2 or #3…

Lines for heavy-duty work like saltwater fishing might be, say, #8 or #9. It stands to reason that the heavier line is bigger, which might require a bigger reel.

If you have seen my article on the best saltwater fishing reels, you’ll see that they are designed with huge, deep spools for this very reason.

But what do you need to choose?

Well, I’d say go for a #5 rated rod. This is a great middle ground. It will allow you to cast a long distance, fish big and small flies, and handle 25lb trout easily.

If you want to know more about it, check this 3-minute video out, I’ll still be here when you get back.

If you don’t want the hassle of pairing up a rod, reel and line, I’ve got you covered. Check out my article here on the best fly rod and reel combos.

Grip

You’ll find that most fly rods have a cork handle. Unlike with other rods, we fly fishing folk like to stick to the traditional.

But…

All corks aren’t created equal. You’ll find most are given an ‘A’ rating. It’s actually super simple to understand. The more A’s a handle gets, the better quality the cork is. Triple-A is considered the gold standard, and while you might not think so, you can really feel the difference.

Reel Seat

Finally, let’s take a quick look at the reel seat. You may see fancy wood inlays, they are nice, but they are purely cosmetic. It’s how the reel seat works that you need to be most interested in.

Now let me give you a really great piece of advice.

Never… Never buy a fly fishing rod that doesn’t have a screw lock reel seat. Those that stay by friction will lead to one thing, and one thing only… your reel falling off into the water mid cast.

When you are fly fishing, your rod handle is constantly moving. You want a screw lock system so that reel stays tight and secure.

The thing with screws is, they tend to be made of metal. Metal rusts when wet, so when looking at rods, make sure you choose one with a reel seat made of anodized material to keep it corrosion and rust-free.

FAQs

There are some common questions that constantly come up with beginners when they are first looking for a fly rod. A few of them are answered below.

What is the best size fly rod for a beginner?

Fly fishing rods come in all different lengths, and choosing the right one can be tricky, especially for beginners. Length is important for a number of reasons, including how much line you can get on the water and how easy it is to control your casts.

We recommend beginners start with an 8’9”-9′ rod, which is long enough to try a variety of different approaches. A longer rod will also give you more leverage when fighting fish, making it ideal for beginner anglers.

So if you’re just getting started in the world of fly fishing, be sure to choose a rod that’s the right length for you.

Are cheap fly rods worth it?

It is often assumed that the more expensive a rod is, the better it will perform. However, this is not always the case.

Many high-end rods are built with top-of-the-line materials and state-of-the-art technology, but this does not always translate to better performance. Sometimes cheaper rods can perform just as well even if they aren’t as shiny.

In fact, many professional fishermen use lower-priced rods because they have found that they work just as well, if not better than their more expensive counterparts.

So, next time you’re in the market for a new fishing rod, don’t be afraid to consider some of the lower-priced options – you might be surprised at how well they perform.

How much should a beginner spend on a rod?

When it comes to fly fishing rod quality is important, but it is not the be-all and end-all. There are anglers who have been using the same $50 rod for years, and they are just as effective as those using the latest and greatest $500 model.

That said, if you are looking to buy a new fly rod, you will get a lot of bang for your buck if you spend around $200. These rods are generally well-made and offer great performance.

What do expensive rods tend to do better?

In general, expensive fly fishing rods are made with higher-quality materials and construction, which leads to a number of benefits. For one, they tend to be more durable and resistant to breakage.

Expensive fly fishing rods also usually have better action, meaning they are easier to cast and produce better results. In addition, they often come with nicer features, such as ergonomic handles and premium components.

Are there drawbacks to getting an expensive rod?

There are also some drawbacks to expensive fly fishing rods. For one thing, they can be difficult to use and out of reach for many beginner and intermediate anglers.

In addition, they sometimes come with a higher price tag simply because of their brand name or reputation – not because they are actually any better.

Should I get a 4 or 5 weight fly rod?

A 5wt fly rod is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. While it is slightly heavier than a 4wt rod, the extra weight gives the 5wt more power, making it ideal for throwing larger flies or streamers.

The 5wt is also a great choice for fishing nymphs, as the additional weight helps to better sink the fly and get it down to the fish.

In addition, the 5wt can be used for larger streams and rivers, making it a versatile option for anglers who fish in different locations.

Conclusion

The best beginner fly rods will allow you to cast and catch more easily. And as my list has proved, they don’t have to be super expensive.

Some are good enough that they’ll last you for years. Stick to my guidance above as a general guide and see what works for you. Buying rods is always great fun.

What’s the furthest you’ve ever cast? Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you guys.