Often when people think about fly fishing they automatically think about standing in a flowing stream catching trout. But, did you know that you can catch some serious bass fly fishing? You may wonder, ”what is the best weight fly rod for fishing?”
In this post, we will dive into the world of different weights of fly rods for bass fishing and see what is the best option. Whether you are wanting to catch largemouth bass or smallmouth bass, we will cover it all in this post.
We will also cover some of the things that you will want to know about improving your casting skills with a fly fishing rod so you will be able to catch more fish.
Different Weights of Fly Rods
The range of fly rod weights goes from 0 – 14 with 0 being the lightest weight fly rod and 14 being the heaviest fly weight rod. Different weight rods are used to catch different types and sizes of fish.
The lighter the fly line weight like the size 0, 1, 2 or 3 are typically for catching smaller fish such as pan fish and small trout.
Generally, these smaller weight lines are also a shorter rod and they are meant for small streams and smaller rivers.
The bigger the weight of fly rod, the bigger the fish you can typically fish for.
Sizes 4 -7 are typically know as mutli-purpose fly rods and can be used for catching both smaller and larger fish. This size is perfect for mid sized rivers, lakes and streams.
You can use any size in this weight line to catch most types of fish as they are very versatile sizes. Most people going trout fishing will use a fly rod from this weight category.
Fly rods in sizes 8 – 10 are typically used in larger rivers, streams and lakes when you plan on going after some bigger fish species. These types of fish can include pike, musky, steelhead and even largemouth bass.
Now, when you get up to sizes 11 – 14 of fly rods, you mean some serious business! They are typically saltwater rods used for catching fish that really put up a monster of a fight like swordfish, marlin and tarpon.
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Which Size is the Best Fly Rod for Catching Bass?
Always keep in mind, when choosing the right fly rod weight for catching bass, you will want to consider the conditions that you will be fishing in, the anglers ability and fish size that you are going after.
So, what is the best fly rod weight for catching bass? Generally, the best bass fly rod can be any size from a weight 7 to a weight 9 fly rod. These sizes are a great choice when it comes to catching even larger bass.
If you are wanting a fly rod that is specifically for bass fishing, to even catch those big bass, it is usually recommended to go with a 8-weight fly rod. And, it you don’t know what length, 9 foot will be the best choice even for those big fish. This is a solid choice for beginner anglers wanting to start out catching bass.
Often, you will need larger flies and heavier fly lines for bass fishing.
Tips to Improve Your Fly Fishing Experience
The main thing that takes so much time when learning to fly fish is casting. Being able to cast different weight rods with different weight flies and line takes some getting use to.
Here are a few things that you can do to help improve your overall fly fishing experience.
Understand How a Fly Rod Works
There is no question about a fly rod being different to cast than all other types of fishing rods. Make sure that you take the time to learn exactly how it all works.
Take time to learn the difference between how a back cast and forward cast work. Watch and observe all the different techniques used when fly fishing.
Take Your Time
Be sure to always slow down and take your time, especially when learning how to cast. Casting with different weight lines and even different weight flies can all be tricky.
If you are using big flies when you are used to using small flies, the technique can feel different. Just take your time in learning it all and don’t rush the process.
Practice doing long casts and short casts.
Look Back Behind You When Casting
A lot of times, people will struggle the most with their back cast. Make sure to try and pay attention, even glancing and looking backwards to make sure that you are doing all the steps correctly.
Practice
The old saying, “practice makes perfect” stands true. The more you practice at anything, whether it is fly fishing or playing a musical instrument, you will progress and get better over time the more you do it. It just takes time, practice and patience.
Bass Fly Fishing Q & A
What is a good fly for bass? Bass like large flies like a bass popper or a dancing frog.
Is fly fishing for bass hard? Yes, if you are fishing in deeper water with a lot of thick cover it can be hard to catch bass on flies, but if you’er in shallow water it is much easier.
Is a 7 weight fly rod good for bass? Yes, 7-weight rod is one of the best fly rods for bass fishing.
Is a 5-weight rod good for bass? Yes, you can use a 5-weight fly rod for bass fishing but it can be a little light for big bass, so you might want to get a heavier rod.
How big of a fish can a 7 weight fly rod handle? A 7-weight fly rod has enough backbone to bring in 12-15 pound fish.
What is the most versatile fly rod weight? The most versatile rod for beginner is a medium action 5wt 8ft rod.
Is fly fishing good for bass? Yes, fly fishing is a great option for bass fishing in open water.
What is the best color fly for bass? The best color fly for bass is by far chartreuse and white.
What is the hardest fish to fly fish for? The hardest fish to fly fish for in the United States is a muskie.
What is the easiest type of fly fishing? The easiest type of fly fishing is dry fly fishing because most of the time you can see the dry flies and you will know when to set the hook.
When should I fly fish for bass? The best time to fish for bass is early in the morning or dusk in calm quiet conditions.
What is the best length fly rod for bass fishing? The best fly fishing rods for bass fishing is a 9ft 8-weight rod.
What are the hardest months to catch bass? The hardest time of the year for bass fishing is definitely winter because the is so cold and the fish are moving very slow.
What is the easiest month to catch bass? The best month to fish for bass is April because the bass are into the shallow water to the spawning beds.
I hope that this post has helped you to decide which rod is a suitable fly rod weight for bass fishing. Whether you plan to fish in the smaller streams or go big and try your hand out in the open waters of a river, I hope that you will reel in a big one with the perfect fly rod.
