Materials
There is a great deal of distinction among rod materials. Graphite is the most popular material, due to its lightness, flexibility and reliability. Traditionalists opt for bamboo, however, which is made from pieces of bamboo cane glued and laminated together. Material choice is largely a matter of preference, so be sure to spend time at a fly fishing store that will let you try out models before you make a purchase.
Action
Action refers to the flexibility of a rod. A rod with slow action is the most flexible, allowing pinpoint accuracy on small bodies of water. A Spey rod is not typically available in slow action because the Spey rod is designed for casting more overhead than behind the angler, as opposed to traditional fly casting. Action for Spey rods ranges from medium to very fast. Very fast rods are the stiffest and most resistant, requiring more flicking than gentle casting, as with medium and slow action rods. Fast rods are the median choice.
Rod Length
Spey rods are typically available in lengths from 12 to 15 feet. The traditional Spey rod is short, so 12 feet is closest to the original Scottish rod. However, Spey technique can be used with a longer rod for more accuracy when there is a bit more space while fishing, so casting is not limited to overhead casting only. The longer the rod, the more flexibility the angler has in use. For example, a 14-foot Spey rod with fast action would be useful in most fly fishing circumstances.
Article Written By Beau Prichard
Beau Prichard has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He specializes in fiction, travel and writing coaching. He has traveled in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and Australia. Prichard grew up in New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Arts in writing from George Fox University.
