Fly fishing is hands down one of the most relaxing forms of fishing. More often than not you can find yourself knee-deep in a rolling stream being able to visibly see the fish you’re after. This type of fishing takes both patience and skill. You need to, “know thy enemy”. You need to have the ability to effortlessly and effectively place a fly upstream from the fish and let it slowly and gracefully make its way downstream and present itself in front of your prey.
More often than not, and I’m sure most of you can agree with me, the fish simply watch it effortlessly and gracefully go right by. It takes true patience and skill to be an effective and deadly fly fishing expert. In order to effectively and effortlessly get your line and fly out in front of the fish, you need a good fly rod and reel combo. And we must say, fly rods are not all created equally. You can truly feel the difference between a mediocre fly rod and a high-quality precision-made a fly fishing rod. Many people ask questions like, “What is the best medium action fly rods?”, “What is the best all-around fly rods?” and “What is the best budget fly rod?” Here’s our list of the 5 best fly rods for the money in 2019.
Fenwicks AETOS fly rods
The Aetos brings exactly what you come to expect from Fenwick – a classic and reliable stick available in a variety of weight ratings and lengths. The AETOS 5 weight is the absolute classic of the sport, featuring light and responsive action. Additionally, modern tapers and a AAA grade cork handle make the rod feel great in your hand, light to cast, and truly responsive as you twitch your fly or popper. You will be truly amazed at how many lines you can get out with such a light rod. Try wets, drys, streamers, or nymphs in medium-sized brooks and rivers to catch almost any trout species. If the 5 isn’t right for your target species of body of water, you can might take the 10 footer at 3 weight to whip a light dry out for small trout or panfish, or decide you need 15 foot at the 10/11 weight to catch bonefish, tarpon, trevally jack, or other inshore favorites. This rod comes in a delightfully modern looking deep blue with metallic detailing, and a rod tube and bag are included. Add this to any favorite reel and you are ready to go!
Highlights:
- Classic Fenwick construction and reliability
- Very light and fast
- Subtle enough for drys, but strong enough for a streamer
Redington classic trout
Designed for versatility, this is a true all around trout rod. It is perfect for all classic trout species and can be used from a boat or shore. The classic hits the happy medium in all respects – length, power, action, and design. It has enough power for bigger trout and even bass or pickerel but also keeps a great amount of touch to work smaller flies when needed to match the hatch. The rod is surprisingly light and is a great choice for long days on the water. Whether you walk up to the perfect eddy in a Montana mountain stream, go after the rare golden in California, or canoe down the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania, this rod will work for you, might be the best fly rod for the money. This classic four section rod features beautiful rosewood tones and a cork handle, all packaged in a deep burgundy rod case. This would make an ideal gift for any trout angler.
Highlights:
- All around and versatile rod
- The classic choice for a trout fisherman
- Titanium oxide stripping guides and custom machined reel seat
- Attractive and strong ballistic nylon tube included
- Unique rosewood coloring makes for a great gift
Tailwater outfitters Toccoa fly rod
High performance 4 pieces, fast action im8 graphite with rod tube
This is one of the most attractive looking and best value rods on the market period! Designed from IM8 carbon fibers in a sleek grey coloration, you will look timeless yet modern with this superb rod choice. The rod comes in the most popular freshwater sizes of 3, 5, and 8, giving you the needed range and options for panfish, small trout, larger trout, bass, and pike. When battling these fish, you will appreciate AAA grade quality cork handle, this light and comfortably gripped rod can be fished hour after hour with no need to rest – except pulling in big fish! This rod is ideal for traveling to your favorite location, as the 4 partners are packaged in a high-quality tube with separate compartments for each piece – an amazing high-end feature for those anglers serious about caring for their rod. This is a great classic that any angler will enjoy. It could be a first time rod given as a gift or perhaps purchased just to try fly angling, and you may never need another rod, it’s one of the best fly fishing rods currently on the market. The BEST value, an indistinguishable from rods triple the price or more.
Highlights:
- Available in several weights
- High-quality IM* carbon construction
- Classic yet modern look with sleek grey coloration and cork handle
- High quality 4 compartment rod tube with adjustable shoulder
- Ceramic stripping guides
- Chrome snake guides
- Fast, light, and responsive
Anglers dream archer fly fishing rod
The AnglerDream Archer model is truly a beautiful and versatile selection. With sizes ranging from 7’6 to over 9 and weights of 3, 4, 5, and 8, you can go after almost any freshwater species in any habitat. Picture yourself in tight quarters whipping out a tiny fly with the 3 weight and catching some well hidden tiny trout or panfish. Conversely, want to try the 8 for steelhead or northern? Either way, this rod will look and feel awesome. Constructed from high-quality IM10 graphite, the action is super light, elastic, and responsive. You will feel connected to the line and fly. The stripping guides are hard chromed and snake guides stainless steel, making the line cast smoothly and resist corrosion. The rod is accented with AAA cork for comfortable, all day long fishing. The rod is a deep and dark green color which fits in with the natural environment and also matches angler’s common brown clothing in a sophisticated and classic way, it’s one of the best inexpensive fly rods. Look great and fish even better with this rod! This 4 piecer comes in a nice rod holder and is good for travel. Whether you prefer trout, panfish, bass, or pike, you can catch them all with this true angler’s dream.
Highlights:
- Available in different lengths and weights for versatile freshwater use
- Designed from IM 10 graphite
- Anti-corrosive guides
- Alignment marks on all pieces
- Fast, light, and strong!
Tailwater outfitters Toccoa fly rod
High performance 4 pieces, fast action im8 graphite with rod tube
This is the perfect rod for tiny flies that most rods just won’t cast! The small weight, but the strong design means you can still have the power to pull in large fish. Your solution to the need for small bait but large fish is here! Designed from IM8 carbon fibers in a sleek grey coloration, you will look timeless yet modern with this superb rod choice. Accented by a AAA grade quality cork handle, this light and comfortably gripped rod can be fished hour after hour with no need to rest – except pulling in big fish! The rod is ideal for traveling to your favorite location, as the 4 parters are packaged in a high-quality tube with separate compartments for each piece – an amazing high-end feature for those anglers serious about caring for their rod. This is a great classic that any angler will enjoy. It could be a first time rod given as a gift or perhaps purchased just to try fly angling, and you may never need another rod. The BEST value, an indistinguishable from rods triple the price or more.
Highlights:
- Perfect for small flies, but big fish
- High-quality IM* carbon construction
- One of the best value fly rods
- Classic yet modern look with sleek grey coloration and cork handle
- High quality 4 compartment rod tube with adjustable shoulder
- Ceramic stripping guides
- Chrome snake guides
- Fast, light, and responsive
