The first step towards becoming a fly fishing enthusiast is buying a good rod and reel. But there are so many options out there, it’s difficult to know which fly fishing rods are the best.
If you’re just starting out, you’ll want a rod that’s durable enough to withstand a few bumps, but also light enough to make casting easier. For a more budget-friendly option, consider a starter set that includes a rod, reel and line.
Read on to find the best fly fishing rods for you.
Our Editor’s Best Fly Fishing Rods Reviews
Bestseller No. 1
SF Fly Fishing Rod Combo Starter Kit - 4 Piece 4WT 8FT Emerald Green 24T Carbon Fiber Trout Rod with Reel, Case, Fly Box, Tapered Leader, Knot Tying Tools
- Fly Rod Combo Components: SF fly fishing rod combo includes a 5wt 9FT fly fishing rod, carrying case for easy protection, 5/6wt aluminum alloy fly reel pre-loaded with fly line, backing line, and tapered leader. And flies are packaged in a fly box, zinger 2pcs, a line nipper, a fishing forceps and 6 packs of 9FT tapered leader(2*4X,2*5X,2*6X), all of these are in the P-type rod tube, convenient to carry around.
- Fly Rod Features: SF 5 Weight 9 Foot medium-fast action fly rod body is made of pure IM7 24T plus 30T emerald green carbon fiber for good durability. The aluminum alloy reel seat with two lock rings for secure reel mounting. And stripping guides inserts and chrome guides for smooth gliding fly lines. For a comfortable grip, the rod is fitted with a 6.9-inch-long Western-style cork handle. And the hook keeper on the rod blank for holding flies.
- Pre-loaded fly reel: Matt black 5/6wt, the die-cast aluminum-alloy reel adopts surface anti-corrosion treatment. And the large arbor design is helpful to quick line retrieval. It is pre-loaded with WF5F-90FT fly line(Fluorescent Yellow), 20LB-50M backing line(Orange), and 9FT-4X tapered leader nylon(Clear). It is very suitable for fishing lovers and beginners.
- Waterproof fly box with flies inside: The fly box which measures 5.24" x 3.47" x 1.42" can hold up to 126 flies! To get you started, it includes the following flies: 3pcs Size 6 barbed Chernobyl Ant , 3pcs Size 12 barbed Tungsten Bead Head Green Tinsel Nymph and 3pcs Size 12 barbed No Hackle Tan Caddis.
- This combo includes many of the basic products needed for fishing. It is ideal for beginners to use this set to fish in streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. Any problem, please feel free to contact us.
$79.99
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SaleBestseller No. 2
Sougayilang Fly Fishing Rod Reel Combos with Lightweight Portable Rod and CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Reel,Fly Fishing Complete Starter Package
- FLY FISHING COMBO includes: ONE Fly Rod(9 ft, 5/6 weight, 4 pc rod),ONE Fly Reel(size:5/6), 100 FT Fly Line, backing and leader, ONE rod case, ONE fly box, 12 PCS flies,spare leader, zinger and nipper,ONE Carrier Case,Very easy to carry aroud
- THE ROD: 4 sections designed medium fast action fly fishing rods, fly rods made from carbon fiber, durable and extra light weight, Metal adjustable fishing reels seat, texture, simple and firm.Mid flex IM8 graphite design, aluminum reel seat, stainless steel stripper guide with SiC ring, stainless steel single foot snake guides and hook keeper. 7” western-style grip made with high quality cork and compressed cork trim rings helps casting accuracy,avoids fatigue
- THE REEL: This fly reel is made of CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy,larger CNC hollow design makes the reel lighter than ordinary ones.2+1 Ball Bearings and 1:1 Gear Ratio, One-way roller bearing engages drag in one direction,Strong All-aluminum construction
- The combo includes everything that you will need to start fly fishing: A convenient zippered case helps you carry everything when you go fishing. Freshwater fly reel for multi-species fishing in rivers, lakes, streams, creeks.，Ideal for all around fly fishing species such as Trout, Grayling, Salmon and other predatory fish
- FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY: If Any Problem about The Product,Please Contact Us Firstly and Our Customer Service Will Solve It for You Soon.Your reel has been set at the factory for left-hand retrieve. If you want convert your reel to right-hand retrieve, please contact us for guidance
$66.43
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SaleBestseller No. 3
Moonshine Rod Company Fly Fishing Rod with Carrying Case and Extra Rod Tip Section Medium Action, The Drifter II, 5wt 9'
- High Quality Construction - Performance, higher modulus carbon fiber makes it much lighter than the DrifterExtra Tip Included - Each Drifter II comes with two rod tip sections, so you'll always have a replacement handy. Breaking your tip in a car door or tree leaving you sidelined is a thing of the past I with excellent swing weight in Moderate-Fast action, along with a beautiful burl reel seat and anti-glare finish
- Extra Tip Included - Each Drifter II comes with two rod tip sections, so you'll always have a replacement handy. Breaking your tip in a car door or tree leaving you sidelined is a thing of the past
- Its in the Details - SiC strippping guides, metallic copper accents and alignment dots, light wire single foot guides, AAA grade cork, and uplocking rings with derlin bushings
- Easy to Travel - Each rod comes with a 5 compartment embroidered cordura tube
- Built for the Elements – We understand your fly fishing adventures can present obstacles that can leave you dead in the water. When you invest in Moonshine, you'll get a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty with an industry-competitive fee to get you back up and running in no time
$159.99
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Bestseller No. 4
Redington Crosswater Fly Fishing Outfit – 4-Piece 9’ 5WT Fly Rod with Crosswater Reel, Rio Mainstream WF5F Fly Line & Zippered Travel Case – Complete Starter Kit
- Easy-to-Cast 4-Piece Rod: Medium-fast action graphite rod offers excellent casting performance for beginners. Breaks down into 4 pieces for easy storage and travel.
- Matched Crosswater Reel: Durable, lightweight Crosswater fly reel features a smooth disc drag system. Pre-spooled and balanced for hassle-free setup.
- Ready-to-Fish Kit Fly Combo: Includes a Redington Crosswater rod, reel, RIO Mainstream WF5F fly line, and leader—perfectly matched and pre-rigged for immediate use.
- Zippered Travel Case Included: All components pack neatly into the included zippered case, making it ideal for backpacking, road trips, or stowing in your trunk.
- Perfect for Beginners: Designed for new anglers, the Crosswater outfit offers high-quality performance and ease of use at an approachable price point.
$229.99
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Bestseller No. 5
Master Logic Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Kit with Lightweight Fly Box Case & Fishing Flies and Die Cast Aluminum Reel, Carrying Case and Accessories, Fly Fishing Complete Starter Package
- Fly Fishing Combo Starter Kit: MASTER LOGIC fly rod and reel combo includes a performance fly fishing rod 5/6 weight, 9FT, 4 Piece, an aluminum large arbor fly pre-loaded reel with fly line, a rod case, a fly box, 9 hand tied lures, spare leader, zinger and nipper, a carrier case, very easy to carry around. Perfect to start fishing at a budget
- All-around Fly Rod: The 5/6 wt 9 ft fly fishing rod is the perfect size for catching most fish (this is the recommended size for beginners). The body of this fly rod is made of durable IM8 matte black graphite for durability and lightweight. The 3A cork handle is comfortable to grip, and the stripping guides and chrome-plated guides on the fly rods allow the fly line to glide smoothly. In addition, the aluminum reel seat with two locking rings provides extra security when battling big fish
- Durable Pre-loaded Fly Reel: This is a die-cast aluminum fly fishing reel with stainless steel internal components. The reel features an 85mm diameter quick release spool, adjustable disc drag and a one-way clutch bearing. It is pre-loaded with WF5F-90FT fly line(Fluorescent Yellow), 20LB-50M backing line(Orange), and 9FT-5X tapered leader nylon(Clear). You can easily change the reel from left to right hand retrieve
- Fly Fishing Kit Accessories: A durable but also convenient travel rod bag with reel pouch to hold everything together. The fly box which measures 5.24" x 3.47" x 1.42" can hold up to 200 flies! To get you started, it includes the following flies: 3pcs Size 6 barbed Chernobyl Ant , 3pcs Size 12 barbed Tungsten Bead Head Green Tinsel Nymph and 3pcs Size 12 barbed No Hackle Tan Caddis. The combo includes everything that you will need to start fly fishing
- Fly Fishing Scenarios: The fly fishing kit is ideal for beginners fishing streams, rivers, lakes and ponds and the set includes everything you need to start fly fishing. If you have any questions about the product, please contact us at the first time, our customer service staff will solve the problem for you as soon as possible. If you want convert your reel to right-hand retrieve, please contact us for guidance
$89.98
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Bestseller No. 6
MASTER LOGIC Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Kit, Graphite Fly Rod with Cork Handle, Die Cast Aluminum Reel, Fly Box Case & Fishing Flies and Carrying Case and Accessories(3/4wt-7'0"-4pc)
- Fly Fishing Combo Starter Kit: MASTER LOGIC fly rod and reel combo includes a performance fly fishing rod 3/4 weight, 7FT, 4 Piece, an aluminum large arbor fly pre-loaded reel with fly line, a rod case, a fly box, 9 hand tied lures, spare leader, zinger and nipper, a carrier case, very easy to carry around. Perfect to start fishing at a budget
- All-around Fly Rod: The 3/4 wt 7 ft fly fishing rod is the perfect size for catching most fish (this is the recommended size for beginners). The body of this fly rod is made of durable IM8 matte black graphite for durability and lightweight. The 3A cork handle is comfortable to grip, and the stripping guides and chrome-plated guides on the fly rods allow the fly line to glide smoothly. In addition, the aluminum reel seat with two locking rings provides extra security when battling big fish
- Durable Pre-loaded Fly Reel: This is a die-cast aluminum fly fishing reel with stainless steel internal components. The reel features an 85mm diameter quick release spool, adjustable disc drag and a one-way clutch bearing. It is pre-loaded with WF5F-90FT fly line(Fluorescent Yellow), 20LB-50M backing line(Orange), and 9FT-5X tapered leader nylon(Clear). You can easily change the reel from left to right hand retrieve
- Fly Fishing Kit Accessories: A durable but also convenient travel rod bag with reel pouch to hold everything together. The fly box which measures 5.24" x 3.47" x 1.42" can hold up to 200 flies! To get you started, it includes the following flies: 3pcs Size 6 barbed Chernobyl Ant , 3pcs Size 12 barbed Tungsten Bead Head Green Tinsel Nymph and 3pcs Size 12 barbed No Hackle Tan Caddis. The combo includes everything that you will need to start fly fishing
- Fly Fishing Scenarios: The fly fishing kit is ideal for beginners fishing streams, rivers, lakes and ponds and the set includes everything you need to start fly fishing. If you have any questions about the product, please contact us at the first time, our customer service staff will solve the problem for you as soon as possible. If you want convert your reel to right-hand retrieve, please contact us for guidance
$85.88
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Bestseller No. 7
PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, 4 Piece Lightweight Ultra-Portable Graphite Fly Rod 5/6 9’ Complete Starter Package with Carrier Bag
- 🎣【Complete 5/6 weight Fly Rods Kit】- 4 piece fly rod , a large arbor reel, preinstalled line, a fly box, flies, and a lightweight rod case with a zippered storage pouch. It's the best gift to send father, son, husband, fiancé, boyfriend.
- 🎣【Premium Performance Fly Pole】 - The mid flex IM8 graphite fly rod comes with stainless steel stripper guide which reduces friction and heat, and won't harm the fish line. It’s also made up of adjustable CNC aluminum reel seat which effectively avoids loose swing phenomenon on fishing. The western-style grip made with compressed cork trim rings helps casting accuracy and avoids fatigue.
- 🎣【Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel】 - Durable aluminum construction and spool, Gear ratio is 1:1. One-way only roller bearing system, Ball Bearings: 2+1BB. Superior Teflon disk drag design, Line Weight: 5/6 External Dia: 2-9/10", Net Weight: 5.2 oz. Pre-loaded 20lb 98ft backing, weight forward 6-weight floating 100ft fly line, and 9ft 3X leader.
- 🎣【Floating Fly Flies Box and Carrier Bag】 - The Beginner Fly Flies Box is composed of waterproof fly box and 20 flies. The study rod case with a zippered storage pouch holds everything you need for fly fishing. It's easy to carry anywhere. It's the best fishing kit suited for trout, pan fish, small streams, ponds, and backpacking.
- 🎣 【Best Gifts Choice】: It's the best father day gifts to any beginner or addictive anglers. Special for Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day ect.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Martin Complete Fly Fishing Kit, 5/6 Rim-Control Fly Reel, Pre-spooled with Backing, Line and Leader, 3-Piece 8-Foot 5/6-Weight Rod, Includes Custom Fly Assortment
- Martin complete fly-fishing kit includes: fully loaded reel (backing, line, leader), 8-foot 3-piece 5/6 weight rod, custom fly assortment, getting started booklet
- Fully loaded reel pre-spooled with backing, line and leader; Metal clicker with on/off control
- 6 weight floating premium fly line already on the reel
- No knots to tie, you're ready to fish; Holds 50-yds/20-lb backing plus fly line; Line Capacity of 30 yds LT6F
- TRUSTED: Since 1954, Martin has helped people enjoy and discover the outdoors through fishing; Martin products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
$44.61
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Bestseller No. 9
Redington Path Fly Fishing Rod with Tube, 4 Pieces, Medium Fast Action Freshwater Fly Rod, Case Included, 5WT 9'0"
- Medium Fast Action: It is a smooth-casting, medium-fast action graphite fly rod, offering classic performance for all levels of anglers and suitable for both fresh and saltwater fishing.
- Multi-Species Fly Rod: Rods through 6 weight have a half-wells handle with a wood reel seat for a classic look and feel, and 7 weights and above feature a full-wells grip with anodized aluminum reel seat that is ready for salt or fresh water conditions
- Unmatched Comfort: The lightweight blank and forgiving action reduce fatigue for long days on the water.
- Classic Design: You are sure to love the combination of dark clay brown blank with matching rosewood reel seat insert, alongside functional details, such as custom machined reel seat components and titanium oxide stripping guides.
- Easy to Assemble: The rod comes in 4 pieces that have alignment dots for easy set up. A divided Cordura nylon tube case is included for easy travel.
Bestseller No. 10
Orvis Encounter Outfit - Fishing Rod and Reel Combo (8'6" 5-wt) - Versatile Outfit with Large Arbor Reel, Weight-Forward Floating Line, Backing, and Leader
- COMPLETE FISHING KIT - Includes Encounter fly fishing rod, size II Encounter reel, line, backing, 4X leader, and protective rod case for all-in-one convenience.
- READY-TO-FISH OUTFIT - This fly fishing rod and reel combo comes pre-assembled, perfectly balanced, and ideal for immediate casting and beginner-friendly fishing adventures.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Graphite rod and stainless steel reel deliver lightweight strength, precise control, and long-lasting performance for anglers at all levels.
- PERFORMANCE & ACCESSIBILITY - Smooth action, crisp line presentation, and precise casting make this fishing rod and reel combo the perfect choice for starter anglers as well.
- PROTECTED & ORGANIZED - Includes fly fishing accessories, a rod case, and organized storage for easy transport, keeping gear safe and ready for every outing.
Best Fly Fishing Rods Buying Guide
Before choosing the best fly fishing rod you should consider following options:
1. Fly Rod Action: A fly rod’s action determines the speed and ease with which the line is retrieved.
A fast action rod provides more line control and casts a longer line. It is ideal for anglers targeting large trout in a fast-flowing stream.
A medium or moderate action rod is ideal for most freshwater angling situations. It allows for a good balance between line control and ease of casting.
A slow action rod is ideal for fishing in a stillwater, such as a pond or lake.
2. Fly Rod Taper: The taper of a fly rod determines how the rod behaves when cast and afterwards.
A slow taper results in a softer, more relaxed feel, while a fast taper results in a stiffer action.
A fly rod’s taper also determines the amount of energy the rod can store when casting. This determines the distance the fly can travel.
A short, thick fly line is ideal for anglers targeting big fish in a fast-flowing stream.
Longer, thinner lines are ideal for stillwater angling.
3. Fly Rod Length: Fly rods are available in a wide range of lengths, with some anglers preferring shorter and others longer.
A shorter rod allows the angler to have more control over the fly and line, while a longer rod allows the angler to cast further.
A short fly rod is ideal for accurate casts over short distances. A longer fly rod is ideal for casting over long distances.
4. Fly Rod Power: Fly rods are available in a wide range of powers. A fly rod’s power is often determined by the length of the blank, which is the visible part of the rod.
A lighter-powered fly rod is easier to cast but has less control, while a heavier-powered fly rod is harder to cast but allows for more line control.
A medium-powered fly rod is a good all-round option.
What else you should know about fly fishing rods
1. What are the different types of fly fishing rods?
There are four different types of fly fishing rods: spinning, baitcasting, trolling, and jigging.
2. What are the different parts of a fly fishing rod?
The different parts of a fly fishing rod are the tip, the butt, the midsection, the ferrules, and the handle.
3. How do I choose the right fly fishing rod for me?
There are many different types of fly fishing rods, so choosing the right one for you depends on your personal preferences. You should consider the type of fish you want to catch, the type of water you’ll be fishing in, and your budget.
4. How do I care for my fly fishing rod?
Your fly fishing rod should be cleaned and lubricated regularly. The best way to clean your rod is to use a mild soap and warm water. You can also use a soft cloth to wipe down the rod. After cleaning, you should lubricate the rod with a light oil.
5. How do I cast a fly fishing rod?
Casting a fly fishing rod is a bit different than casting a traditional fishing rod. When you cast a fly fishing rod, you want to keep your wrist relatively stiff and use a sweeping motion with your arm. You also want to keep the rod tip fairly low to the water.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best fly fishing rods. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best fly fishing rods will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.