Quick Review:  What Is Some of the Best Gear?

For the most discerning of fly anglers, the best gear is absolutely essential to catching the trophy fish and shattering world records.  Whether you're a professional, a professor of the art, or are otherwise looking at the greatest of the great, these are probably the kinds of rods and rod-and-reel combos you'll be after.  Ladies and gentlemen, if the world of fly fishing were a highway, then these specimens would be the baddest souped-up monsters on the road -- or, alternatively, the most exquisite of antiques.  Either way, they not only cost a pretty penny, but they work like a dream!

Bamboo Rods

Currently, the most hotly sought-after types of specialty fly fishing gear are made out of bamboo.  Called "Calcutta," which has become a trade term in recent years, this species of bamboo has become extremely rare.  It is very, resilient, very strong, and offers more flexibility and versatility than hardwood, greenheart, graphite or fiberglass.  Cut, shaped, and proportioned into split-cane rods, these are excellent for pleasure fishing.  You can be assured that each one is unique.  The most lovingly hand-crafted models can sell for over a thousand dollars ($1000USD) in the United States.  Not only are they eye-poppingly elegant, but they're easy and comfortable to use. 

Ultra High-Performance Rods

The newest generation of fly fishing rods is a series of ultra high-performance rods that are both light weight and extremely powerful.  The majority of these rods are constructed to give you control over your line and to feel every nibble of the fish.  Not only this, but they are made to be very strong so that you don't have to worry about your rod looking like it's about to snap whenever a gust of wind blows through your fishing ground.

Some of the most recognized brand names in the high-performance area are Abel, Fenwick, G-Loomis, Penn, R.L. Winston Rod Co., Scientific Anglers, St. Croix, and, finally, Sage.

FYI:  If you're looking for the most revolutionary rods, the popular choice is Sage's selection of "Ultra High-Performance Extra-Light Trout Rods" -- in fact, these people even designed their own line to go along with their product, to keep the weight of their rods to a minimum.

It's amazing how far fly fishing has come in the last several centuries!  As with everything else, the best advice we can give is this: even if you know that you want the best fly fishing gear available, shop around!  Finding and purchasing the perfect rod, reel, line, or what have you is great – but doing so AND saving money is even better!