The First Number

• Picking the right fly rod is a game of numbers. The first thought when choosing a fly rod should be about you are trying to catch, a pretty little rainbow that will flash as it rolls or a hulking great tarpon that will bring your heart to mouth with a huge, crashing leap? Both require entirely different fly rods. However, most fly fishermen stand in the middle of the stream, stalking creek trout when the season is right and going after bass and pan fish.
  
  Fly rods are rated by numbers that designate their size, the higher the number the bigger the rod. Stalking that monster tarpon would require a size 12 rod and it would not be much good for anything else. You want a rod that will work a small stream and still let you tie into something like a largemouth bass or smaller saltwater game fish. A number 5 or 6 rod will work for that range.
  
  

The Second Number

• Next, check the length. While short rods are useful for fishing into brushy banks, a 9-foot rod lets you work the water with long casts without getting tired. The longer rod will also have the advantage of keeping the fly from the water on backcasts and is easier to work in a variety of situations. The 9-foot length has become the preferred rod for anglers, since it offers a solution to so many fishing opportunities.
  
  

The Action Number

• Each manufacturer of fly rods seems to have a different number to describe the "action" of a rod. It's confusing, but they are all based on the same idea, how far the rod will bend when casting. A fast rod bends only at the tip and casts a long way, suitable for big waters. A medium rod bends further down and is more accurate, a good all-round rod. A slow or full bend rod will bend almost to the grip; they don't cast far and are very accurate, perfect for tight situations. The medium rod, the mid-range number for a rod manufacturer; will answer for the greatest number of fishing situations.