Fly fishing is a unique fishing method practiced by many professionals and hobbyists. And, although it’s simple enough, it calls for a particular fishing rod made from fiberglass.
Fiberglass fly rods feel light in hand, but don’t let that trick you into thinking they’re not durable. Just look at the Redington Butter Stick Fly Rod we mentioned below, and you’ll see what we’re talking about.
We reviewed other more affordable, best fiberglass fly fishing rods, like the Eagle Claw Featherlight and Maxcatch Fiberglass Fly Fishing Rod, and found them to be just as suitable.
But, let’s dive into some more details on this unique blank material and the most popular rods.
1. Redington Butter Stick Fly Fishing Rod
Redington Butter Stick is one of the most versatile options out there. The company offers seven weight classes to pick from, so you can test and try different models based on the species you’re after.
The #1 and #3 are perfect for small streams and rivers, whereas the #4, #5, and #6 are best for trout. The #8 is for even bigger fish like bass and pike.
Redington Butter Stick is a modern fiberglass rod with deep flex and slow action. It has alignment dots, so it’s quite easy to set up even for people without experience.
Plus, all weight options have the same cork handle with slide rings. It’s comfortable and offers a good grip even when it’s wet.
Although it feels quite delicate, you’ll feel all its power and durability once you catch the first fish. However, it’s not the best for long-distance casting, so keep that in mind.
Another excellent thing about this Redington fiberglass rod is its lifetime warranty by the manufacturer.
2. Eagle Claw, Featherlight Fly Rod
The Featherlight series by Eagle Claw is quite a popular one among traditional fly anglers. This particular rod is made from fiberglass but has added graphite for fast-action, quicker response time, forgiveness, and durability.
You can choose between 3/4, 5/6, and 6/7 weights, depending on what you’re trying to catch. The 6/7 weight is typically best for bass, while others are meant for smaller fish.
It’s a two-piece rod with a traditional-looking cork grip for maximum comfort and grip. It doesn’t become slippery when wet and is unlikely to tear due to frequent use.
It features 7+tip aluminum-oxide guides to allow the line to flow freely and smoothly. And, it also has an aluminum and Cherrywood reel seat.
Overall, it feels light and delicate, but you’ll be surprised by its backbone. As a result, it can easily handle heavy fish without any uncomfortable hassle.
3. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fiberglass Rod
Maxcatch has quite a unique flexibility you’ll find helpful when catching heavier fish. But, the fiberglass construction stands out here, providing plenty of durability and backbone to support the performance.
It casts easily even in small environments, thanks to its medium-fast action. Plus, it comes with traditional chrome metal stripping guides and a large tip loop.
As a result, it’s one of the best options for long casting. Another thing worth noting is the pure cork handle that remains comfortable even when wet.
This one has a machined aluminum reel seat with a box elder burn hardwood insert. It allows for smooth performance when casting and retrieving.
It’s a four-piece rod that’s easy to travel with. It’s also easy to set up since the entire process takes only a few minutes. In addition, you’ll receive a Cordura carrying tube and a sock for added protection and easy portability.
4. Moonshine Rod Co. The Revival Series
The Revival Series stands out with its unique glass construction. This slow-action 3-piece rod is inspired by traditional fly rods as it has a cork grip, spalted burl reel seats, and burled ends.
Its full-flex design features a highly responsive tip and is matched perfectly with copper-anodized hardware. In addition, it looks sleek, especially thanks to the visible wood grain.
What makes it so special is that it’s suitable for all skill levels. This one is easy to use, especially if you’re into close casts and precision. Plus, it comes with a hard canvas rod tube to protect it during transportation.
Overall, its durability and backbone allow you to catch large fish. It makes for easy casting and retrieving as long as you pair it with an adequate line.
You can choose between 3wt, 5wt, 7’ and 8’ lengths depending on your needs and preferences.
5. Moonlit Lunar S-Glass Fiberglass Rod
This Moonlit fly fishing fiberglass rod is lightweight, responsive, and durable. It has a fast recovering tip to eliminate over oscillation. This helps to reduce arm fatigue, allowing all the casting energy to remain within the line.
Its progressive action makes it easy to throw accurate medium and short casts. But, it has plenty of reserved power to throw further when needed.
The blank itself has a deep flex so that you can cast and retrieve with precision. However, it has just the right amount of stiffness so that you can handle large, heavy fish.
It’s a 4-piece, so it’s easy to pack and carry around. This also allows easy storing, but make sure to clean and dry it before putting it away.
The company offers several sizes to pick from, all of which are in a different color.
Fly Fishing Fiberglass Rod History
Fiberglass fly rods first showed up to replace bamboo fly rods in the 1940s. The glass rods are much lighter than wood ones, so it didn’t take long for these to become popular.
These were the main rods used by many anglers up until the 1970s. Soon after, the graphite and carbon fly rods took over.
But, fiberglass didn’t leave the scene. Instead, major companies redesigned and improved the traditional fiberglass fly rods to make them more suitable for this fishing method.
FAQ: Fiberglass Fly Fishing Rods
When Did Fiberglass Fly Rods Come Out?
As we said, fiberglass fly rods showed up on the scene in the 1940s. Although they were soon replaced by graphite and carbon, they remained popular among many anglers.
Fiberglass fly rods of today are much different from the first ones that came out. They’re improved and redesigned to deliver the utmost delicacy and beauty when fly fishing.
Are Fiberglass Rods Good?
Fiberglass rods are excellent for fly fishing, but it all comes down to your needs and preferences. These have a slower action and are often very flexible, so think about if this would work for you.
However, keep in mind they’re incredibly responsive and perfect for delicate casting and retrieving, which is always essential for fly fishing.
What Does a Fiberglass Rod Give?
The first thing you’ll notice would be the slow action, especially if you used to fish with a graphite rod. A fiberglass one feels delicate as it bends from the mid to lower base. As a result, it feels much more flexible than a graphite one.
Its soft bending is ideal for subtle presentations, which is crucial for fly fishing. It’s even more critical if you’re using this method to catch trout.
On top of that, some high-quality fiberglass fly rods are even good for saltwater fish like redfish and bonefish.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fiberglass Fly Rods
Which one of these fiberglass rods do you like the best for fly fishing? After testing each model, we found the Redington Butter Stick to be the most suitable.
However, the other pieces included won’t disappoint you, so you can’t really go wrong with either one. Think about your fishing style and the particular species you’re after to make the best decision.
David Chavez
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