Hi just like to say hello to all, I know there are a few people on here that are new to this and so am I.

Just recently took up fly fishing, (Last Sunday) to be exact, and really enjoyed it . Infact enjoyed it that much that I decided to buy my 1st rod Flextec CDX 66 to be exact, and then went on to purchase a book on fly fishing for beginners, then went on to reading my book over this week, to discover that the ideal rod size is between 7/9.5ft and it should be a medium flex, And then went on to discover that my rod is 10ft 6 and a fast flex.

Will this be a problem? Not used it yet due to not having a rod licence or flies for that matter.

Any other advice would be a great help.

Welcome!

A fast or tip flex rod is generally considered easiest for beginners to learn with. Some advanced casters still only use tip flex rods - it's a matter of preference. I still prefer tip flex rods over slower actions.

The length of the rod will depend on the type of fishing you want to do. If it's stillwaters you are targeting, I reckon 10'6 is just about fine to start with. Longer rods are seemingly making a comeback for river fishing, but mostly that's for medium to larger rivers. On smaller streams with overhanging trees and bushes a 7' rod is more appropriate.

It's generally accepted that 8'6 is the most 'all round' length if you want to combine stillwaters and rivers (but this is still a bit long for the smaller streams). Most beginners are advised to purchase a 5wt 8'6 or 9' rod.

Everyone has a different opinion, so it's just a case of getting out there and finding out what works for you. In my opinion, if you are looking for a good all round rod length to start with, a 10'6 may be a tad too long for most situations.

Cool

Thanks for the reply, it's like learning a new language LOL

Can't believe how much equipment is out there.

Hi Matt welcome to the forum and I hope you enjoy the experience.

Rod length depends on where you fish and as has been said and a med to fast tip rod will cover most.The rod length I would add can also depend on your height also,and you wouldnt want something heavy if your smaller when starting off. 10ft 6 for small stillwaters is not what I would choose but would prefer to offer a suggestion of more a 9ft 6in as been sufficent to cover most areas that you choose to fish for starting off and once you decide your area you fish most if its smaller rivers for instance then down a bit towards an 8ft 6ins or even smaller depending on how small a river is.
Bigger rods are usefull for boats if you do that and also as suggested medium to bigger rivers.


Thats my offering and enjoy

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Kevin

Hi Matt

Welcome to the world of fly fishing.

I'd say that a 10' 6 weight rod will be just fine.. Not absolutely ideal but it will serve you fine, especially if you are fishing from boats. I suppose an 8' 6'' or a 9 foot rod would be better if you are intending on fishing streams..

Myself and my brothers all learned to fish on a 11 foot 3'' 7 weight and it didn't do us any harm...


Best of luck...

Let everyone know where you are based and i'm sure you will get lots of advice as to where to fish....

Cheers
JJ