While fast-action rods have been the standard for the last 10+ years, medium and even slow action rods appear to be making a comeback. If you doubt this, compare the price folk's get for used Sage LL's (a long discontinued slow-action rod) compared to a used Sage RPL's (a recently discontinued fast-action rod). In addition, Sage's new SLT is the slowest rod they have made since the LL.

While fast-action rods such as the Sage XP will admittedly help the skilled angler to cast further, they are often tough for the beginner to master. In addition, fast-action rods make it harder for even skilled anglers to protect the light tippets often required for today's heavily pressured fish. However, when long casts, heavy wind, and bulky flies are the norm, a fast-action rod is a good choice.

Slow-action rods such as the Winston WT on the other hand are harder to generate high line speed and tight loops with, making them less than ideal for long casts. However, nothing protects light tippets better and the roll-casting and mending capabilities are far superior to that of fast-action rods. As such, while not the best choice for distance, large flies, or wind, slow-action rods are a great choice for in-close fishing with light tippets.

Medium-action rods such as the Sage SLT or Winston DL4 offer the angler the best of both worlds and as such, in my opinion are a great choice for all-around use. This is not to say that fast and slow rods do not have a place - they clearly do. As a general rule, we recommend slow to medium action in 4-weight and down, medium to fast action in 6-weight and up, and medium action for 5-weights.

A notable exception is in regard to steelhead and Atlantic salmon which although warrant an 8-weight, are best fished with a medium-action rod to aid in roll-casting, mending and protecting light tippets. In addition, as noted above, there are times when a slow or fast action 5-weight is your best choice. However, rarely would we recommend a fast light rod (4-weight and down) or a slow heavy rod (6-weight and up).

1. Material (Tradition or Technology?)
   
2. Line Weight (One Size Doesn't Fit All!)
   
3. Action (There Is A Place For All Of Them...)
   
4. Length (Size Does Matter!)
   
5. Pieces (Are You Sure You Want That 12-Piece Rod?)
   
6. Overlay vs. Internal Ferrules (The Real Difference!)
   
7. Standard Snake vs. Single Foot Guides (The Real Deal!)
   
8. Factory vs. Custom (Things You Should Know!)
   
9. Warranties (Why They Are Important...)
   
10. New vs. Used (Is It really such a Great Deal?)
    
11. Discontinued Rods (What Are They Really Worth?)
    

FLY RODS OUR STRATEGYFLY REELS