1.
Just like in fly fishing, there are many available options for golf clubs when looking to buy. If a golfer knows that their club speed is on the lower side, they are going to get a shaft for that club that has more flex. This tends to be with the newer/younger golfers as well as older players. So for example: a senior who loves to play golf everyday wants to get a new driver - He is going to buy a club he knows he will be able to hit the best - Which in the golf world would be a "senior flex" shaft. The same principles apply in fly fishing. An angler who is just beginning, or a senior, does not produce the same amount of line speed as a more experienced angler does. A person like this would be looking at a slow action rod, or a "softer" rod. This will give them the line speed that their body cannot produce. A softer rod provides more room for error in a cast as well and can help with accuracy.
2.
In fly fishing, someone who is looking for a rod that goes further will classically want a rod which is longer. Longer rods provide the ability to cast further distances. The same ideas apply is golf, the longest club in a golfer’s bag is their driver. This club hits the furthest and is usually less accurate. On the flip side, an angler who is looking for a rod that is more accurate, they are going to get a rod that is much shorter. Shorter rods are generally more accurate but suffer at distance. In golf, the shortest club in a golfer’s bag is going to be a wedge. Their wedge is used for shorter shots with accuracy to get close to the pin.
So, next time you are trying to find the best fly rod for you, consider thinking in terms of golf and it might help make that next purchase a winner.
Words + Photos by: Josh Thelin + Adam Hachey