Choosing the right fly rod is one of the most important steps in becoming a confident and successful fly angler. Good news is, we are rod builders, so not only do we have access to the best blanks and components, we can create one that looks as good as it fishes. The perfect fly rod depends on where you fish, your chosen technique and what species you target. With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming, but we have created the perfect fly rod kits for each of your angling scenarios.
The first factor to look at is rod weight, which refers to the line size the rod is designed to cast. Whether choosing your first or next fly rod, I personally believe weight is the number one consideration. For small trout streams and panfish, a 3- or 4-weight is ideal. A 5-weight is considered the most versatile all-around choice for trout, while larger fish like bass, steelhead, or bonefish often call for 7- to 8-weights. The heavier weights, such as 9- or 10-weights, are best for species like permit, tarpon or big saltwater predators. Matching the rod’s weight to the size of the flies and fish you’ll encounter ensures you can cast effectively and fight fish efficiently.
Next, consider rod length. Walk into any fly shop and you are most likely to find rods between 7’6” and 11 feet long, but 9 feet is the standard for many applications. Longer rods, such as 10-footers, offer better line control and reach, which is helpful in nymphing or larger rivers. Shorter rods, in the 6- to 7-foot range, are excellent for tight quarters and small streams where precise, shorter casts are common.
Ultimately, choosing a fly rod comes down to matching the tool to your fishing environment. When in doubt, start with a 9-foot 5-weight—it’s the classic, do-it-all rod that works in a wide variety of situations.
Let's dive in, We have 11 Traditional Fly Rod Kits and I wanted to highlight some of my favorites here in this blog. Click Here to see the full collection.
The Wilderness Dry Fly Rod Kit
There are few things I love more than disappearing into the wilderness and finding fish that rarely see anglers. The beauty of watching nature wake up while stalking backwoods trout is something everyone should experience. The F763-4 from MHX is the ideal tight quarters dry fly rod. At 7’6” this 4-piece, 3-weight is designed to fish in the tucked away spring creeks teeming with unsuspecting trout. Do not write this one off when it comes to farm pond either, small but mighty at throwing classic panfish popping bug.
Specifications: 7'6" | 3 weight | 4 piece | Fast Action |
The Eastern Trout Rod Kit
If you fish in the Eastern United States, from Maine to the Blue Ridge Mountains, a 4-weight fly rod is the magic number. Although we have pockets of large trout, out rivers are not as large as the watersheds of the west, so I never venture into trout country without this rod. The F904-4 from MHX is a staple in any trout angler’s quiver. At 9’0” this 4-piece, 4-weight is a light and versatile trout rod. Specifically designed for dry flies and smaller nymphs the classic 9 foot length offers great line control without compromising accuracy.
Specifications: 9'0" | 4 weight | 4 piece | Fast Action |
The Do-All Freshwater Rod Kit
Every fly angler must have a 5-weight fly rod. I know that might be extreme but it is the number one seller for a reason. The F905-4 from MHX is an incredibly popular rod for both trout and Stillwater anglers alike. At 9’0” this 4-piece, 5-weight is the most versatile and most popular freshwater rod model. This 5-weight handles trout flies of nearly any size, whether you enjoy indicator fishing or throwing chunky hoppers this one can handle it. This kit has two blank options, one in Slate and one in White.
Specifications: 9'0" | 5 weight | 4 piece | Fast Action |
The Do-All Saltwater Rod Kit
For those that might be strictly freshwater fly anglers wanting to get into the saltwater game, this is the rod. Think of it as the saltwater version of a 5-weight. The F908-4 from MHX is the most versatile and most popular saltwater rod model. At 9’0” this 4-piece, 8-weight this rod excels on the flats, powerful enough to punch through heavy winds yet refined enough for precise, delicate presentations. Although we typically label the 8-weight a saltwater rod, it’s power and speed has proven itself in difficult freshwater applications as well.
Specifications: 9'0" | 8 weight | 4 piece | Fast Action |
The Caribbean Rod Kit
Ready to head to Belize or Mexico for a fly fishing vacation? Do not board that plane without a 9-weight. If you are headed where permit, big snook and juvinille tarpon live, you will want the 9. The F909-4 from MHX is designed to chase the most difficult saltwater fish. At 9’0” this 4-piece, 9-weight is at home in saltwater. From throwing large flies in Louisiana for bull redfish to chasing bonefish, permit and juvenile tarpon in the tropics, a 9-weight built to battle the elements and big fish.
Specifications: 9'0" | 9 weight | 4 piece | Fast Action |
The Heavyweight Rod Kit
The 12-weight speaks for itself. Not only should your cast be in top shape but you better practice pulling on the fish as well. The F912-4 from MHX is designed for big tarpon and small bluewater applications. At 9’0” this 4-piece, 12-weight is a purpose built blank to target the toughest fish in saltwater. Along with being the number one tarpon rod for migrating and Everglades fish, it also doubles as a nearshore rod, from Maine to Florida, perfect for small tuna, bonito, false albacore and mahi mahi.
Specifications: 9'0" | 12 weight | 4 piece | Fast Action |
