Best Fly Fishing Rod Under $100 For Beginners
There are some fantastic fly rods and fly gear out there, but with the very best fly rods they often come with a hefty price tag. So we have put together a list of the best fly fishing rods under $100 to help you get started.
We also have listed information about each rod, like the pros and cons of what we liked and didn’t like about each fly rod, specifications and even some common FAQs about fly fishing.
Best Fly Fishing Rod Under $100
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Piscifun Sword Graphite fishing rod is a 4 piece fly fishing rod made with high-quality carbon fiber.
The IM7 Graphite is very durable with a sturdy exterior.
If you are looking for a fishing rod that will last you for a very long time, Piscifun is definitely one of the best fishing rods to go for in the price range. It provides you with precise accuracy and instant pulling power. While other rods will falter when exposed to the pressure posed by a struggling fish, this one will hold its own in the thick of the action.
The manufacturer did great work with the design and the white dots on the exterior, but the relative ease with which you align the guides stands out for us. It has a cork handle that are easy to handle and prevent your hands from becoming sore after a long day out fishing. And the long cast can handle 7 weights and more. This fly rod will provide you with the kind of balance that some cheaper other rods will not.
Finally, if you are going to be taking a long trip out to your favorite fishing spot, you can do so with ease since the device is not too heavy and is designed in such a way as to allow easy carriage.
Specification
- 4.8 weight for slow action & 5-6.9 weight for medium action
- 3 A-grade cork handle
- Double lock rings
- 4 piece design
What we liked
- Great fishing tool for small streams
- Universal side for beginners
- Sturdy exterior for extra protection
- Very portable
What we didn’t like
- A little pricey if you go for the fly fishing kit
Maximumcatch is an attractive fly fishing rod for all users.
Regardless of your experience level, this is one fishing rod you will enjoy using for fly fishing. It has a quality blank with pure 30T carbon fiber. However, what makes this fishing rod one of the best at its price is the structure of its layering. It has 5 layers with an extra reinforced layer that gives it an extra 20% increase in strength.
You will have no problem loading it for long casts, and this rod will hold its own even in windy areas. The slim taper has been designed to make long casting relatively easy. As for the guides, they are made with premium chrome steel with an oversized tip loop. Even more fascinating is the pure cork handle for an easy grip and the locking rings for fastening the reel foot.
Maximumcatch Maxcatch is a steady fishing rod if you want to fish comfortably in windy regions but do not want to pay too much. It is relatively easy to fit and use.
Specification
- Unique Maxlinq IM7 blank technology
- Pure Contoured Cork handle
- Made with 30T carbon fiber
What we liked
- A great rod for beginners
- Very easy to setup
- Good value for its price
- Great for saltwater fishing
What we didn’t like
- Not the best fishing tool for experienced anglers
- Has to be handled with care like most fly rods
The third fly fishing rod on our list is this Wild Water fly fishing rod. (Depending on where you buy it, it might hover around or just over the $100 mark.)
This 9ft and 4 piece fishing tool is a medium/fast action. With a machine-made aluminum reel and double lock rings. It also has a laser butt cap and a western cork compressed with accent rings.
Wild Water as a brand is one of the known fishing tool manufacturers in the business, so we were not surprised by the quality of the rod.
This combo starter package has all that you require to go fly fishing. It even has a rod case for carrying the rod. The case is 32 inches long with a reel pouch and a separate side pouch with a zipper. This carrier case will hold not only the rod but every other fishing accessory you wish to bring along on your trip.
The Fly reel has an 85mm spool made with cast aluminum and adjustable disc drag. So rest assured that investing in this rod will be money well spent because of its durable features. Let us also not fail to mention that the reel can be changed from your right hand to your left hand and vice versa as you wish.
Specification
- WF5-F weight
- iM8 graphite
- 4.4 ounce total weight
- Service accessories included
What we liked
- Made with durable materials
- Not too heavy
- Flexible silicone rings
- Durable rod case
What we didn’t like
- Not the perfect rod for large game fish
So what you get is a fly fishing rod that is very durable but lighter than usual. In addition, we like the quality of the smooth guides designed with the patented MaxSelect insert stripping made of ceramics and chromed stainless steel. Also, the 3wt/12wt offers you premium performance in any fishing condition.
Just like with other Maximumcatch fishing rods, the manufacturer is offering a repair warranty within the very first year of purchase, so your investment is secured no matter what. So if you are looking for a fly fishing rod that can be equally used for all-purpose fishing, we recommend this model.
Specification
- IM8 30T Carbon Fiber
- Portuguese cork handle AA+ Grade
- K Carbon Graphite Spacer
What we liked
- High grade reinforced carbon layer for improved output
- Easy to load and reload
- Great for all fishing styles
- Easy to carry
What we didn’t like
- Not the best rod for long-distance casting
- AnglerDream Archer Fly Fishing Rod 4 Section 3 / 4 / 5 / 8WT Fast Action Dark Green Fly Rod Graphite IM 10
Another fly rod is by AnglerDream. This fly fishing rod spots a brilliant dark green color and is of the IM10 Graphite class weighing only 80 grams. This is one lightweight rod you can use for several hours. The quality exterior is made from hard chrome, so it will not rust even when exposed to water.
AnglerDream has a special four Sec blank design with an alignment that fits the section over the butt ferrules. Thus, spotting an AAA cork handle for easy gripping and tipping during your fishing sessions will not be a problem, even if your hand or gloves are wet. Furthermore, the Anodized gold CNC reel seat has a carbon insert fiber that will stand the tests of time no matter the condition.
Specification
- Cordura rod tube
- 3wt fly rod
- IM10 Graphite Blank
- 4 Sec alignment dots
What we liked
- Premium corrosion-resistant features
- CNC upgraded reel
- Very easy to hold
- Lightweight
What we didn’t like
- The oversized tip can be problematic for inexperienced anglers
Last but not least in our list, is the Sougayilang is a fly rod for under $100 that you can add to your collection of fishing equipment. The Sougayilang rod is super lightweight and manufactured with a high-grade stainless steel ring guide with a chrome finish. It also has a graded cork grip with an aluminum reel seat that gives you a simple but yet firm grip.
Sougayilang is the complete package in a 5 / 6 weight. The fishing reel is made of alloy aluminum, a tapered leader, a backing line, 12 pieces of fishing flies, loop connectors, and a fly fishing box. The fishing rod is also packed in a special bag for easy carriage from place to place.
This rod is ideal for beginners and you can get complete rod and reel combo’s. You can also order it in a black or silver color, depending on your preference.
What we liked
- Contains valuable fishing pieces
- Flexible fishing rod
- Allows you to maintain a firm grip
FAQs
What size fly rod to use?
Before we look into the individual fly rods, one common question is what weight fly rod should I use? If you are fishing small streams and ponds and targeting small fish species, then a 3 weight or 4 weight fly rod will work. For medium size fish and water, then a 5 weight or 6 weight will work well.
For bigger trout and windy lakes a 7 weight gives a bit more power to fight the fish and punch into the wind
For big bass and salmon an 8 weight can work. With an 8 weight you can also use it for some saltwater fly fishing. (Obviously not for big sailfish though.)
A 6 weight fly rod is a versatile size as you can chase a variety of medium size fish and smaller fish with it.
What to Expect from a Fly Rod Under $100?
Obviously you are not going to get the quality and performance of a high tech Loomis fly rod, Hardy, or Sage fly rod, but for beginners they are good for testing the waters, so to speak. For good quality rods, also check out Orvis and Fenwick Fly rods.
Fly Rod Warranty and Care.
Check the fine print of the fly rods warranty, especially with the fly rods under $100. Some manufacturers state they have a life time warranty, or a certain type of warranty. However, the warranty conditions might state that shipping and or a service / repair fee is required. So the seemingly life time warranty has too many conditions to it. Please contact the manufacture if you are not exactly sure of what is covered in the warranty.
Please note the cars, doors, boots and little junior fisherman have a way of damaging the tip of the fly rod if you are not careful.
Leaving the fly rod and fly line in a hot vehicle should be avoided as well.
Who tested it and what expert knowledge do they have?
John Miller has been fishing and fly fishing for many, many years. John has traveled over the states and fished the best lakes and rivers chasing trout, bass and salmon.
Miller has also fished in Canada and overseas chasing trophy trout and salmon. But he still gets a kick out of landing pan fish on the fly at his local pond and streams.
Conclusion
Fly rods have come a long way and today you can get some good rods without spending a fortune on them.
Resources and Further Information
Best Fly Rod And Reel For Beginners
What Fly Fishing Gear Do I Need?
