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Show JULY 1995 If Fish Could Talk They’d Say Don’t Buy the Graphite Fly Rod, Please! by Darrell Mensel f trout could talk, it is likely they would spend a good deal of time poor-mouthing the Hercules Corp- oration. Not because Hercules has done anything directly to befoul their pristine neighborhoods — but rather because the company has contributed to the development and production of the graphite fiber, a remarkable space-age material found in hundreds of products ranging from the Stealth Bomber to golf club shafts. It is also the prime component of the graphite fly rod, the overwhelming implement of choice for those among us who enjoy the complex craft of piscatorial harrassment, commonly know as “fly fishing.” The sport of fly fishing has experienced an astounding surge of popularity in recent years. No one factor could entirely explain the phenome- non. It is in part due to the aging of the baby boomers, whose recreational pursuits are evolving from allegro to adagio. It is also part of the overall surge in outdoor recreation. Robert Redford’s elegant adaptation of Norman Through It Maclean’s A also enticed River Runs new hordes of people to experience this venerable, introspective craft. B" of all the forces behind fly fising’s amazing growth, nothing has been more important than the evolution of the equipment, itself. Comfortable neoprene waders, rugged and elegant flyreels | machined from solid aluminum stocks, and slippery, durable flylines are but a few of the important advances that would make the sport seem unfamiliar to a practitioner from a few decades ago. Among changes, seems these one piece phenomenal of equipment to stand out in its contribu- h Js tion to making the sport both affordable and practrical — the graphite fly rod. In a sport with an incredible array of gadgets and devices, this is the centerpiece of a fly fisher’s arsenal, the most impor- tant tool among a small numer devices truly that are of indispensible for engaging in the sport. The rod itself is composed of a rod blank, a reel seat for attaching a reel to the blank, G ~~ Ty << the heat acteristics. pone HOURS: . "PM SUN. 11 ATO 5 PM, BLA@K which is Denizens of the sport take pride in knowing this array of information, but a beginner could easily become overwhelmed with such complexity. Yet there are ways to surmount this hurdle. The simplest approach for the newcomer is to go to a reputable flyshop, describe the type of fishing you wish to do, and let them put the correct rod in your hands. You’ll undoubtedly get excellent advice and outstanding equipment, but your wallet might feel considerably lighter. Summer is finally here and hot days mean cool evenings in the mountains. Climbing, backpacking, camping, the Black Diamond Store can get you set up to go. Our selection of rock climbing gear is the best in the Wasatch. We also have an excellent stock of backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, clothing, and footwear. Before you head for the hills, stop in at Black Diamond. TO 7 PM, 2092 EAST 3900 SOUT a handle, generally made from cork, a specific number of “guides,” that hold the flyline to the blank during the act of casting. Yet the graphite rod blank is the truly critical element in this combination — a rod would cast well with cheap components, but expensive components could never overcome the limitations of a lowqualilty blank. ueled by market forces and the Fen desire for ever more refined things, graphite rods now come in a bewildering array of sizes, strenghts, weights and casting char- oS DIAMOND” RETAIL PHONE: (801) 278-0233 PAGE i Darrell Mensel casts a line in the Provo River. 6 A high-end graphite rod can exceed $500, and that’s just the beginning of the equipment you'll need. If the sport doesn’t ultimately appeal to you, you may end up with an expensive wall decoration. here is a low-budget approach. Large discount chain stores often carry graphite fly rods for as little as $25 and reels for less than $20. You won't sacrifice your children’s education, but the personnel at these stores may not be gurus of the sport. So, in many respects, you’ll have to find your own answers to the many technical questions you'll confront. The equipment won't have the outstanding handling characteristics of the more expensive models — in part because there is far less graphite in these inexpensive rods — but you can still catch fish with it. An intermediate approach is possible, often catered by fishing/ sporting goods outlets, such as Angler's Inn in Salt Lake City or Cabela’s mail order house. These places offer quality rods made from less expensive graphite, at prices well under $100, or packaged with respectable reels and line for prices ranging from $75 to $200. The packages solve the additional hassle of finding the right line and reel, because all the components are matched to each other. A benefit of this approach is that if you want to upgrade your equipment later, you'll still have a functional backup system, in case a friend comes to town or you break your more expensive equipment. @ ; |
