Fly fishing is heavily influenced by historic and aspirational brands, but with globalization and the internet- a new middle low ($200 and less) price point has been established. This is MY bass fly fishing sweet spot. Cheaper rods have surprisingly good action and are well made. I would still go with a well known brand, such as Echo or Temple Fork. But bass fly fishing doesn’t require a $500 setup. Online forums and groups are a great way to suss out which brands are worthwhile. There is a greater chance of breaking a rod when you are fishing around structure. Understand the components of a reel and the different styles before you shop. Sometimes the older style reels are the way to go (I will explain more about this below).
Rod Lengths and Materials- For some reason ( I think it has to do with tournament rod length parameters) bass fly fishing rods have been largely marketed under nine feet, and some under eight feet. If you are fishing from a bass boat and have the luxury of a trolling motor; sure go for it, but a longer rod is useful when fishing from the bank, wading, or from a tube/kayak. Every angler has their own style, and mine is versatility. The Canadians fish a ten foot six weight when they fish still water. WHY you might ask. Very simple. It is easier to cast. You get more distance with less effort. Pick it up and send it. You do have to sacrifice a little accuracy, but enough time on the water can remedy the situation. A ten foot six weight is super versatile. It is a good rod for indicator fishing for trout, nymphing big rivers, salt and surf, and of course a nice all around bass rod. My brand of choice (affordable and readily available) is the Echo Ion XL. This is a mass produced rod that is always in stock. It is very easy to get a replacement tip section if you happen to break one (just go on the echo website). I have thrown big eight inch streamers and heavy bottom dredging flies (the secret is having the right line), and a ten foot rod shines when casting from a seated position (even if you are wading the ten foot rod will give you added clearance from the surface of the water). Which I am often in because I primarily fish from a frameless pontoon. However, go with a shorter rod if you have the luxury of casting from a perch on a boat.
The rod I can’t seem to put down these days is a ten foot four weight Echo Carbon XL. This rod is too much fun. I originally bought this for nymphing, but it has seen more bass than trout. The light action of the rod makes the fight that much more enjoyable. It casts more like a five weight, so it can handle the standard offering of streamers and deer hair. I like to pair it with a five weight line to generate more line speed. The nine foot eight weight is what the folks at the sporting goods store will tell you to buy for bass, but I think that’s overkill. Learn to cast a nine foot five weight if you are new to fly fishing, and if you think you will do more trout fishing on smaller streams- go with a eight foot six inch four weight.
Graphite is the most common rod material these days, and that makes for a fast action rod. All of the above rod lengths are assigned for graphite rods. Try a fiberglass rod if you are looking for a little variety in your fishing life. Fishing fiberglass is the fly fishing equivalent of riding a longboard (surf and skate) or beach cruiser (bike). Fiberglass has a slow action, it is heavy, but the bend is sweet and juicy. I encourage you to cast as many rods as possible, and if you want to take it a step further- take a casting lesson. A professional casting instructor will definitely be able to pair you with the right set up for your casting style, body type, and ability.