Fly Rod Performance and Line Selection

Abstract

Abstract The stiffness, first mode natural frequency and deflection profile can be used to describe the performance of a fly rod. A finite element model has been developed which predicts the performance parameters of fly rod blanks as a function of the geometry and material properties of the blanks. The results of the model compare favorably with experimental results. The model was used to evaluate the effects of changes of design parameters on rod performance. The natural frequency of a rod or a rod blank is a function of the stiffness to mass ratio and the mass distribution of the rod. An empirical equation that predicts the natural frequency of a rod or a rod blank as a function of the mass of the tip section, location of the center of gravity of the tip section and rod stiffness is presented. The line weight rating for fly rods was found to be a function of the stiffness and frequency of the rods. For the first time, an empirical method for the selection of a line weight that matches the performance characteristics of a rod is presented.