Regardless of whether you are just starting out with fly fishing or you are a pro at it, the 5wt rods are a popular choice among fishing enthusiasts across the world. That is because the 5wt rod is very versatile and can be used for a number of angling techniques. However, it is mostly used to target trout and other small fish.
If you are looking for a 5wt rod you will be surprised to find the types of these rods available on the market and also the range of price points and so it might be confusing to zero in on the right one. However, you need not worry as we have made your job easy by finding the best 5 wt. fly rods that will fit your needs.
Even better, we found some amazing deals for you, that include not only a fitting reel, but also a fly box and carry bag! So, let’s have a look at some of the rods that we have chosen for you.
Quick Overview – Best 5wt Fly Rod and Reel Combos
- Best All Around 5wt Fly Rod: Net Angler Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- Best Value 5wt Fly Rod: Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- Best Beginner 5wt Fly Rod: Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Quick Comparison – Best 5 Weight Fly Rods
Buying Guide
Fresh water anglers cross the world prefer 5-weight fly rods because of their versatility. These rods are not only good for catching trout but also work well when you are looking forward to catch bluegills, perch, carp, bass, or catfish. In fact, for many anglers out there these rods function as singe quivers catching multitude of fish. These rods work great when fishing for dry flies but you will also find it easy to fish small streamers and nymphs with them.
We know that finding the right 5 wt. rod is challenging because of the plethora of options available in the market. So, we have come up with a few parameters that will help you choose the best rod according to your requirements.
Cast Action
If you have just started fly fishing then it is good to go for a rod that has medium action as it is easier to operate. On the other hand, if you have decent fly-fishing skills then you can opt for a medium-fast to a fast action fly rod as they are stiffer.
The increased stiffness helps to catch more fish and is great when you are looking forward to catch larger fish. Moreover, a fast action rod also works well in windy conditions.
Rod Pieces
When searching for fly rods you will generally come across two-piece and four-piece rods. It is good to opt for fly rods with four and more pieces as they can be conveniently dismantled and carried in your bag. However, you should make sure that the rod comes with a bag so that it is easy to carry.
Rod Length
The length of a 5wt fly fishing rod is generally 9 feet as fly-fishing rods are longer as compared to conventional rods. But you can get shorter or longer rods according to your requirements. The shorter fly rods (6-8 ft.), are great if you are fishing in small creeks that have many obstacles to cast around.
On the other hand, the longer fly rods (8-9 ft.) are excellent when fishing in larger water bodies where you need lengthier casts to reach the fish. If you are confused so as to which rod length to buy then you should go for the standard length of 9 feet.
Line Weight
These days so many 5-wt. fly fishing rods are available with pre-spooled lines. Fly rods with heavy line weights are more powerful and consequently allow you to cast heavier flies even when it is windy. Also, they work wonders for catching heavy fish. If you go for a lighter line weight it will be beneficial in giving you stealth so that you can catch the fish that get scared easily.
Moreover, if you have a lighter line you will find it easier to cast for long hours without getting tired. An important tip here is to make sure that the weight of the fly rod matches the weight of the line. This is done to make sure that the line is well-balanced and easier to cast.
Budget
When searching online you may come across really expensive fly rods that have many features. However, if you are a beginner you might not need an expensive one until you have mastered your fly-fishing skills. So, it is better to ensure that you get the best quality rod that is not exorbitant.
Also, make sure you read reviews to get an idea about the quality and durability of the rod. And of course look at what else is included in a potential package deal.
The Best 5 Weight Fly Rods – Our Top Picks
The Best 5wt Fly Rod
Net Angler Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Pros
- Lightweight fly rod and very convenient to carry around
- Durable and comfortable fly-fishing rod
- Comes with a fly reel with pre-spooled fly line to save your time
Cons
- The quality of the reel spool can be improved significantly
This starter package includes the following items:
- 1 fly fishing rod that has a free rod tip
- 1 fishing reel that comes with preinstalled fishing lines
- 4 flyfishing tools
- 1 free backing
- 16 fishing flies in tackle box
- 12pcs vivid color flies
- 1 carrying case
The NetAngler Fly Fishing Kit is a complete starter kit that helps you have a great fly-fishing experience without the hassle of putting each equipment together. The best part is that the fly rod is lightweight and you can easily carry it from one place to another. The fly rod has four sections and the free tip is easy to use for starters. The rod is made of carbon fiber and you can use it all day long without getting tired.
The stainless-steel guide ring is of superior quality and helps in protecting the fishing line. Moreover, the advanced guides ensure that there is least amount of friction. The fixed fish reel works well to avoid the loose swing phenomenon. Also, the NetAngler Fly Fishing Rod comes with a strong butt section that provides the necessary support required for longer casts. A grade cork grip provides the necessary comfort.
The fly reel has a fly line that is pre-spooled thereby saving your time and energy. Also, in case you face any issue with the kit you can get in touch with their customer care and they are prompt in resolving their client’s queries.
NetAngler Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is the perfect gift for your friend or family member who loves fly fishing as they will surely have a great fly-fishing experience. It is because of its amazing features we have rated it as the best 5wt fly-fishing rod on the market.
Amazon
The Best Value 5wt Fly Rod
Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Pros
- Is very durable
- Comes with a pouch case where you can put your rod, reel, and fly box
- The fly box can hold up to 372 flies
- Easy to change all the fly reels from left to right hand retrieve.
Cons
- This rod does not have a fast action and is more suitable for medium action.
The Wild Water Fly Fishing and Reel Combo is a great option if you are looking for a good quality starter pack with a reasonable price point. The fly rod is made up of IM8 graphite and is a 7-piece rod. It has a machined aluminum reel seat along with double lock rings and a laser etched butt cap. It also has a 7-inch-long Western style cork handle that has compressed cork accent rings. The stainless-steel stripper guide has silicon carbide rings along with single foot guides. All the sections are 17.25” in length and the rod weight is 4 ounces.
The rod case is 21.5” in length and comes with a side storage pouch as well a reel pouch. You can use the case to put the reel, rod, fly box along with other fishing accessories. You can easily carry it as the case has a strap on it. To protect the fly rod, it is recommended to place it in a bag before storing it in the tube.
The fly reel comes with a diameter of 85mm and is made of die cast aluminum along with an adjustable disc drag. The fly reel has a pre-installed chartreuse and weight forward 5. You can change all the fly reels from a left to right hand retrieve. The reel can be retrieved from the left hand.
This kit also comes with a fly box which is 5.25″ x 3.5″ x 1.25″ and is waterproof. The box has custom foam design and can hold up to 372 flies. For such a cheap 5wt. fly fishing rod and reel combo, this is simply outstanding value.
If you are looking forward to catch fish such as bass, panfish, and trout then you should go for the Wild Water Fly Fishing package. Also, if you want to get a good fly-fishing package that does not burn a hole in your pocket then this is the right investment.
And last but not the least, the Wild Water customer service is based in USA and provides excellent product support so you can call them up in case you are facing any difficulties with installation.
Amazon
The Best 5wt Fly Rod for Beginners
Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Pros
- Strong yet lightweight rod
- Completely geared towards beginners
- Able to handle bigger fish
Cons
- Nof for you if you prefer faster action
If you are looking for a flying rod that lasts long and is ideal for beginners, then you should invest in the Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo. The rod is actually a 4-piece 5/6wt 9-foot rod with slow action, which is a great option for beginners. It features color-coded alignment dots, which further help you learn. An added side-bonus, is that it is quite able to deal with bigger fish compared to its competitors. So do not worry about being able to reel in that big trout!
Additionally, you will feel that the 5/6wt preimum quality aluminum reel is solid, but lighter than many other reels on the market. So, you get an immediate and accurate click drag as well as a smooth and silent retrieve.
Finally, this package also includes high quality fly fishing line, a fly box, flies and a stainless steel line nipper, all from Piscifun. This offers amazing value, if you are looking to buy these items anyways. Even if not, extra line and flies always come in handy. We suggest using a nice fly tying vise, for these flies!
Piscifun
Best 5wt Fly Rods – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the benefits of a 5-wt. flying rod?
5 wt. rods are considered to be the best choice by anglers because of their versatility. They can handle a variety of fly-fishing situations be it fishing in those small mountain streams or catching larger fish in lakes and rivers.
What is the size of the fish that can you catch on a 5-weight fly rod?
A standard 5 wt. fly-fishing rod enables you to catch medium to large trout, small bass, perch, and bluegills.
Still not sure which fly fishing rod is right for you?
Have a look at our separate articles on fly rods and fly reels. There are also nice bamboo fly rods, if that is to your liking. Or check out this article on telluride angler for a nice checklist!
What do I need to take on a fly fishing trip?
Aside from a rod, reel, line and flies of course you should consider some optional, but helpful items, that are likely to enhance your experience immensely. We do have articles for hats, vests, sling-packs, gloves and waders for you. Missing something? Shoot me a message! Also make sure to check out our beginner fly fishing tips!
Happy Fly Fishing
Whether you are just starting with fly-fishing or you are a pro a good 5 weight fly rod can bring about a world of difference and will make your fly-fishing experience worthwhile.
So, what are you waiting for? Select the best 5wt fly-fishing rod and gear up to have some fun!
