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Mathematics in Fly
Fishing
GED 613
Ryan Palmer
Rod Length
Fly rods are generally longer than conventional
rods, but can vary greatly in length. Shorter
rods, 6-8 ft., are excellent for small creeks with
many obstacles to cast around. Longer rods, 810 ft., work well in larger bodies of water where
lengthier casts are necessary to reach fish.
Measurement and Data (MD)
Rod Weight
Species
Rod Weight
Trout
4-6
Smallmouth Bass
5-8
Largemouth Bass
5-9
Steelhead
7-9
Salmon
8-10
Albacore
8-12
Tarpon
10-12
Mahi-mahi
10-14
Marlin, sailfish
14
Rods also come in
many different
weights. These match
up with the fly line to
create the perfect
cast.
Measurement and Data (MD)
Rod Flex
1/3
1/2
• Tip-flex – Only the first third of
the rod flexes when casting.
• Mid-flex – The rod flexes to
the halfway point while casting.
• Full-flex – The rod flexes two
thirds of the way to the grip.
Number and Operations- Fractions (NF)
2/3
Rod Pieces
Today’s fly rods are typically made in two
to seven pieces. Historically less pieces
made the rod easier to use. However,
advancements in technology have
lessened the issue making a four-piece or
seven-piece rod perform more like a twopiece rod.
Counting and Cardinality (CC)
Line Weight
The first 30 feet of the line is
defined as the weight. They are not
measured in ounces. Measured in
grains
1wt – The kid’s fishbowl – goldfish, guppies
2wt – Tiny trout streams
3wt – Farm ponds – bluegill, sunfish
4wt – Medium trout streams – rainbows, browns,
5wt – Classic trout streams
6wt – Big trout streams and rivers
7wt –
8wt – Bass water - smallmouths, largemouths
9wt – Saltwater – stripers, redfish, bluefish
10wt – Saltier water – False Albacore, Mahi Mahi, Mai Tais
11-14wt – Are you kidding me? Those must be some HUGE
fish!
Measurement and Data (MD)
Tippet
A tippet is a piece of tapered monofilament that
is tied to the end of the line.
The tippet size is generally described in
diameter rather than the strength. The "X" in
tippet refers to the mathematical coefficient
that describes the diameter of the Tippet. For
instance, 3X is actually bigger tippet than 4x and
therefore it is stronger. The thicker the diameter
the stronger the tippet.
Measurement and Data (MD)
Casting Angle
When casting, the
front stopping point
while loading up the
line is when you arm
is at a 45 degree
angle. Also at a 45 on
your back stop.
Measurement and Data (MD)
Hook Length
Hooks come in different
lengths. The length is
measured from the eye hole to
the end of the bend. Usually
bigger hooks are for bigger fish.
Length
Measurement and Data (MD)
Hook Width
The hook width is
measured from the back of
the hook to the point.
Width
Measurement and Data (MD)
The Length of the Catch
The length of fish are usually
measured in inches. From the
mouth to the tip of the fin.
Laying the fish on the tape
measure to make sure you do
not go over the curved section
because could throw off the
actual length.
Measurement and Data (MD)
The Weight of the Catch
The weight of fish are
usually measured in
lbs.
Measurement and Data (MD)
The number of beers you need to
bring
I recommend a 12
pack. 6 for you and 6
for a friend.
Counting and Cardinality (CC)
Measurement and Data (MD)