Which Rod?

That question always enters my mind when I'm selecting a fly rod(s) for an upcoming fishing trip. You see, on my mountain Rio's, I could rig up a wide variety of short, light-line fly rods in glass, graphite, or even bamboo for that matter. Any of them will catch a Leetle Feller in these streams of mine. Yes, some are better than others for casting and tight lining with a trout, but I can catch a fish with any of them...that is, if the rod is not too long for a stream with a tight canopy of tree limbs.

When considering which fly rod for a given fishing trip, I first consider the type of environment I'll be fishing within. Then I decide the best rod length. Which line weight. And, very importantly, the type of rod action that would be best for an intended stream(s). Lastly, and maybe the most important decision factor, is the mood I'm in at the moment? By mood I mean, do I have a specific goal in mind and want to aggressively go after a specific outcome, or do I just want to enjoy the outdoors with fly fishing being a 'side bar' to the day's experience? Seasoned fly fishers will know which type of rod fits each of those moods.

Keep in mind, you can't screw anything up when selecting a light trout rod for the day. The only truly important thing is to put the fly on the water, in a trout's feeding lane, and lift the rod tip when the trout takes your fly. Any fly rod can do that. Remember, catching trout is the primary reason you're standing in a cold stream, with a fly rod in your hand.