Our Top Pick:
9-foot Fly Rod by Orvis
★★★★★
Best Value:
Fly Rod by Hardy
★★★★★
Editor’s Choice:
4-Piece Fly Rod by Sage
★★★★★
5 weight fly rods are the standard for freshwater fly fishing in the industry. This rod is versatile and you will enjoy a high success rate, as the rods are designed to ensure this. Today, it is possible to get a great 5wt fly rod without burning a hole in your pocket. The prices range from affordable to exorbitant, and even the competitively priced rods are well constructed to ensure they last with proper usage and maintenance.
When you are looking for a 5wt fly rod, focus on its casting abilities. It should be able to cast well in any fishing condition and using just about any tackle. The best rods will come with soft tips, sturdy mid-section, and resilient butts.
We realize that there are many different 5wt fly rods that you can buy. So, it can be time-consuming to research and compare before you find the right one. To save you the trouble of scouring the internet and doing the research, we have reviewed the 10 best 5 weight fly rods. Our 5 weight fly rod reviews are honest and unbiased. We have based the reviews on personal testing and user comments. We also have a buying guide that gives you a brief insight into what you should look for when buying the best 5wt fly rod.
| Table: Best 5wt Fly Rods | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Price |
| #1 9-foot Fly Rod by Orvis | Check Price » |
| #2 Fly Rod by Hardy | Check Price » |
| #3 4-Piece Fly Rod by Sage | Check Price » |
| #4 Fly Rod with Tube by Redington | Check Price » |
| #5 Fly Fishing Rod by Wild Water | Check Price » |
| #6 Fly Rod Combo by KastKing | Check Price » |
| #7 Fly Rod by Fenwick | Check Price » |
| #8 Fly Rod Kit by Redington | Check Price » |
| #9 4-Piece 8’ 6” Fly Rod by Orvis | Check Price » |
| #10 Fly Fishing Kit by M MaximumCatch | Check Price » |
10 Best 5 Weight Fly Rods
Here are the 10 best 5wt fly rods that come with great performance, are long-lasting and durable, and can be used by beginners and experienced fly fishers with ease.
#1. 9-foot Fly Rod by Orvis
If you read 5 weight fly rod reviews, you will see that this Orvis rod comes up at the top. This particular fly rod is not just affordably priced, but you will not have to worry about using it as a beginner. It comes with medium-flex and this makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Product Specs
- 9-foot rod
- Condura rod tube
Why We Recommend This Product
The durability of this 5wt fly rod is outstanding. It is made from graphite, making it long-lasting. The medium action makes it easy for beginners and advanced anglers to enjoy fly fishing without getting stressed. The rod comes with a carry rod tube, so you can disassemble the rods and carry it to your favorite fishing spot. Orvis has priced this rod affordably. It may or may not come with a reel, depending on what the seller is offering, but do not let that deter you from this beautiful-looking rod.
Pros
- Excellent build and quality
- Medium action, making it ideal for beginners
- Great to look at
- 25-year guarantee
- Made from graphite
Cons
- The rod may not be as light as beginners want it to be
Tip: If you have a tendency to break rods while fishing, you should use the generous guarantee of 25 years.
Info alert: This is said to be the best 5 wt fly rod for beginners. It supports the development of casting skills.
#2. Fly Rod by Hardy
You cannot get a better rod to cast. Its smooth casting action is a pleasure and allows you to enjoy fly fishing like never before. It is meant for freshwater fishing and comes with a lifetime warranty that gives you peace of mind.
Product Specs
- Sintrix 440 fly rod
- Stripper guides
- Carbon and hard wood spacers
Why We Recommend This Product
You will love the feel of this rod in your hands. It can generate high line speed effortlessly and at the same time, you enjoy exceptional line control. The high-quality rod is durable and long-lasting. It comes with a fast-action blank design. The tip is soft and hence, if you want to cast the line closer, you will not face an issue.
Pros
- Smooth action
- Rod made from award-winning and durable Sintrix 440
- High recovery
- Hard wood and carbon spacers
- Fast action
- Titanium stripper guides
Cons
- Stripping guides can be noisy based on the line used
Tip: You can use this fly rod to cast heavier nymphs with ease.
Info alert: Be prepared for the sensitivity of this fly rod. It will ensure you get a good catch.
#3. 4-Piece Fly Rod by Sage
In case you are for a 5wt fishing rod for long cast, this is the perfect rod. It can work in any condition and ensure stellar results. Its incredible power is amazing and thrilling. It gives you the confidence to go out and cast the line.
Product Specs
- 10’ fly rod
- Fly reel
- Premium aluminum rod tube
Why We Recommend This Product
If money is not a criterion, this is the fly rod to buy. It is perfectly balanced and allows you to cast line long distances without exerting a lot of effort. The premium finish gives the rod a glossy look. Though not meant for beginners, experienced fishers will have a fun time using this rod.
Pros
- High-end finish
- High-quality storage tube
- Superior casting accuracy
- Won the best freshwater and saltwater rod at ICAC 2017
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Exorbitantly price
- Not meant for beginners
Tip: This fly rod ensures smooth and powerful casts, thanks to the KonneticHD technology.
Info alert: This fly rod can be used in salt water as well as freshwater. Make sure you clean it well after use in saltwater.
#4. Fly Rod with Tube by Redington
This fly rod offers fast but accurate action. It can be used by beginners and advanced anglers with relative ease. The key lies in high-quality components that ensure that this rod can be used in saltwater and freshwater without worries.
Product Specs
- Aluminum reel seat
- Anodized snake guides
- Cordura tube
Why We Recommend This Product
We felt that this fly rod works extremely. It is definitely the best 5wt fly rod for the money, considering it is affordably priced and works as well as some of the high-end rods. It comes with saltwater-proof components, allowing you to cast the line in saltwater and freshwater. We love the casting action; it is seamless and fast. Above all, we relished the accuracy. It allowed us to cast long distances without effort.
Pros
- Easy and fast casting action
- Aluminum reel seat
- Anodized snake guides
- Reel seat has a laser-etched reference number for easy identification of the rod
- Cordura rod case with individual compartments for each rod piece
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Rod tip can break off if you don’t cast properly
- Guides and ferrules not of the best quality
Tip: Don’t expect this rod to be light, but you will find that the tip presentation is quite good.
Info alert: The carbon fiber blanks ensure you enjoy a high level of recovery when casting the line. You enjoy enhanced accuracy and control.
#5. Fly Fishing Rod by Wild Water
This makes it to the list of the best 5wt fly rod because of its build quality and slow action. The rod is made from high-quality IM8 graphite, reel seat made from aluminum, and a butt cap. It comes with a rod case with a strap, and this makes it easy to carry and store the rod.
Product Specs
- 9-foot 5/6 weight fly rod
- Aluminum reel
- Fly box
- 5X monofilament
- Fly fishing accessories, such as hook eye cleaner and line clipper
Why We Recommend This Product
We love the slow action of this 5 wt fly rod. It can easily be dismantled into four pieces and carried conveniently in the carry case. The rod is sturdy and durable. It comes with a stripper guide made from stainless steel and has rings made out of silicon carbide. The reel’s drag can be adjusted. This rod made it easy to fish in ponds and streams. We also loved that it comes with numerous useful accessories, such as retractable reels, line nipper that has a tool for knot tying and a hook eye cleaning tool.
Pros
- High-quality graphite rod
- Comes with a carry case
- Die-cast aluminum reel
- Fly box
- Reel comes with preinstalled chartreuse
Cons
- The reel may not be as smooth as anticipated
Tip: The reel is set up for left hand retrieve but can easily be changed to right hand retrieve.
Info alert: The retrieve is silent but you will hear the reel click when the fishing line is stripped.
#6. Fly Rod Combo by KastKing
If you are new to fly fishing, you will love this 5 wt fly rod. Also, experienced anglers will be happy with the performance and quality of this set. The rod is made from graphite, making it durable and long-lasting. The reel is lightweight and constructed from aluminum. The reel size is perfectly matched with the line and rod to ensure optimal balance.
Product Specs
- Fly rod made from graphite
- Aluminum fly reel
- Fly line
- Leader
- Backing
- 12 wet and dry flies
- Essential fly fishing tools
Why We Recommend This Product
We found that the build is great and the rod and reel have an intuitive feel to them. While beginners will love this fly rod combo, even experienced anglers will find this 5wt fishing rod and accessories extremely useful. We loved that it could be used in saltwater and freshwater. The reel and floating line are perfectly balanced.
Pros
- High-quality and durable fly rod
- Lightweight fly reel
- Can be used in freshwater and saltwater
- Perfectly balanced
- Great quality forceps
Cons
- The reel is assembled for right hand retrieve and will take time to make it left hand retrieve
- The zinger and sinkers are not of the best quality
Tip: The carry case is wide and there is no need to remove the reel from the rod to carry it.
Info alert: It is possible to adjust the drag of the wheel to suit your requirements.
#7. Fly Rod by Fenwick
This 5 wt fly rod is durable and attractive to look at. It comes with an aluminum reel seat and has a cork handle for a comfortable grip. It comes with a rod tube, which is covered with Fenwick cloth, and a bag to make carrying the four-piece rod easy.
Product Specs
- 4-piece fishing rod
- Aluminum reel seat
- Cork handle
- Rod tube and bag
Why We Recommend This Product
We loved the performance of this rod. It was seamless and effortless. The build quality of the rod is amazing and casting the line at a distance is not an issue. We felt that the rod is value for money. The cork handle grip is comfortable and we could hold the rod for a long time without experiencing any discomfort.
Pros
- Comfortable cork handle
- Stripper guides are of large diameter
- Snake guides
- Carry case
- Reel seat made from aluminum
- Comes with rod tube and bag
Cons
- Alignment dots and lines at the joints may not be precise
- The ring on the ring seat has to be adjusted with care as there is no marking to tell you when it is centered
Tip: If you are good at line casting, you will find it effortless to cast the line with this fly rod.
Info alert: While casting the line, you will realize that it is one of the most accurate fly rods on the market.
#8. Fly Rod Kit by Redington
This fly rod comes with a medium-fast action. The casting action is smooth and can be used by experienced and beginner anglers. The rod can be set up easily and is the best 5wt fly rod for the money. The rod has a lifetime warranty while the reel comes with a one-year warranty.
Product Specs
- Path rod
- Crosswater reel
- Condura rod tube
- Fishing line
- Pre-installed Rio leader
Why We Recommend This Product
After testing this fishing rod, we liked the action. It was medium-fast, just as the manufacturer had stated. It was easy to set up the rod. There are dots for alignment that help you in the setup process. We also liked the fact that the rod comes with a lifetime warranty. The spool is easy to change and the reel can be set up for left or right hand retrieve.
Pros
- Medium-fast rod action
- Lifetime warranty for the rod
- Can be used in fresh and saltwater
- Reel comes pre-spooled
- Affordably priced
- Can be used by beginners and experienced anglers
Cons
- The fishing line may not be the best
- Reel performance may not be up-to-mark
- Does not have a tippet
Tip: The Crosswater reel is made from polymer and this makes it ideal for saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Info alert: You will need to practice a bit before you can cast the line accurately.
#9. 4-Piece 8’ 6” Fly Rod by Orvis
This affordable fly rod is great for beginners and advanced fly fishers. It comes with a state-of-the-art rod design that ensures smooth performance when you cast the line. This rod is designed for freshwater and will take trout and bass fishing to the next level.
Product Specs
- 8 feet 6 inches rod
- Composite reel
- Preinstalled reel
Why Do We Recommend This Product
We felt that this fly rod offers value. It is affordably priced and offers great performance. The reel, even though made from composite, has smooth drag. The reel and rod are perfectly balanced and come with a weight-forward floating line, leader, and backing.
Pros
- Easy to cast
- Responsive fly rod
- Medium-fast action
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- Reel is composite
Tip: Ideal fly rod for big rivers, lakes, small streams, and ponds.
Info alert: This fly rod is extremely sensitive so be prepared for it from the very beginning.
#10. Fly Fishing Kit by M MaximumCatch
In case you are looking for the best 5wt fly rod for the money, this is the one. The entire kit is sold as manufacturing cost, making it an attractive offer. This four-piece rod comes with a reel, fly line, leader and backing. They come pre-installed. It has a waterproof reel cover and a fly box.
Product Specs
- 4-piece fly rod
- Fly reel with pre-spooled reel
- Fly box
- Wet and dry flies
- Rod carrying case that has a reel pouch
Why We Recommend This Product
This fly fishing rod is inexpensive and offers value for money. It is built sold and comes with preinstalled reel, fly line, leaders, and backing. The rod comes in four pieces and can be transported easily in a backpack. It is medium-fast, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It is good for small streams, and the aluminum reel is matched perfectly with the line.
Pros
- Value for money
- Carbon fiber rod
- Long-distance casting ability
- Aluminum reel
- Ideal for beginners
- Lifetime repair warranty
Cons
- The flies and leader quality are suspect
- The rod does not come with alignment dots
Tip: The medium-fast action is ideal for streams, just what beginners need to practice line casting.
Info alert: In case you are not happy with the fly rod, you can return it without any hassle to M MaximumCatch.
Related article: Best Fly Rods Under $200
Buying Guide for 5wt Fly Rod
If you are looking for a 5wt fly rod, here are a few things that you need to pay attention to. It will enable you to make a wise purchase decision.
Budget
Do online research to determine how much fly rods cost. This will ensure you buy the best 5wt fly rod for the money. It is advisable to set a realistic budget so that you can purchase a rod that fits into it. Remember, even if you are a beginner, ensure you buy the best quality within your budget. The rod will help you develop your fly fishing skills. You can get good quality fly rods that are not exorbitantly priced. Check out our 5 weight fly rod reviews to find such rods.
Related article: Best fly fishing combo for beginners
Beginners do not need exorbitantly priced fly rods. Also, the other end of the spectrum is not advisable as you will get frustrated. Look for a medium-priced fly rod to hone your fly fishing skills if you are a beginner.
Location of Fishing
A nine-foot 5wt fly rod is the ideal choice if you are fishing in lakes, rivers, and creeks. However, now you are getting 5wt fly rods that you can use in saltwater as well. The 5 weight fly rod can be used in smaller and bigger water bodies with ease. 5wt fly rod is ideally suited to catch trout, redfish, bonefish, and small bass.
Cast Action
Fly rods with medium, medium-fast, and fast action. In case you are a beginner, you will do well choosing medium and medium-fast fly rods. In case you are an intermediate or advanced fly fisher, medium-fast and fast action are the right choices. Fast action is also advisable if you are fishing in large and windy water bodies.
Rod Pieces
You can get two-piece and four-piece fly rods. It is best to go with four-piece fly rods that can easily be dismantled and made into smaller pieces that you can carry in a bag. Ensure that the rod comes with a convenient and durable carry bag.
Rod Length
The standard length of a 5wt fly rod is 9 feet. However, it is possible to get longer and shorter rods, depending on your preference. Longer rods offer improved roll casters and enable you to steer your fly in long drifts. They absorb shock better and protect the tippet, but you lose leverage if you snare a heavy fish. Shorter rods will easily cut through the wind but will limit your abilities to cast the line far. These rods give you adequate support to turn and lift heavy fish.
If you cannot decide which length you should opt for, go with the standard length of nine feet. It will ensure you enjoy fly fishing as it is meant to be. These are apt for trout fishing and are very forgiving if you are a beginner.
Line Weight
Many 5wt fly rods now come with pre-spooled lines. It is best to check the weight of the line. Heavy line weight fly rods will have more power and allow you to cast heavier flies, even in windy conditions. They are ideal for catching heavy fish. On the other hand, a lighter line weight gives you the benefit of stealth. You can catch fish that get scared easily. Also, with a light line, you will not find casting tiring.
Ensure that the weight of the fly rod matches the weight of the line. This will ensure that it is well-balanced and you will be able to cast the line without any hassle.
Shopping for a 5wt Fly Rod
Regardless of whether you are a newbie or a seasoned fly fisher, make a list of fly rods. Get rid of any rods that are priced under $100. These extremely cheap rods are ideal for kids or if you are fishing for panfish. However, if you want to truly enjoy fly fishing, forget about these cheap rods.
As a beginner, remove any fast-action fly rods from your list. These are not the best rods to learn fly fishing. Also, these rods do not have the flexibility that medium-action and slow-action rods offer. It is best, as a beginner, to opt for medium to medium-fast action fly rods. However, if you are fly fishing in a small stream, you may want to choose a slow action rod.
Newbies should also get rid of expensive rods from their list. Of course, there is a difference in the performance between a medium-priced rod and an expensive rod, but as a beginner, you will not be able to discern this difference.
In case you do not have any accessories and tools for fly fishing, you can opt for a combo set that comes with a rod, reel, line, tools, and accessories. Typically, a combo is matched with the reel so the reel and rod are well-balanced. Buying a combo will help you save money as it can be quite expensive to buy each time individually. Even if you are an experienced fly fisher, you can still go with a combo if you have lost or broken tools and accessories. The cost of buying the tools and accessories separately will be quite expensive and you can save this way.
Ensure that the fly rod you are opting for comes with a carry tube that allows you to dismantle the rods into pieces and carry in the tube for ease and protection.
Based on our buying guide, now you are ready to shop, especially if you are a newbie and want to enjoy the fun and thrill of fly fishing. Use our 5weight fly rod reviews and buying guide to select the best 5wt fly rod for yourself. You will not regret it.
Final Verdict
According to us, the best 5wt fly rod is the 9-foot Fly Rod by Orvis. It has received outstanding reviews and ratings by users. It is affordably priced, and that makes it a good buy not just for newbies, but also for advanced and experienced fly fishers. We also found that this rod has outstanding construction and it is built to last a lifetime, with the right care and maintenance.
The rod has a medium action and hence, it is perfect for beginners, intermediate and advanced fishers. It is a versatile rod that ensures you can fly fish in all kinds of water bodies without any issues.
Whether it is a long drift or windy conditions, this rod can hold its own. It is aesthetically pleasing and the 25-year guarantee is too good to resist. It comes with a carry case that allows you to dismantle the rod into 4 pieces and carry with ease. The case is designed to protect the rod pieces from damage and breakage.
As a beginner, you will love the 9-foot Fly Rod by Orvis as it supports fly fishing skill development. You will learn to improve your casting abilities with it.
More fly fishing related articles: Best Fly Fishing Waders, Best Fly Fishing Sling Packs
Updated: October 27, 2022
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