Glass Fly Rods: Underused and Underappreciated

Glass fly rod resurgence is for a good reason

By Henry Clement

The recent surge in the popularity of fiberglass fly rods can be partly attributed to a rise in outdoor activities following COVID-19. The growing appreciation for the environment, increased awareness of public lands, and this shift have also welcomed more people into the fly fishing community.

The increased recognition of S-2 glass rods is due to their unique casting feel, which offers an experience that fast-action fly rods cannot replicate 

S-2 glass fly rods are incredibly durable compared to graphite rods. One of their best features is their ability to protect light tips and tippets, which anglers truly appreciate.

Many graphite rod users know the long wait for repair when a tip becomes damaged. In contrast, the tips of glass rods rarely become irreparably damaged, a benefit true for both S-2 and E-Glass rods.

NOTE: E-glass fly rods are very flexible, making them perfect for children learning to fish and providing great value to beginners having difficulties with graphite rods.

Casting with S-2 glass rods brings joy.

Due to their smooth, full-flex action. Anglers enjoy the slower action of S-2 fiberglass fly rods so much that they often switch to these rods as they age or if they experience casting difficulties with faster fly rods.

S-2 glass rods are especially effective for short and medium-range casting with dry flies, lighter streamers, tube flies, or in tight spaces. While high-end Tenkara rods, such as Karin Miller’s Zen Tenkara builds, are very close in performance, nothing truly compares to the experience of casting with S-2 glass.

Like any tool, S-2 fiberglass fly rods have their limitations

Trying to force long casts, using heavy hook-tied flies instead of tube flies, or casting in windy saltwater flats can be frustrating with a glass rod.

Although casting in windy or long-distance situations is possible, it generally requires heavier glass rods and is best suited for skilled fly casters or professional guides. Most glass fly rods designed for such conditions tend to be too heavy or uncomfortable for most fly fishers.

Summary of Features and Benefits of S-2 Fiberglass Fly Rods:

– They offer a smooth, full-flex action that allows for a deeper bend and slower recovery compared to graphite fly rods, which many anglers find pleasing.

The slower action facilitates gentler, more accurate presentations, which is particularly valuable for fishing in small streams where small targets hold trout requiring delicate casts.

Modern glass rods, particularly those made with S-2 Glass (initially developed for military and aerospace applications), are now more rigid and resistant to damage than their graphite counterparts and controllable than their E-Glass complement. This makes them ideal for backcountry and forested landscapes where a rigged fly rod can get hung up quickly while walking.

– Getting irreverently tossed in your truck, SUV, or RV at day’s end probably won’t cause damage.

– The soft tip and deep flex of S-2 rods provide shock absorption, helping to protect fine tippets while allowing anglers to land strong fish without break-offs. Especially relevant when on a skiff and a fish sees the gunwale for the first time, all hell breaks loose, and a tired fish gets a burst of energy, testing angler, rod, and reel. 

NOTE 2: Prolonged fish fights can lead to a fish playing itself out and dying post-release. Always take that into consideration.

Modern Improvements:

In the past, glass rods were typically heavy and overly flexible, which hindered casting performance. Today’s S-2 Glass rods are lighter and more responsive, thanks to unidirectional glass and advanced adhesives we still enjoy from NASA developments. The newer generation of glass fly rods retains that great casting feel of yesteryear.

These modern rods enhance the sensation of fighting a fish, making even smaller trout and panfish feel larger and more lively.

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 Artisan rod makers like Tom Morgan and Larry Kenney – instrumental in the fiberglass rod resurgence  

Echo Gass Fly Rods, particularly the River Glass and Bad Ass Glass series, are designed to offer a blend of classic fiberglass feel with modern performance features. The River Glass series focuses on providing a fun, flexible, and durable rod for various fishing situations, especially in smaller streams with dry flies. The Bad Ass Glass series, on the other hand, is geared towards saltwater fishing, offering power and durability for larger fish. Echo Glass Fly Rods are reported by Amazon to be made in China. That has not been substantiated. NOTE: Many high-profile companies like ORVIS make some fly rod series in South Korea. Remember, cheaper and made in America do not go together. The best-designed fly rods, however, are principally from America.

Orvis Superfine Glass Fly Rod / $549.00

L.L.Bean PocketWater Glass Fly Rods / $220.00

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