The resurgence of fiberglass fly rods in the last decade has led to a new generation appreciating the benefits of the material. Often, casting is slower, requiring a more deliberate stroke. Delicate presentations can be made on glassy water  to selective fish. And, when hooked, decent-sized fish can put a good bend in a fiberglass rod.

Fiberglass fly rods are great. But they’re not for everyone.

Just like with graphite, bamboo, or any other niche material, glass has its pros and cons. Where you fish, what you fish with, and how you fish ultimately should determine which rod you select. There is no perfect rod for everybody, but certain individuals and situations are less than ideal for rod lengths, actions, and even materials.

Here are three reasons why you might want to stick to carbon fiber as you’re shopping for your next rod:

Tight Conditions

Small water seems like the perfect place for a lithe fiberglass rod. Often times, it is. However, if fish are hiding within overhanging branches and rhododendron tunnels the slow action of a glass rod could be more of a handicap than a asset.

The wide loops that are typical of softer fiberglass are fun to execute and beautiful to watch, but they don’t mix well with trees. If you need to control your loops and the trajectory of your back cast, a faster rod

Fly Variety

You can fish tiny midges and big streamers with glass; both can be done to great effect, too. But the same six-weight that can bomb out a meaty streamer might not be able to delicately drop a dry fly at 40 feet. It might, but it might not be too easy.

Generally speaking, a medium-fast graphite six weight will perform better in a wider variety of presentations and conditions than a  high end six weight glass rod. It is possible to find a fiberglass rod that does a lot for you, but the options for such an all-around tool are relatively limited.

Casting Issues

Two things that won’t help a troubled cast are faster rods and slower rods. Every person has a different casting stroke. Yours might line up well with the longer cadence of glass. But if you have the tendency to throw tailing loops, struggle to get a leader to turn over, or suffer from any number of other casting maladies, a slower rod isn’t going to be the miracle cure.

Personally, I like putting people on a medium-fast graphite rod to diagnose and repair mechanics. I’ve seen it work for most people, and it is my suggestion if your distance or accuracy need some help. Straighten things out on a rod like that, and then you can move on to other actions.

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Want to know if a fiberglass rod is right for you? Don’t get discouraged by my word: cast one. These days there are plenty of faster glass rods out there. Head to your local fly shop and take one outside. Put it through the paces, and try to get a feel for how it will perform under the conditions you fish.