Best 8 Weight Fly Rods of 2021 [Buying Guide]

2. Orvis Encounter Outfit – Portable Enough to Carry As Hand Carry

Orvis is a popular brand that holds a good reputation among anglers. Their products are efficient and versatile enough to check all the needs of the anglers. The company was founded more than a decade ago and is highly regarded until now. This says a lot about the quality and the performance of their products.

Encounter Outfit is a four-piece, 8 weight rod with a 9-feet length. Graphite has been employed in the construction which is a strong and durable material. Moreover, it allows a powerful cast which makes it ideal for big water bodies. The tip has all the flexibility and can lure anything ranging from dry flies to slinging heavy streamers.

The reel seat comes with two rings which is a convenient feature to have. With commons rods, when you cast the line, again and again, the reel disk tends to loosen up. However, with the two rings on this rod, you would not have to tighten the disk again and again. It will stay sturdy and tight no matter how many lines you cast.

Fishing demands patience and you can only be patient if the rod is comfortable enough. Therefore, the Orvis has made the handle full cork which allows a comfortable yet sturdy grip. It essentially allows you to cast the lines all day long without getting tired.

This rod comes ahead of the pack when it comes to precision. The flexible nature of the rod helps in this regard. It gets even better as the backbone of the rod is strong enough to fight the fish. You can even catch big fish like salmon with this rod.

3. Maxcatch Extreme Fishing Rod – Strongest of Strongest

Maxcatch was founded back in 2005, it was a one-man company that was located in a garage. However, it has climbed it’s way up in the market by producing some of the fine fishing equipment. Their products hold great value and are known for their durability.

The extreme fishing rod is one of the strongest and solid rods available in the market right now. The five layers of carbon fiber and a reinforced carbon layer are the reason behind its strength. Carbon fiber is a unique material as it is lightweight but offers maximum tensile strength.

Moreover, it resists chemicals and extreme temperatures. Therefore, it is regarded as one of the most durable materials.

It is a fast action rod that has been designed to excel in presentation and distance. The slim and taper design with powerful and efficient loading makes it easy to cast at long distances. These are the things a new fly caster needs in an 8-weight fly rod. Therefore, it is one of the best fly rods for people who are new to fly fishing.

The handle has a pure A+ contoured handle for a comfortable and sturdy grip. Moreover, it is of a slip-resistance material which makes the casting easier. The reel seat has machined aluminum in the construction with two up-locking positions. These locking positions provide a reliable fixing of the reel foot. In addition, the reel seat can tolerate the seawater environment which makes it even more durable.

4. KastKing Emergence Fly Fishing Rod – Ready-to-Go Rod for Beginners

KastKing is a relatively new company as it was founded in this very decade. However, because of their top-notch quality and high standards, they have climbed their way up in market share. The motto of this company is to deliver high-quality products at an affordable rate. So far, they have kept up with their motto and this product at hand is an example of that.

One key factor which makes graphite a popular material in fishing rods is its sensitivity. Therefore, every other fishing company is using it to manufacture their rods. Moreover, it is lighter than fiberglass and is immensely strong even under heavy load. KastKing Emergence also utilizes graphite in its construction which makes it durable and long-lasting.

This rod requires a medium-fast action and this combined with 8 weight makes this rod highly versatile. This rod will provide more casting distance, but it would come at the expense of power. You can cast longer and still get adequate power for hook setting.

The handle of the rod has a full cork to provide a sturdy grip and full control over the rod. It allows you to cast the lures precisely where you want. However, the action of the rod also plays a major role in it. Because of the firm grip provided by the cork, you would be able to lure the cast even when the weather is breezy.

It is a 9 feet long rod but it has easy portability and storage because it can disassemble into four pieces. There are markers on the separate pieces to make sure it does not get confusing when you are assembling it again.

When it is packed inside the tube, it becomes compact enough to be taken as hand-carry on planes. You would not have to pay extra just to get this rod on board with you in case you want to travel somewhere.

5. Redington Fly Rod – Best Fly Rod for Occasional Anglers

Redington is one of the top manufacturers of fishing rods and other fishing equipment. It was established way back in 1992 and, this experience and years of service show in their quality products. One key fact about their products is the reasonable price.

The Redington rod we have at hand has everything you need to start fly fishing. All you have to do is to get a box of flies and get started. The quality of the rod is excellent; however, the quality of the reel it comes with is not the best. Nevertheless, if you are getting a combo at the price of an 8-weight fly rod, it is already a mouth-watering deal.

This rod has a graphite construction and graphite is preferred for most fly rod manufacturers because of its strength and durability. Machined aluminum has been used in the reel seat which has an additional coating that fights against corrosion. This enables you to use it even in saltwater.

Two versions of this rod are available and the only difference between them is the number of separate pieces. One can disassemble into four pieces while the other strips down to two. The size and weight of both versions are identical. Therefore, it is up to you to select the rod you find more convenient.

When disassembled into the pieces you can put it in a Cardura tube. This tube is waterproof and resists rips. It will protect the rod even if it accidentally falls on hard surfaces. Moreover, it does not allow water and sunlight to pass through it. Therefore, you can leave it outside without worrying about the damage the sun or water may cause.

The action of the rod is medium-fast; therefore, it makes the casting of the line easy. It would take just a few minutes to rightly cast the line with this rod even if you are new to fly fishing.

The overall quality of the rod is nice but if we have to nitpick it would be the guides of the rod. These guides are a little abrasive for the line which makes the casting a little bit difficult. However, it is not something you cannot workaround. It would be a little tricky at first, but you would get through it in no time.

6. Maxmatch Premier Fly Rod – A High-End Rod That Doesn’t Break The Bank

Maxmatch is an experienced company and they know how to deliver. Their products have excellent quality and are much more efficient than their competitors. This is the reason a company that was founded in a small garage has made its way to the top of the market. When it comes to fishing gear, it is one of the most trustworthy and reliable companies.

The rod we are reviewing itself has carbon fiber in its construction. Many consider this a superior material because of its high stiffness, tensile strength, chemical resistance, and temperature tolerance. Moreover, it is a light-weight material which makes it ideal for a fishing rod.

The reel seat has been made using solid machined aluminum. It was well thought out because it has a good surface finish which is a must-have feature for reel seats. Moreover, it resists corrosion which is why you can also use it even in saltwater. You can fish with it on the shore of a lake or take it to the ocean if you wish to catch a big fish.

The reel seat gets even better because of the twin locking rings which provide a firm hold to the reel and prevent wobbling. The quality of the strip and snake guide is also top-notch and do not offer abrasion or resistance to the line. You would be able to cast your bait smoothly and precisely with this one.

The rod is stiff and has fast action, therefore, you can catch fish with this relatively quickly. Moreover, it is much easier to cast a line with fast action even during windy conditions. The downside is that it requires an experienced caster and a new person would have some difficulties. However, once you get through that patch, it will make your fishing experience delight.

However, fast action does not come at the expense of portability. You can disassemble it into pieces just like every other medium or slow-action fly rod. It also comes with a fabric tube with separate compartments for each piece. You can take this rod pretty much everywhere you want.

7. KastKing Anglers of Honor – A Tribute To The Heroes Of The Nation

Kastking is one of the top manufacturers of this decade. The company has earned a good reputation because of this product. However, the reputation is not because of the quality, which is good, but the idea behind it. This rod was introduced to pay tribute to the veterans who sustained heavy injuries in war.

This rod was designed considering the needs of soldiers with spinal or other paralyzing injuries. It allows those people to fly fish while sitting in a wheelchair. It was designed to honor the sacrifices of those soldiers, hence the name “Anglers of Honor”.

Just like the idea behind it, the quality of the rod is also top-notch. The rod tube has a graphite construction which is a strong yet light material and ideal for 8-weight fly rods. Moreover, the reel seat has aluminum construction. This material resists corrosion; therefore, you can use it in saltwater as well.

The rod feels great in hand which is because of the full tactical rubber cork handle. It provides a firm, comfortable and positive grip which allows you to cast accurately. Moreover, it is a slip-resistant material, therefore, you would be able to cast the line precisely even with wet hands.

The rod has medium-fast action which means it bends like a parabola. It allows you to cast the bait longer than the slow-action rods. Moreover, it retains the strength and power of fast action rods which is why you can set the hook easily. Bottom line is that the action is optimum and offers versatility. You can use it onshore to catch small fish or in the ocean to catch big bass.

Anglers of Honor comes with a travel case that has shoulder straps for convenient transport. Moreover, the rod breaks down into four pieces that can be stored in separate compartments in a travel case. When it is packed inside, it becomes small enough to be taken as a hand carry.

Moreover, if you are new to fly fishing and want to learn the right technique, the company provides this service as well. It must be hard to fish while sitting on a chair, therefore, the company provides fly fishing classes with experienced mentors.

8. Echo Base Fly Rod – Makes Fly Fishing Affordable

Echo Fly Fishing is a US-based small company and as the name suggests it specializes in fly fishing gear. They manage to produce some of the finest equipment at a price that would not break your bank.

The rod itself has quality graphite in its construction which is a rugged yet flexible material. Usually, the rods that come at this price have breaking problems but this is not the case with Echo Base. It is remarkable how they have managed to pull off this stuff at such a low price.

Echo Base has used chrome in the construction of guides which allows a smooth transition of the line through it. It offers the least resistance and makes the casting easier and effortless.

The handle has full cork construction to provide a comfortable and firm grip. It allows you to throw the lines accurately without tiring yourself up.

When it comes to portability, it does not disappoint there as well. It breaks down into four pieces and becomes compact enough to be stored pretty much everywhere. The rod also comes with a travel case which is a praiseworthy feature considering the price of this unit.

Moreover, the portability does not affect the rigidity of the rod. It still is strong enough to fight the fish. In addition, it has alignment dots for quick assembly when you are assembling it for the first time.

9. K&E Outfitters Drift Series 8wt – Tested, Reliable and Durable

K&E is a US-based small company and a husband and wife run it. Despite being small, some of their products are hard to ignore and deserve all the praise. Moreover, the prices of their products are also competitive and it is a major reason behind its inclusion in our list.

This rod essentially has a carbon fiber construction. This is a strong material and is about three times stiffer than steel and aluminum. Moreover, the weight of this material is also light which makes it ideal for the fly rods.

The material in the strip and snake guides is unknown, but we can say with certainty that the quality is good. These guides do not offer any abrasion and allow a smooth and effortless casting. The reel seat, however, does not have any special feature, but it gets the job done.

The action of this rod is medium-fast which makes it best for both experienced and new anglers. You can cast longer baits with this and would still have enough power for hook setting. The backbone of the rod is strong enough to fight with the biggest of fish. Therefore, it is a rod with an ideal power and you can use it to catch both big and small fish.

The handle has a full cork for a sturdy and firm grip. It allows you to cast the line precisely without tiring you up. You can hold this all day long and still be fresh.

Moving on, the rod is portable just like every other modern 8-weight fly rod. You can part it into four separate pieces and pack it inside the travel case. The quality of the travel case is also top-notch. The travel has a high-grade Cordura construction and has an adjustable strap attached to it. Moreover, it is waterproof and opaque material which ensures the rod does not get damaged by water or sunlight.

10. Moonshine Drifter Rod – Steals The Show With Elegance

Moonshine holds a remarkable reputation among the fly fishers because of its quality products and affordable prices. This company delivers high-end fishing equipment at a price that is much lower than its competitors.

The first impression you get about this rod is its design and color. It comes out ahead of the pack with its elegant and classy design. The matte vintage brown color blends perfectly with the color of the handle and gives a decent classy look.

Just like the design, it does not disappoint when it comes to the built quality. The company has used graphite to manufacture the rod. The quality of graphite is top notch and has all the strength it needs. It has the backbone to fight the strongest of fish.

Moreover, the reel seat has a copper coating on it which not only makes it strong but also blends with the color of the rod. Its reel seat gets even better with its double lock positions so the reel stays securely and firmly attached to the rod.

The strip and snake guides are also well-built and allow smooth passage of the line through them. They do not offer any sort of abrasion which makes casting of the line a breeze.

Moving on, the handle has AAA cork which is premium quality. It is as smooth as fur when you touch it. Therefore, even on the toughest of days, it would not let you tire up. You are bound to get your hands wet when you are fishing and it can affect the casting of the lure. However, since the cork is slip-resistant, you would not have to face any such problems.

The action of the rod is medium which allows you to cast the lines longer than other rods. However, it is still sensitive enough to detect even the slightest of bites. Therefore, it is good at efficiency and would be a real asset in your fishing adventure.

Just like most of the modern-day rods, it breaks down into four pieces that are easy to store and carry. However, one thing that makes it stand out is the travel case that comes with it.

The case has a canvas construction and has a special section for the tip. The tip is the delicate part of the rod and therefore it needs proper care. The special compartment makes sure it does not get damaged when you are traveling or it accidentally falls.