Hello, I've been a recreational fisherman for many years and would like to take up fly fishing so I've got a newbie question for you guys. As a beginner I'm attracted to the convenience of a fly rod that can be broken down into 4-5 pieces and easily stowed. I have no reference point for a good or bad feel, action and so on. Should I stick with a two piece or am I not really going to appreciate the difference as a beginner anyway?

I'm spending the holiday weekend fishing at a lake known for bass and would like to take the opportunity to try fly fishing on the side with some poppers.

Thanks in advance.

I have 2 "travel rods" and the only thing is make sure the connection points are a tight fit, usually the better ones have a bigger rubber end that goes into the connection to fit snug,  one rod I have I hate because there is play in the rod, giving it a weak spine, and with enough casting will pull apart just when you hook a big boy.  the other rod is tight as can be, but is awesome, I keep it in my  car at all times just "in case".  Also this may or may not be individual rod based,  ( pick up two of the same rods, one will be tight, one will be loose)  My suggestion is to pay a little more on a pack rod than what you are expecting to, usually with your well known higher-end rod companies, they know what they are doing and put together good rods, but you are probably going to pay for it too, for instance the saint croix I have is very well made, but there are some out there that suck,  stay away from the lower cost brands for this application ( shakespeare for instance) they make great rods at a good value but their connections do not seem as tight.  I think it is a preference thing,  I have several fly rods, when I am in a boat I like a 2 piece at most due to a better feel, and stronger backbone, but having a pack rod is beter than not having a flyrod, that is for sure,  if you want an all around rod that can be "at your side" at a moments notice for those sudden opportunities, and if you keep it with you, then they are by far a better way to go, the only thing is if you leave it at home, then it would cut the convienence out of the picture, JMHO
hope this helps

Just keep checking your section alignment and tightness and you should be fine.
Also, keep in mind the line weight of the rod/reel. If you're going for bass you are going to want a heavier one for sure.
I'd say 7/8 range to be safe.  That's prolly something you already know though if you're this far along...

Hope that helps & good luck.

if your able to see if they will show you how to make a basic cast and try it out . just because i like a rod dose not mean you will . try them out if you can .
some folks are more layd back others fish more aggressively and there for may want a different action .

another thing you can do to aid in alignment is make some small dots with nail polish or paint at the breakapart point so you can match up the dots. this comes standard with some rods.

Brian

I would go with a 2 piece myself!  Just remember the more parts, the more things can go wrong! As far as keeping the rod from slipping apart at the ferrules,  I keep the male ends lubed with parafin wax. This give you a tight , non slip fit. It will also tighten any loose ferrules.
          I have broken rods on the cast when a ferrule became loose (2pc). That ended my day of fishing! It cracked the female end of the rod, so had to be sent back to the company for replacement! Thank God for the lifetime warranty. Another thing to keep in mind!
                                                        I hope this was of some help,           Joe