Choosing the correct fly fishing rod means the difference between an enjoyable trip and a lousy one. Pick the wrong type and you will work yourself to exhaustion.

Graphite rods are a good choice. They are light, durable, and provide a smooth cast. While a little pricey, they are well worth the small additional cost. The light weight will be appreciated after casting for an extended period of time.

The action of the rod is the next thing to consider. This is the bending resistance and comes in fast, medium, and slow designations. Fast action fly fishing rods are stiff and will set a hook with little effort. They will also lose a fish if you are too aggressive. Beginning anglers usually do better with medium actions. Check the bend of the rod to be sure it’s smooth and even with no soft spots.

Fly fishing rods come in lengths of 4 to 18 feet. Longer rods will cast farther with less effort. For tight spaces, use shorter rods because they won’t get hung-up when you cast. An 8 to 9 foot fly rod will satisfy the needs of most situations. Go with an 8 foot rod if you primarily fish small to mid-sized rivers. A 9 foot rod is a good choice for float fishing, large rivers, and casting in windy conditions. You can also get an 8 1/2 foot rod, which is very popular.

Try different grip shapes and sizes for comfort and control. Remember that you will be casting the rod a lot and comfort is critical. Control is also related to rod action and determines how you set the hook.

Check your fly shop for complete packages that include a rod, reel, and line. These are good choices for beginners. More experienced anglers will likely prefer to purchase everything separately.

Buying a used boat motor is a lot like buying a used car. You can save quite a bit of money and enjoy reasonable service if you know what to look for. The opposite is also true. You can have a ton of problems and find yourself stranded in the water. Believe me, this is no fun at all. It can also be dangerous if the motor decides to fail when you are a long way from shore or trying to outrun rapidly changing weather.

When buying a used boat motor, there are several important items to pay attention to. If it is currently mounted on a boat, take it for a test ride. Run the motor through all ranges of power. Make sure it idles smooth and comes up to full speed without hesitation. Look at the water pump discharge to see if the pump is working properly to keep things running cool. Watch for any type of fluid leak.

Things get a lot harder if the motor is sitting on a stand. Ask the owner about the age of the motor and if there is a record of maintenance and repairs. Also inquire about actual run hours. Remove the cover (outboard motor) and look for signs of leaks and cracks. Also look for welds that were not made at the factory. Check the prop for any signs of damage and wobble. Don’t forget to ask for the owner’s manual.

You’ll need a compression test to check the cylinders. Compression between cylinders should not vary by more than 10%. Any more than that indicates excessive cylinder and ring wear or possible valve leaks on four stroke engines.

Hire a mechanic to perform the inspection if you are not experienced with used boat motors. A good mechanic could prevent you from making a very costly mistake. The money spent is well worth the price and will make the purchasing decision a little smoother.