The best fly rods as used by the record holders in the 2007 World Record Game Fishes book, according to the International Game Fish Association:
Courtesy SageIt's obvious Sage fly rods are the best fly fishing rods in the eyes of world record fly fishermen.
With 75 world records, Sage has more than three times as many records as the next closest competitor.
Sage, founded in 1980 by legendary rod designer Don Green, is currently located in Bainbridge Island, Wash.
"Sage was created with one idea in mind - to build the world's finest performance fly rods," the company's website notes. "Using world-class materials and years of experience gained while working with Fenwick and Grizzly rod companies, Don revolutionized the fly fishing world."
G. Loomis knows a thing or two about world records. Along with the 24 fly fishing world records, G. Loomis' longtime designer Steve Rajeffthe holds the world casting record of 243 feet.
For the "obsessive" fly fishers, the 2008 models are already on display at Thomas and Thomas.
A household name for outdoorsmen across the country, Orvis carries plenty more than waders and outdoor gear. Orvis' ZG Zero Gravity Helios fly rod series, for example, was named "Best of the Best" by Field & Stream magazine the past two years.
Washington-based Redington Fly Rods was founded in 1992 and produces performance- and value-based rods.
Albright Tackle LLC makes everything from rods to reels and lines, focusing on providing "affordable and relevant fishing tackle."
R.L. Winston Rod Company produces fine fly rods made of everything from bamboo to second-generation boron and graphite composites.
The self-proclaimed "World's Foremost Outfitter," Cabelas is a outdoors superstore with plenty of options for the fly fisher.
Temple Fork Outfitters started off with the "Killer Caddis" and originally made flies and tying tools but is now a proven rod maker as well.
10. Seven Others (2)
Seven other rod makers are tied at two world records apiece.
