Paul H. Young Bamboo Fly Rod Tapers: The Para Series & Beyond

Classic taper names connect a modern build with a long tradition of rodmaking. To make a useful choice, read the history and then compare an identified configuration. Length, line class, sections and the individual design matter more than a brand-wide action label.

Paul H. Young

Paul H. Young is closely associated with parabolic rods and careful heat treatment of cane. His catalog contains several distinct designs, from compact rods to heavier line classes. The Para designation does not mean that every Young model shares the same dimensions, loading pattern or intended use.

Sources and further reading

• American Museum of Fly Fishing: Paul Young

The profiles in this guide

The notes below summarize the ZHUSROD reference profiles. The linked cards show the corresponding specifications and provide a route to the full record. These configurations do not establish the dimensions of every vintage example with the same model name.

Paul H. Young Para 14

Choose this 7'9", 2-piece profile for dry-fly work, nymphing, and wet-fly work on small rivers and medium rivers, with its practical window centered on 21-45 feet.

Paul H. Young Midge

Choose this 6'3", 3-piece profile for dry-fly work and dry-dropper rigs on creeks and small rivers, with its practical window centered on 19-41 feet.

Paul H. Young Driggs River

Choose this 7'2", 2-piece profile for dry-fly work and dry-dropper rigs on small rivers and medium rivers, with its practical window centered on 21-41 feet.

Paul H. Young Perfectionist

Choose this 7'6", 2-piece profile for dry-fly work and dry-dropper rigs on small rivers and medium rivers, with its practical window centered on 21-41 feet.

Paul H. Young Princess

Choose this 7', 2-piece profile for dry-fly work, nymphing, and wet-fly work on small rivers and medium rivers, with its practical window centered on 21-45 feet.

Paul H. Young Martha Marie

Choose this 7'6", 3-piece profile for dry-fly work, nymphing, and wet-fly work on small rivers and medium rivers, with its practical window centered on 21-45 feet.

Paul H. Young Brightwater

Choose this 7'6", 2-piece profile for dry-fly work and dry-dropper rigs on small rivers and medium rivers, with its practical window centered on 21-41 feet.

Paul H. Young Driggs River #2

Choose this 7'2", 2-piece profile for dry-fly work, nymphing, and wet-fly work on small rivers and medium rivers, with its practical window centered on 21-45 feet.

Paul H. Young Para 16

Choose this 8'6", 2-piece profile for heavy streamers and swung flies on large rivers and stillwaters, with its practical window centered on 24-57 feet.

Paul H. Young Para 17

Choose this 8'6", 2-piece profile for heavy streamers and swung flies on large rivers and stillwaters, with its practical window centered on 24-57 feet.

Paul H. Young Para 17 #2

Choose this 8'6", 2-piece profile for heavy streamers and swung flies on large rivers and stillwaters, with its practical window centered on 28-65 feet.

Paul H. Young Texas General

Choose this 8'6", 2-piece profile for heavy streamers and swung flies on large rivers and stillwaters, with its practical window centered on 28-61 feet.

Paul H. Young Boat Rod

Choose this 8', 2-piece profile for nymphing, wet-fly work, and light streamers on small rivers and medium rivers, with its practical window centered on 24-53 feet.

Identify the Young variant

The Midge discussed here is the three-piece record. Midge #2 and multiple Para 15 records are separate entries in the library. Match the configuration rather than treating a repeated model name as one interchangeable taper.

Choose around the presentation

Compare the fly and line combination first, followed by usual casting distance, water size and wind. A short build can offer clearance while a longer one may offer reach. Read each profile’s practical notes and compare the complete rod rather than choosing only by reputation.

Casting descriptions are guidance rather than promises of a particular distance or a guarantee for every caster. A trial with the intended line, where possible, is a useful way to judge timing and feel.

Finished rod or blank

For a finished rod, read the selected product’s options and current availability. For a blank, confirm tip count, ferrule state and supplied work before choosing components. Related product cards below identify current listings; the selected variant and its page remain the place to check price and fulfillment.

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