I need some learn'n from you rod builders

[nosaj2]

Ok guys I understand power rating on a rod. But the Action I'm not sure about. I know how the different actions work but what I don't know is where you would use what. Like when would you want to use a Xtra fast rod vs. a fast or a Moderate rod?

Thanks

[Rob98682]

one thing about rod actions is that everyone has a different vocabulary i think most of this comes from the idea that the taper of the rod and it's action are the same thing.. another complication with your question is that many people prefer different actions for the same technique

for instance with crank baits.. we all know that with cranks you want a rod that has some flex to it so that you don't rip the trebels out of the fish's mouth close to the boat.. some people prefer a fast taper rod where the tip is soft reletive to the butt. others prefer rods that have good flex all the way through the blank..

here is what I like...

crankbaits: I like a rod that is progressive in action. what i mean by that it a rod that flexes all the way through the blank.. as you apply load to the rod it bends deeper throughout the blank instead of loading the tip more and more.
when looking at a potential rod purchase flex the rod to see how it bends look for one that as you flex it you can see a nice even bend throughout the blank not one where the blank stops flexing in the middle.

spinnerbaits: here is where i would want a rod that is fast action. by that i mean where it flexes primarily in the top two thirds of the blank but when it is flexed it comes very quickly back to the straight position. What this will accomplish is a rod that is very scensitive.. i'll be able to feel the vibration of the blades, through that vibration I'll be able to tell how fast they are spinning and if they are being interferred with by a piece of vegitation or some such thing.
to test this you can shake the rod quickly and see how fast it comes back to the straight position.. you may need to try this with several rods side by side to get an idea by comparison. This is also the same rod i would use for lipless cranksbaits and fishing jigs in open water. this in a longer version would also be good for carolina rigging.


pitching/ flipping...... what i am looking for here is also a rod that is progressive like the crankbait rod but much stouter... here I would avoid a rod that only flexes in the top 2/3's of the rod you'll get a much better hook set with a full flexing rod.. by this i don't mean a rod that flexes a lot or flexes easily but a rod that flexes throughout the blank.. the larger diameter of the butt section has tons more power than the small diameter of the tip the power in the butt is what you want to use to haul fish out of heavy cover.. so for pitching and flipping you want a good stout rod where the bend is not isolated in the top of the rod. a good strong tip is what accomplishes this a strong tip will drive the load down into the bottom of the rod where you have lots of power... simply flex the rod and make sure it has a nice gradual curve down into the butt.. NO SHARP BENDS!!!

i don't do much work with spinning rods out west here so I won't comment on thoes...

i hope this helps some ,,, by the way that was an excellent question...

[nosaj2]

Thanks!....It does help.

[RedneckfromRI]

Great description Rob!! You hit it on the head and made it so anyone would understand!!!

It definitely has alot to do with personal preference and technique thats for SURE!!

One thing I will add is when using braid in my opinion you should always use a
"moderate" blank. Reason being a blank with a Parabolic action will absorb the shock throughout the rod where as if you were using a Fast or Extra Fast rod the shock is all in the tip section which will definitely lead to blank failure if your not careful!!!!

[Rob98682]

you are absolutely right there Russ in any high stress application you want the whole blank to absorb the shock