Fishing rods have various parts which consist of different materials. The fishing rod action is the key component that improves the performance of the fishing rods. The action depends on the bending capacity of the fishing rod when applying pressure. A rod’s action also includes the immediate return of the rod to its actual position. In this guide, you will get complete overview of what is fishing rod action and its types. Hopefully this will make you understand the action of the rod & power.
What is fishing rod action and its types?
The action of a fishing rod comes when we apply pressure on a fishing rod. Either pushing towards the surface or pushing away from the ceiling. The maximum amount of bend or flex on the rod and the speed of the rod that returns to its natural position is the rod’s action.
Fishing rods differ in terms of their bending capacity or action. The action of the rod has four main categories.
These are commonly known as:
- Extra fast action rod
- Fast action rod
- Medium action rod
- Slow action rod
1. Extra fast Action Rod
The extra-fast action rod is a little bit bent at the rod’s tip and it quickly returns to its original position. These fishing rod actions are stiffer and made for sensitivity to bites. With its powerful hook, it can fight fish.
It hooks up quickly and fights with the fish without any trouble. An extra fast action fishing rod works within seconds and instantly catches fish.
The extra fast action rods require more pressure to cast the fish. Therefore it helps bend the tip of the rod.
2. Fast Action Rod
A fast action rod is one on which we apply pressure. The rod will bend only the top third (1/3) or fourth (1/4) of the total length of the rod. This fast action rod provides flexibility to the rod’s tip and stiffness to the other part of the rod.
The fast action rods cast a greater distance. This allow us to throw heavy baits and anglers pulls the rod out in a jerky manner. This action rod is sensitive to lighter bites and casts with a single hook.
It signals the vibrations to the angler’s hand and helps snap back the rod very quickly. The fast action rods have an ideal hook setting, and they can cast very large fish.
For example, fast action rods can catch largemouth bass and muskie in freshwater. It also proves vital when looking to catch tuna, billfish, or other fish species in saltwater.
As a result, fast action rods can have fast-moving tips and strong backbones that help cast larger fish species.
3. Medium Action Rod
A medium action rod can bend over the last half of the length of the fishing rod. It has the characteristics of both fast and medium action rods. It will help in casting both large and small fish species.
This action rod provides good control on the rod and power to hook setting. It gives more casting distance and a wide range of species. It is slower than the fast action rods and takes time to return to the actual position.
You can use this versatile action rod in any water and cast any fish species. A far-casting rod gives you the maximum possibility of casting to any fish. It helps in catapulting the lures at maximum distances.
This action rod is sensitive and gives time to pull back the rod line after a bite. The medium rod is versatile at the top and rigid throughout the rod in terms of action.
Therefore it takes time to pull the rod back and take a long bite.
4. Slow Action Rod
The slow action rod will bend almost throughout the length of the fishing rod. In other words, it bends very close to the rod’s handle. It gives you an extreme level of flexibility and whipping ability in the rod.
Slow action rods are best for casting small fish species. It is famous for its lighter lures and lighter baits. Because the fish takes time to engulf the hook and bite the lure, it does not properly pull the fish until the fish has not fully engulfed the hook.
The slow action rods are more flexible and ultralight. It is not as deep as the other action rods and it is easier to tear the hook out of the strong or larger fish. Rods with slower action give you a short casting distance with excellent accuracy.
They are best for small fish with short casts. For example, they fight with the fish species of panfish, trout, and small bass. It also gives you great control over the rod while fighting the fish.
Final Thoughts
Each of the fishing rods comes with various functions and attributes. These are designed according to the fish species. They all have a preference for the types of fishing.
This article brings all types of rod action, which will help you learn different aspects of the action of a rod in fishing or casting. Action rods are designed to cast fish species with versatility and flexibility for a specific purpose.
We hope this article will help you understand bending capacity and the rod’s action.