Information on Rods

Rods

Rod Actions

The terms slow, medium, and fast action refer to the natural rhythm and frequency with which a rod casts and handles the line. You can dry fly, streamer or nymph fish effectively with any of the actions, depending on the water conditions and the type of delivery you want.

Slow Action

A slow action rod casts a medium-to-wide loop with a slow line speed. Using a properly designed rod you can achieve a moderate loop and line speed, but you will find that a narrow, high-speed loop is hard to form. Generally, a slower rod is more difficult to cast than a medium or fast rod. It will cast easily within its designed distance, but it does not have sufficient power in the butt for a long cast.

Slow action rods are not as accurate as fast rods, but they offer a soft presentation in the lighter line sizes that rarely spooks a fish. These rods have a very fluid rhythm, thus they are pleasant to cast and fish for short to medium distances. When playing large fish on light leaders, you will find them without peer for controlling fish and not breaking the tippet. Many people also prefer this action for bass bugging. Usually slow rods are long and light with a smooth, even taper and constructed from glass or bamboo. Overloading a rod with a line that is too heavy will also slow it down.

Medium Action

These rods cast a medium to narrow loop with a moderate line speed. A competent caster will be able to cast wide, medium, or narrow loops with these rods to fish a wide range of distances and conditions. Generally, they are easy rods to cast and can be pushed the extra distance sometimes needed. They fish wet or dry with good control and delicacy. The power in these rods is evenly distributed, making them potent fish fighters. Many fishermen prefer medium-action rods because they combine all casting qualities. Medium-action rods fall into the middle of rod lengths, except in graphite, which are a little longer because of the quick recovery of the material.

Fast Action

You can achieve the narrowest loop and highest line speed with these rods, although with the proper techniques you can obtain all line speeds and loops. These are the rods for the hard, quick casters who demand the greatest accuracy, fast delivery, and loop control.

This is the action for pocket water fishing or drift fishing from a boat when a late cast perhaps means a fish missed. Careful and skilled presentation is a must, or a bad cast may result. Fishing with a fast rod is more tiring because you will make many more casts than with a slower rod.

Fast action results from a light tip and stiff butt that effectively shortens the casting stroke. Graphite fiber is best suited for these rods because of its light weight and quick recovery. A short rod or an underlined rod will also be fast.

Rod Length

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of different rod lengths to help you come to a well-informed decision.

Long Rod
Advantages Disadvantages

1. You can make higher back casts.
2. You can keep more line off the water to reduce line drag.
3. A long rod is slower, so a wider loop and lower line speed is easier to get for delicate presentations.
4. A long rod facilitates mending the line. 1. A long rod is bound to be heavier and more tiring to cast.
2. Long rods are harder to cast because if you turn them over too soon, you will close the loop. This is particularly true of long, soft rods.
3. Wider loops can sometimes be a disadvantage in the wind.
4. Fish have a longer lever advantage.
5. They are unwieldy in close or brushy conditions.

Short Rod
Advantages Disadvantages

1. A low back cast can sometimes be an advantage in brushy conditions.
2. Short rods are easier to transport.
3. They weigh less.
4. They will work a short line better and keep the casting plane level with the water.
5. Short rods are fast in action and throw a narrow loop easily. 1. They keep a lot of line on the water and mending is difficult.
2. They are fast, so the caster must work harder.
3. High line speed is not always an advantage if you are trying to make delicate presentations.
4. The back cast is difficult to keep above an obstacle.

Long Rod
Advantages	Disadvantages
1. You can make higher back casts. 2. You can keep more line off the water to reduce line drag. 3. A long rod is slower, so a wider loop and lower line speed is easier to get for delicate presentations. 4. A long rod facilitates mending the line.	1. A long rod is bound to be heavier and more tiring to cast. 2. Long rods are harder to cast because if you turn them over too soon, you will close the loop. This is particularly true of long, soft rods. 3. Wider loops can sometimes be a disadvantage in the wind. 4. Fish have a longer lever advantage. 5. They are unwieldy in close or brushy conditions.
Short Rod
Advantages	Disadvantages
1. A low back cast can sometimes be an advantage in brushy conditions. 2. Short rods are easier to transport. 3. They weigh less. 4. They will work a short line better and keep the casting plane level with the water. 5. Short rods are fast in action and throw a narrow loop easily.	1. They keep a lot of line on the water and mending is difficult. 2. They are fast, so the caster must work harder. 3. High line speed is not always an advantage if you are trying to make delicate presentations. 4. The back cast is difficult to keep above an obstacle.

Reprinted from R.L.Winston Rod Co. 1991 Catalog