ROD ACTION
Rod action can best be defined as that portion of the rod blank that bends during the casting or retrieving evolution. There are four basic action ratings used throughout the blank manufacturing industry; extra fast, fast, moderate, and slow. Some manufacturers use a numbering system to illustrate the action; still others combine ratings such as "medium fast". The bending to action definition is best described as:
Extra Fast: the top 25% of the rod blank bends during casting or retrieving.
Fast: the top 33% of the rod blank bends during casting or retrieving.
Moderate: the top 50% of the rod blank bends during casting or retrieving.
Slow: a continuous curve along the entire rod blank.
This being said, how does that relate to fishing? Lets look at the bass fishing world, and crank baits in particular. This type of fishing is a cast and retrieve process. While retrieving the lure, there is a bend in the rod because of the lure drag in the water. If the retrieving process of the lure is stopped, the rod assumes its static state of straight. If while retrieving the lure a fish strikes, the rod tip bends even farther because of the weight of the fish. During all these evolutions of retrieving the lure, fish striking, etc, the rod tip always wants to return to its static state of straight. For examples sake, lets say we are using a fast or extra fast action rod to fish this crank bait. When a fish strikes the lure, the rod tip bends to the fish and immediately tries to return to its static state. This fast response takes the lure away from the fish. If we are using a slow or moderate action rod during this same evolution, the rod tip still wants to return to the straight position, but because of the slow/moderate action of the rod, it is slower to return to the straight position. This keeps the bait at the fish longer thus giving more opportunity for a good hook-up. On the other hand, if we are use a jig or plastic bait, we still employ a cast and retrieve method of fishing. Typically, the retrieve part of the evolution is somewhat slower and more deliberate than with a crank bait. When the fish strikes or picks up the bait, we want to set the hook as quickly as possible. Here a fast or extra fast action is better suited because of the quicker response time.
The action of a rod blank is achieved by the taper of the rod blank created during its construction. In comparing rod blanks and tapers, lets start with two similar seven foot spinning rod blanks. One rod blank has a butt diameter of .650, a mid diameter of .326 and a tip size of 5 (.196). The other rod blank has a butt diameter of .550, a mid diameter of .326, and a tip size of 6 (.236). The first example rod has a greater taper from butt to tip than the second. If we examine the first example rod, we find that there are one or more fairly abrupt diameter changes over the length of the rod blank. This is referred to as a compound taper. Compound tapers are used in constructing fast and extra fast action rod blanks. The second example rod has a relatively straight taper from butt to tip. Straight tapers are used in constructing slow and moderate action rod blanks.
