Understanding Fishing Rod Action and Rod Power


Difference between Rod action and Power will make a huge difference when looking for a new fishing rod.  It can make a dramatic difference in the way you approach fishing and shop for rods. Rod power and action will seriously affect you’re fishing and how you need to approach the sport.

There are a bunch of different things you need to consider when shopping for a new rod. What kind of line and lure weights will you be using?  what type of approach are you going to take? And of course how much do you want to spend on a new rod? Make sure you check out my in depth guide on finding a new fishing rod.

What’s The Difference Between Rod Action and Power?

When describing a rod action and power should go hand in hand. Power(rods stiffness) and Action(where it bends) both describe how the rod is going to flex under pressure. This flex and stiffness will affect your casting distance, sensitivity and lifting power.

In the most basic sense, Rod action describes where the rod flexes along its body. Fishing rod power on the other hand describes how much pressure it takes to flex the rod. I know they may seem somewhat similar, but by the end of this article you should understand the difference.

Understanding Fishing Rod Action

As I discussed above, rod action describes where exactly it’s going to flex along its body.  When you put pressure on the rod either by hand or naturally while fishing, where is it going to bend.

Fast action rods are going to flex very close to the tip (Extra-Fast is even closer).  Fast action rods should bend pretty close to the top ⅓ of your rod.

Slow action rods are going to flex closer to the butt of your rod. Normally slow action rods flex close to the bottom ⅓ of your rod.

Obviously moderate action rods will flex to the center, so the top half bends.  Just about splitting the difference between a fast and slow action rod.

Basically slow action rods will have a wide arcing bend and fast action rods have a stiff subtle bend.

Different Rod Actions and When to Use Them

  • Extra-Fast Action: If you need a lot of rod sensitivity go with an Extra-Fast action rod. Due to the stiff nature of these rods, you should get a lot of power during your hook set. Perfect for pitching worms and jigs when you need extra sensitivity.
  • Fast Action: Fast action rods are a great choice for most freshwater fishing opportunities. Most bass rods are going to use a fairly fast action. You get most of the sensitivity and still have enough give for a soft hook set.
  • Moderate Action: Moderate rods normally provide a decent casting with adequate hooking power. They go really well with most mid-size lures. This is a great all around style that works well in most conditions.
  • Slow Action: Very few fisherman go with slow action rods these days. With so much give slow rods aren’t very sensitive. The only time you really see them is with ultralight and some fly fishing setups.

Understanding Rod Power

Power typically refers to the “stiffness” of the rod. It tells how much force is needed to fully flex the rod. This will obviously make a huge difference when choosing lures of various sizes.

Most anglers discuss power in terms of Ultra-Light, light, medium, Heavy etc. When choosing a rod for a specific job you should first choose your action and then select the power.

Before selecting a rod’s power you should figure out what size lures and line you plan to use. If you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start you should probably go with a Medium-Heavy rod. It offers a ton of flexibility and it’s by far the most popular rod among bass fisherman.

How much Rod Power do I Need?

When choosing a rod you need to figure out how much power you actually need. Hearty fish the put up a challenge will require a stout “Heavy” Rod. While smaller easier to catch fish like panfish, crappie and small trout will require a light or ultra Light Rod.

When Should You Use Different Rod Powers?

  • Ultra Light: Ultralight rods should be saved for only the smallest fish. I’m talking about panfish, crappie and the smallest trout you can find. Use this rod for those super tiny 1/32-3/8 oz lures. Ultra light fishing is all about feeling your prey with subtle presentations.
  • Light: Light rods are only slightly stiffer than their ultra light brethren. Once again you’ll be able to use these rods for panfish, trout and walleye. With a 1/16 oz lure you should be able to get in those soft hook sets for skittish fish that don’t want to fully commit.
  • Medium Light: Medium light rods are great for working soft plastic worms and jigs. Use it with 1/8-1/2 ounce lures in both fresh and saltwater applications.
  • Medium: Use a medium rod with your smaller fast moving lures. It’s stiff enough to get that quick hook set yet light enough to offer a little give. Use a medium power rod with smaller 1/4-3/4 ounce lures. Work your topwaters, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and even squarebill crankbaits.
  • Medium Heavy: This is the best all around bass fishing lure. It’s by far the most popular rod on every American bass boat and for good reason. It’s stiff enough to fish a jig in cover but you get enough finesse to work with surgeon like precision.
  • Heavy: Heavy rods are going to be stiff enough to work through deep water structure. You can really rip your lure out of thick grass without worrying about breakage. Use a heavy rod with football jigs and larger 3/8-1 oz lures.
  • Extra Heavy: If you thought heavy rods were stiff you haven’t seen nothing yet. These are the rods you’ll need for big game fishing when you need massive lures. You can use any lure from 1/2 oz all the way up to monster 2 ounce lures.

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