What Does Fast Action Mean on a Fishing Rod? (2024)

FAQs

What Does Fast Action Mean on a Fishing Rod? ›

Fishing Rod Action “Rod action” refers to where the rod bends along its length. The categories are: extra-fast, fast, moderate, and slow action. For example, a fast-action rod will bend most in the upper third of the rod blank, while a slow-action rod will bend consistently down into the handle.

Fast action rods are a great choice when you want a rod for all fishing applications. This is because it is a healthy balance of fast tip and sensitivity, while still providing some forgiving power for a softer hook set. With moderate action rods you trade a little less sensitivity for a little more casting range.

For casting accuracy, fast and extra-fast action rods provide more speed and power to pitch a lure to a target, thwarting any wind-related deviation. However, their stiffness reduces casting distance, compared to medium and slow actions, unless heavy lures or baits are used.

A fast action rod will bend in only the top third or less of the blank, a medium or moderate action will bend in the top half or so and a slow action will bend starting in the lower third of the rod. Sometimes slow action rods are termed 'parabolic', meaning the bend of the rod is similar throughout the length.

For the most part, all of the rods with a fast action variation will be the most sensitive, and these are better for lures where contact with the bottom is critical. Moderate actions bend further down into the rod and create a more significant arc when fighting fish and retrieving lures.

So a slower rod is better when you're talking about straight retrieves and treble hook lures. The fish loads up on the bait when it bites, and the hooks drive under the loaded pressure not a hard hookset. A faster action is nice when you need to work a lure with the rod like a worm or a jig.

A longer rod will give you a longer cast. It's really that simple. If power and action are the same, generally speaking, a 7-foot rod will cast the same lure farther than a 6-foot rod. Now if the lure is light, like 1/8 ounce, it can be a little more managable on a softer shorter rod than a longer rod.

Use Lighter Line

Remember this when spooling up – the same plug on the same rod and reel will cast farther with 12-pound test line than it will with 20, and so on. Don't go so light you'll risk breakoffs, but top anglers routinely fish diving plugs on 10 or 12-pound line to get maximum casting distance.

ROD SELECTION

For most long-distance casting situations, a 10- to 12-footer capable of casting 1 to 8 ounces or more of weight (including sinker and bait) is a good choice. Also consider rod action and power. Action refers to the taper of the rod; the most common ratings are medium, medium-heavy, and heavy.

The slower casting stroke generates less line speed, which transfers less power through your leader to your fly as it lands in front of a feeding fish. It's easier to get a “soft” presentation with a slower action rod. Conversely, if you're throwing giant streamers to big trout, a slow rod isn't exactly ideal.

Is a fast action rod stiff? ›

A fishing rod with a fast tip means that the tip of the rod is flexible and the rest of the rod is stiff.

Medium Speed Rods find themselves smack dab in the middle of slow and fast. Usually more frequently labeled as “medium fast”. These rods are a combination of a slow rod for pleasant casting and “feel” while also a faster rod to allow for greater distances, wind, or heavier flies/rigs.

A 7 feet (213 cm) rod is a great length to start with. A good all-round choice for many different situations and species. Longer rods are usually from 8-14 feet (243-426 cm) and are more suitable for shore fishing with waders or from the bank.

So, on the best overall rod to use, would be a 7'4 to 7'8, medium to medium-heavy power rod with a fast action tip. Two types of lures that are your bread and butter in bass fishing are your jigs and your Texas rig plastics such as worms.

Most anglers will want a Medium Heavy power and a Fast action on this combo. A little more length will give you better casting and more ability to pick up line on a long cast to set a strong hook at distance. A longer 7-foot to 7-foot, 4-inch rod usually suffices for this technique.

Why you would want it: Fast action rods are great for anglers with a quick casting stroke, those who need to battle wind, make long casts and/or cast heavy flies. Fast actions rods are also great to use out of a drift boat where there's not a lot of time to set up for your next cast and being quick and concise is key.