What does the rod action signify?

[RPr]

I have a question about a couple of fly rods I have acquired; a rather large diameter medium action 8 footer and a sleek lighter weight 8 footer. Both of these rods are rated for #5 and #6 line.

The question is if they are both rated for the same line, what does the action rating mean?

Since I have both, I use the heavier rod with sinking line and the lighter rod with DT line.

[DaleW]

Sounds like your doing O.K. with the rod applications ~

Rod action, as I understand it anyway, is that there's slow, medium and fast action. It has to do with where the rod bends under a load and how it recovers from a bend. According to my fly rod reference, fast action (30% of rod bends) cast further and do a better job with the heavier fly. Slow action (90% of the rod bends) do a better job (at least for me) of gently laying down a dry fly down on the water surface. A medium action rod (60% bends) and is a compromise between the other two. Then you have line weight, which I most generally follow the rod manufacturer's designation for the rod and sounds like you are, too.

[WarrenP]

You stated that these 2 rods are rods you acquired which leads me to believe that they were used rods which you have no info on. I think you would get a more accurate answer from someone here if you would tell us what is written on the rods and the brand names because the one you state is a larger diameter and heavier may be an older fiberglass rod and the other one you stated was a sleek lighter rod and it could possibly be a graphite rod, but, until you tell us what brand of rods these are, it would be difficult to answer your question. There is a world of difference between the action of a fiberglass rod and a graphite rod.

Just a thought.....