What does rod “action” mean? I have a pflueger purist - moderate -fast action. It feels very stiff and heavy. I want something lighter and with more flex. So - do I need to go faster or slower with respect to rod action? I fish typically small streams with little backcast room.
Help!
paflyfisher
You will most likely be able to find lighter rod that are slower, and maybe even some that are “faster”. “Fast” generally refers to a rod that flexes only in the top third of the rod on a normal cast, “Medium” down to the middle area, and “Full/slow” all the way down to the lower 1/3 section, generally referred to as the “butt”.
As for weight, its generally easier for a rod manufacturer to make the medium to slow rods lighter, since the additional graphite is not needed towards the tip end of the blank to make it stiffer/faster. There are exceptions to this rule, of course.
As to what you need, that is purely up to you. I have never cast the rod you mentioned, so I can’t really use it as a point of reference to suggest any other options. I would suggest you try the Sage VPS and if that one’s too stiff ,the VPS light. They also make higher end rods if spending $350-$400 isn’t enough for you. For a more affordable option, I would recommend the Temple Fork Series 1, or one of the new ECHO rods Tim Rajeff has designed. A friend of mine offers a 14-day “test drive” program on those rods and ships them for free. I would recommend the 8’ 4wt which goes for $130. Check out [url=http://www.thefullcreel.com:60dae]www.thefullcreel.com[/url:60dae]
Cliff,
Thanks for the explanation. So maybe a slow or fuller flex rod is not as stiff - obviously.
What are the pros and cons of fast - moderate- and slow rods?
Thanks,
pa
[This message has been edited by paflyfisher (edited 10 May 2005).]
PaFF,
Try looking over this: [url=http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/rodbuilding/tips/rt26.html:04ee3]http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/rodbuilding/tips/rt26.html[/url:04ee3]
In the end, I don’t even read the description of a rod. When you cast it, you’ll know if it is or isn’t for you.
As for the weight (well … mass) of the rod, the “feel” of a rod depends on the balance (materials, reel weight, line, backing too).
An objective way to test is to spool it up and weigh it. BUT, the Feel might be weird, … it’s all a question of balance.
Christopher Chin
Jonquiere Quebec
[url=http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/:04ee3]http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/[/url:04ee3]
PA FF:
The response here on the flex along the rod for a fast, medium and slow action rod is the definition of rod action and right on. However, the “feel” of a rod, in my thinking, is a combination of factors including the action, rod taper, the number of pieces, guide type and placement, etc and also your casting style, speed, and many other personal factors. That being said, generally a fast action rod demands a faster, more deliberate casting style and a slow action rod a slower more relaxed casting style. The majority of the commercial rods offered have a medium to medium fast action which must be what category most of us fall into in terms of desired action. I am assuming rod manufacturers make what they sell the most of in terms of rod action.
The stiffness of a rod depends on how it is constructed, materials used and the rod taper (see article mentioned fcch). So, in the end, you need to cast some rods and determine what gives you the “feel” you are seeking, but with the rod you currently have, you have a reference point now to compare other rods.
Hope this helps.
Dr Bob
All great replies - thanks. J Castwell - it feels as if I am casting a buick right now - thanks for the sarcasm!
Pros/cons, this of course is subjective and up for much debate.
Fast rod pro’s: Often better at casting further and throwing tighter loops, in the hands of a caster who can make it do this.
Fast rod con’s: Requires more precise timing on the part of the caster, generally not as comfortable casting shorter distances, generally doesn’t protect light tippet well, and harder to roll cast. (actually just takes a different roll cast stroke which can actually be pretty hard on the wrist)
more moderate action rod pro’s: casting timing does not have to be as precise, protects light tippets well, easier to roll cast, relatively lower swing weight, and more comfortable at casting short distances.
moderate action rod con’s: generally won’t cast as far as the faster rods, (though up to 70 feet is perfectly attainable) and harder to throw tight loops to beat the wind.
You will find that while some people claim to only like fast rods and some slower rods, many of us have both and like them for different reasons. I prefer fast rods in the heavier weights to cast far and beat the wind, and slower rods for trout to have more touch when using the “trick” casts, for casting only 12 of line and then the leader/tippet, and to protect lighter tippets. Many who have been at this longer and have a better stocked quiver will have both types in both heavier and lighter line weights and use them for different situations.
All that being said, I recommend trying to find a rod that suits your casting stroke, and has plenty of power in the butt so you can apply power when you need to.
And yes, as JC said, do some searching on this site and you will find greater wisdom than I could ever provide you.
Oh, and just to muddy the waters a little more, you can change the way the rod feels with a higher/lower weight line. You’re going to have a lot of fun finding out what you like. Welcome to the journey, JC was only “funnin” you.
With all due respect JC - I did take it light heartedly! It’s just the quagmire of micromanaging everything that gets me stuck in the details and I was fed up. I will go and try some and think about feel.
I imagine you can all appreciate my conondrum - having to process all of this data I read here all of the time. It’s a lot to swallow - but I’m loving it!
Tight lines to all!
pa
PA,
I do most of my fly fishing under the same conditions. I make many short casts/roll casts, improvised casts, I cast with the left and right hand. This year I have tried something different and I use 4 weight double tapered line on 3 weight rod. I read about this in a Dave Hughes book about fishing small streams. I am more than pleased with the results.
Hello paflyfisher,
The answers to few questions may help us understand your situation a little better?
What rod weight and length are you using?
What line are you using?
How much casting experience do you have?
I suspect you have a soft rod based on the manufacturer and the retail price of the rod. (Pflueger may call it medium fast; but, I suspect marketing “puffery”.)
The problem could also be a line selection issue or a casting technique issue.
Answering the questions may help us find you a solution.
For such a subjective topic as rod action and particular rod feel, I see a lot of agreement among all the responses here. I am impressed! Good job everyone.
PAff, looks like you better go out an cast some rods for educational purposes. Sounds like fun!!
Dr Bob
PAff
what part of PA are you from? i live 1/2 hr north of pittsburgh and can let you cast a few of mine to see if you like the actions.
Never casted a “Buick”, but I did catch a Buick Roadmaster on the backcast once, when the White Pine missed the a take as the Buick went roaring past on the road.
~ Parnelli 
Down in the meadow in a little bitty pool
Swam three little fishies and a mama fishie too
“Swim” said the mama fishie, “Swim if you can”
And they swam and they swam all over the dam
Boop boop diddum dadaddum waddum chew!
Boop boop diddum dadaddum waddum chew!
Boop boop diddum dadaddum waddum chew!
And they swam and they swam all over the dam
[img]http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Hobbies_and_Entertainment/Fishing/Flyfishing.gif[/img]
[This message has been edited by Steven H. McGarthwaite (edited 12 May 2005).]
rizeye,
I am east of Pgh in Murrysville. You must be close to Neshannock? I really want to fish there. I usually go east to Loyalhanna. Do you know it?
Regards,
paff