basshunter
03-30-2009, 11:20 AM
The Three Types of Fly Rod Action
If you would like to spare yourself some reading, I've listed some quick recommendations below on features most beginner anglers will want to look for when shopping for a fly rod.
Fast Action or Tip-Flex Fly Rods
A tip flex fly rod is also just what the name implies. At the end of the backcast, the tip of the fly rod will be slightly bent but the rest of the rod will be virtually straight as an arrow. This has benefits in the following circumstances:
Need to make long cast. The stiffness of the rod allows for more power in the case.
Fishing on windy days. The stiffness of the rod allows easier casing on windy days since the rod is more powerful.
Somewhat less physically demanding. Due to the power inherent in fast action fly rods, the angler has to work less to cast the same distance as they would if using a slower, more flexible rod.
The disadvantages of fast-action fly rods are:
Real fast-action fly rods can be hard to learn on for beginners. The sheer power in the rods makes "getting a feel" of the fly and fly line difficult. Precise casts in particular will be difficult to new anglers.
Not the best rod to be used where short casts are necessary - such as spring creeks. For short casts, a more flexible rod provides greater accuracy and a "smoother touch."
For small stream fishing, a fast-action rod has a substantiallly greater likelihood of leading to the fly and fly line being slammed into the water - making the fish you're stalking head for the hills.
Medium Action or Mid-Flex Fly Rods
Medium action fly rods are the most versatile of the rods available. They perform well in a wide variety of conditions. They are also quite a bit easier to learn with than with a fast-action rod. On the backcast with a medium action fly rod, the rod will be bent beginning from about halfway down the rod - thus falling inbetween the fast and slow action rods.
Overall, if you can only own one fly rod - you'll want it to be a medium action fly rod unless your fishing situation falls into one of the other categories above or below.
Slow Actioin or Full-Flex Fly Rods
Slow action fly rods are very flexible. On the backcast, a slow action fly rod will bend beginning about 1/4 of the way down the fly rod - and at full backcast will almost be arched into a shallow, graceful 90 angle.
Ideal uses for slow action fly rods is for fishing small streams, where you have to use stealth to track down fish. The flexible nature of the fly rods makes it substantially easier than with other fly rods to have perfect presentation that don't make a racket on the water. Additionally, slow action fly rods are very forgiving and easy to learn on - although they lack the utility that a medium action fly rod has.
http://www.bigskyfishing.com/fly-fishing-articles/how-select-fly-rod.php
If you would like to spare yourself some reading, I've listed some quick recommendations below on features most beginner anglers will want to look for when shopping for a fly rod.
Fast Action or Tip-Flex Fly Rods
A tip flex fly rod is also just what the name implies. At the end of the backcast, the tip of the fly rod will be slightly bent but the rest of the rod will be virtually straight as an arrow. This has benefits in the following circumstances:
Need to make long cast. The stiffness of the rod allows for more power in the case.
Fishing on windy days. The stiffness of the rod allows easier casing on windy days since the rod is more powerful.
Somewhat less physically demanding. Due to the power inherent in fast action fly rods, the angler has to work less to cast the same distance as they would if using a slower, more flexible rod.
The disadvantages of fast-action fly rods are:
Real fast-action fly rods can be hard to learn on for beginners. The sheer power in the rods makes "getting a feel" of the fly and fly line difficult. Precise casts in particular will be difficult to new anglers.
Not the best rod to be used where short casts are necessary - such as spring creeks. For short casts, a more flexible rod provides greater accuracy and a "smoother touch."
For small stream fishing, a fast-action rod has a substantiallly greater likelihood of leading to the fly and fly line being slammed into the water - making the fish you're stalking head for the hills.
Medium Action or Mid-Flex Fly Rods
Medium action fly rods are the most versatile of the rods available. They perform well in a wide variety of conditions. They are also quite a bit easier to learn with than with a fast-action rod. On the backcast with a medium action fly rod, the rod will be bent beginning from about halfway down the rod - thus falling inbetween the fast and slow action rods.
Overall, if you can only own one fly rod - you'll want it to be a medium action fly rod unless your fishing situation falls into one of the other categories above or below.
Slow Actioin or Full-Flex Fly Rods
Slow action fly rods are very flexible. On the backcast, a slow action fly rod will bend beginning about 1/4 of the way down the fly rod - and at full backcast will almost be arched into a shallow, graceful 90 angle.
Ideal uses for slow action fly rods is for fishing small streams, where you have to use stealth to track down fish. The flexible nature of the fly rods makes it substantially easier than with other fly rods to have perfect presentation that don't make a racket on the water. Additionally, slow action fly rods are very forgiving and easy to learn on - although they lack the utility that a medium action fly rod has.
http://www.bigskyfishing.com/fly-fishing-articles/how-select-fly-rod.php