Fishing Rod Action Recommendations
The two most important attributes to consider when selecting a fishing rod are “action” and “power”. Anglers will sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but they’re actually quite different. A rod’s action indicates the point where a rod bends under pressure. Power refers to how much the rod bends, or far it bends, when under pressure. Together, action and power determine how a rod will perform.
The best fishing rods combine the optimal level of action and power for a specific fishing application. For example, a medium-fast to fast action rod with medium-light to medium power is ideal for targeting perch. But if you’re going after pike, or other large predatory fish, you’ll want a fast action rod with heavy to extra-heavy power. While there isn’t a one size fits all rod for all fishing applications, a moderate-fast or fast action rod with medium power is going to be the most versatile rod option.
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Rod Action
“Action” is where a rod bends under a load. Action is generally labeled as extra-fast, fast, moderate-fast, moderate, or slow. The faster a rod’s action, the closer to the tip the rod will bend. The slower the action, the farther down the from the tip the rod will bend.
Fast action rods typically bend about a quarter to a third of the way down the rod from the tip. Moderate action bend in the top half. Slow action rods bend in the lower third of the rod—and in some models all the way to the handle.
Extra Fast
Extra-fast action rods are relatively stiff but flex enough at the tip to provide sensitivity and response to strikes. They bend the least of all rods.
They are ideal of powerful hooksets and fighting larger fish. They are often used for fishing jigs, plastics and Texas rigs. They are also useful for punching heavy vegetation and pulling lures through the grass.
Fast
Fast action rods have a pronounced bend about a quarter of the way down from the tip. They are excellent for fishing jigs, topwater lures, twitchbaits, and finesse presentations. (e.g. Neko, drop shot, etc.) They excel at single hook applications where maximum control over line and bait is essential.
They tend to be a bit more versatile than extra-fast action rods. They deliver accuracy and are responsive when fishing light baits. They are often used for inshore and bass fishing. They work well for single hooks and finesse presentations, and are good for a getting strong hookset. Fast action rods can be used for most fishing applications, but excel where quick hooksets are necessary and pressure is required to get a fish of cover quickly.
Fast action rods are ideal for targeting hard-mouthed fish where getting a solid hookset can be challenging.
Moderate Fast
Moderate-fast rods, sometimes referred to as regular-fast rods, offer more bend and cushioning than fast action rods. They generate a solid hookset without ripping the hook out of the fish’s mouth. There are a good option for casting baits and lures. They are also popular for trolling and fighting powerful fish, and ideal for straight retrieves using spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, and chatterbaits.
They have a moderately fast tip and are sensitive to bites, while providing a somewhat softer hookset than a fast action rod. A moderate rod performed best with medium and medium-light powers.
Moderate
Moderate action rods provide good casting ability for medium-size to small baits and lures. These rods have a good hookset rating and can be used for fishing smaller species including river trout and panfish. They are great rods for fishing treble hook lures such as crankbaits, plugs and spoons because the softer and consistent pressure on the hook ensures it will stay in the fish’s mouth.
Slow
Slow action rods have a low degree of sensitivity and responsiveness. These rods bend the most. They can be used for targeting smaller panfish with ultralight power. Hookset capacity for slow action rods is lower compared to moderate and fast action rods.These soft rods are not as popular today as they once were. However, slow action, ultra-light rods are still used in some fly fishing applications and for catching panfish. Slow action rods use light lures with light line.
