Sticks

Let’s first start by explaining what an Xtra Fast action rod is. Xtra Fast rods are very sensitive, bend at the tip of the blank and provide good fish fight capability. Xtra Fast action rods are used mostly for single hook applications, such as flipping and jigging. These Xtra Fast action rods have plenty of back bone and provide great hook setting ability. Fast action rods usually bend in the top 1/3 of the blank. These Fast action rods have more sensitivity and less flex than an Xtra Fast action. They are used to fish Carolina rigs, Texas rigs and jigs. Medium or Moderate action rods bend in the top half of the blank. They allow good hook setting abilities and allow the angler to make long casts. Medium action rods are a good choice for most fishing situations and can be used to fish multiple lures. Slow action rods flex towards the rod handle. They are a good choice when fishing lures with treble hooks such as crankbaits. 

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When it comes to fishing, the rod you use can determine how successful you are. Depending on what species you are after or what lures and line you use, the rod makes all the difference. Rods are classified by lure weight and action. Let’s first define action. The rod action is where the rod flexes along the blank. Xtra Fast action rods flex at the tip of the blank, Fast action rods flex close to the tip, Medium action rods flex around the middle of the blank and slow action rods flex near the handle. The action and lure weight of the rod will determine what lures and line you will use. The actions that most bass fisherman should be concerned with are Xtra Fast, Fast, Medium and Slow. Each of these actions has a special use for a specific lure or technique.

Modern day rods are constructed of graphite, boron and fiberglass. Graphite rods are the most popular and are used for all situations. They are very sensitive and widely available. Boron rods are denser and more sensitive than graphite. They are also more expensive. Fiberglass rods are very durable with lots of flex, and less sensitive than both graphite and boron. Fiberglass rods are usually used for fishing crankbaits and lures with treble hooks.

There is no industry standard when you are dealing with fishing rods. What I mean is a medium action rod from one manufacturer may be different than a medium action rod from another, so it is usually a touch and feel sort of thing. You should never buy a rod without first picking it up and getting the feel of it. You really won’t know how you like your new rod, until you actually take it out a fish with it.  Take these few tips and go out, get a new rod and go fishing. 

- Don Manning (FISH THIS)