Everyone likes to talk about rod “action,” or what I
call “reaction.” The action of the rod translates into how much of the
blank flexes. Typically, rod actions are described as slow, medium, fast
and extra-fast.
For instance an “extra fast” action is where only the
tip end of the rod flexes, while a “fast” action flexes in the upper third
of the blank. These are great for fishing jigs and worms because you don’t
want the rod to flex too much. Conversely, a “slow” action rod flexes with
a parabolic action, in the top three-fourths of the rod. These are great
for crankbaits, since the blank “gives” somewhat to slow down the reaction
time.
I see people confusing “power” for “action.” Power
refers to the amount of force required to flex (bend) the rod blank – or
it’s stiffness. Generally, you can get rods with powers such as ultra
light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy and magnum-heavy.
When someone says “that is a heavy action rod,” what they probably mean is
“that is a heavy power rod with a fast or ultra-fast action.”
For pitching a jig, I use a CastAway 7M HG40, which is
a 7’0” medium-heavy power with a fast action. It has the length and
backbone I need to horse bass out of lay downs and heavy weeds, yet I can
throw a 1/4 ounce jig on Berkley’s 14-pound Premium Strength photochromic
line with ease. CastAway’s HG40 graphite is comparable to IM6 or GL3. It
has the power of standard graphite but is lighter and more sensitive.
For crankbaits, I use a CastAway STM7, which is a 7’0”
medium power rod with a slow action. This is one of the Soft Touch
Crankbait Rods, which is a composite of graphite and fiberglass for less
sensitivity (read: you don’t pull the lure away from the fish too quick). I
can throw a 3/8 to 5/8 crankbait on Berkley’s 12-pound Sensation low-vis
green line all day long with this rod.
So when you are looking for a new rod (after all, you
can never have too many!) think of what you plan to use it for and pick the
action and the power that is best for you. If you are looking for a great
rod value, check out CastAway Graphite Rods at
http://www.castwayrods.com.