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WHAT TEST CURVE ? The test curve is the power of the rod , calculated in pounds and ounces . The exact weight to have the tip of the rod bending to the butt at a 90degrees angle . The higher the test curve , the stronger the rod . What I mean by that is the amount of lead that you can cast with that rod . When it comes to the pressure you can apply , it ’ s a little bit different . Some test has been run on 2.75lb progressive-action and a 3.5lb tip-action . The result was the 2.75 progressive action had more pulling power than the 3.5lb this is due to the flexibility the rod keeps bending and doesn ’ t lock up .
Now that we know the different actions and the test curves what do we want to use on our venue ? It ’ s all about the size of leads and the fishing distance . I ’ m going to tell you how I proceed on one of the most significant rivers of North America , the Columbia River .
When you see the size and the power of this giant the first thing that ’ ll come to mind is getting the most robust rod on the market . However , when I started fishing it I realized that the long distance was pretty much impossible due to the strong current . A 4 to 6oz lead would suit all the conditions that I could encounter on the changing river along the season , knowing that my rod choices will narrow down to a slow or medium action because long distance casting was not an option . I concentrated on the margin . Even though the leads are substantial , especially when the method is packed around it , I can get away with a 2.75lbTC rod . I ’ ll just flip or lob the 4oz lead in order not to stress the rod . The fights in the current are so intense and more pleasurable on a nice bending action rod than on a broomstick . For the harder conditions of high water ( snowmelt , flood ), or a different stretch allowing longer cast , a 3.25lb medium action rod will get the job done with no problem .
As you can see , I didn ’ t talk much about the length of the rods as I stayed very conventional using 11 or 12ft rods . I don ’ t think the 9 or 10ft are appropriate to the big rivers unless you fish in the city . The wild area sometimes requires going above natural obstacles like weed bed and rocks . Thirteen footers are a little too long unless you need to cast at long range , but this is just my point of view .
I think the ideal for an angler is two sets of rods , a light and heavier one , that will help to cover most situations . It also depends on how involved you are in your fishing . If you fish once in a while , a good allrounder will be enough , in this case , a medium action 12ft 2.75 or 3lb will be good . Same thing with how much you want to spend on your rod knowing that the rod doesn ’ t make the angler . I would never tell to a beginner or an occasional angler to get a top of the line rod cause he would not appreciate it ’ s value to the fullest since he has nothing to refer it to or doesn ’ t spend enough time on the bank . Slowly but surely an angler makes his way up with his gear and evolves with it . Believe me , after a while you ’ ll be able to feel the difference in a carp rod , and not only by the price difference . I hope this write up can benefit somebody , I wish you the best in your quest for the golden lady .
Olivier Gandzadi