I have been fishing for along time and because of this I figured I knew enough about my equipment. Of course it never fails as I research topics for articles I find out there is still more to know. I understand the flex of fishing rods but I did not understand truly what each rod was truly meant to do. So after some research I bring you rod flex and it purpose.
Let's start by defining the 3 different types of rod flex.
Fast - Rod bends at the top one third of the rod.
Medium - Rod bends down to about the middle of the rod.
Slow - Rod bends almost all the way to the reel seat.
So what does the Fast, Medium, and Slow really mean when it comes to casting, distance hookset, and fighting the fish. This is what I was really interested in learning more about.
So let's start with Medium rod flex, basicly this is a great all around us rod.. They provide decent casting distances with the ability to cast small lures with easy and fling live bait out without constantly fling your bait off. As for hook setting power it is not the best but it is not the worst it is that perfect balance of hook set power. Because of the not overpowering hook set power these rods work great for treble hook type lures and top water baits. The lures on these fish are normally not set deep, so the flower action of the rod and hook set will not pull the lure away from the fish before it has a good chance to be placed just right. Overall the Medium flex rod is a great starter rod for most fishermen and is one that most of us should have in our arsenal.
Next the Slow rod flex, casting with these rods in great as far as distance but you cannot use much weight on the line so they are really meant for small light lures. Accuracy is not high with these rods as the cast for distance but with practice you can improve your overall accuracy. Hook set is lost with this rod in its power, but I think most of us would use these rods for bait fishing which allows the fish to completely swallow your offering. The plus of the slow flex rods is they are great at allowing you to land that crazy flopping fish on light line close to your float tube. I remember fishing as a kid for trout in the mountains, most of my rods where these slow flex rods because those trout would go crazy at the shore and on light line you don’t want to break the line one a rod that does not absorb the thrashing of the fish.
Rod Flex and Its Purpose