Rod action
The action the rod matches. This parameter is often associated with spinning models (see “Type”), but it can also be indicated in other varieties.
Action characterizes the overall rigidity and elasticity of the rod blank - the main working part located between the handle and the upper end. In practice, the characteristics of bending and straightening during casting depend on this indicator. The
“faster” the action of the rod, the stiffer it is, the smaller part of it (counting from the upper end) bends when casting and the faster the structure returns to its original state. Conversely, a slow action means that the rod bends almost along its entire length and returns back at a relatively low speed.
If we talk about specific numbers, then models that bend 1/3 of the length or less are considered
fast, and models
that bend 2/3 of the length or more are classified as slow. Between these numbers there are intermediate indicators:
medium-fast,
medium and
medium-slow.
The progressive or complex system stands apart from others. The main feature of such rods is that when casting, they work as a fast-action rod, and when fishing for large prey, they exhibit the properties of a medium or even slow
...action, bending as the load increases in the shape of a parabola and at the same time dampening the jerks of the fish. Progressive rods combine the advantages of fast and slow blanks in one bottle, but they are more expensive than their traditional counterparts.
The choice of fishing rod depends primarily on the expected fishing conditions. Thus, fast models are well suited for situations where there is no space for a swing - they allow you to throw the bait quite far due to just one movement of the wrist. Such products are considered more accurate; with a fast rod it is easier to throw the bait into a “window” among the algae or other small place. In addition, the rigidity provides good sensitivity when retrieving and playing. In turn, a slow action requires space for the swing, but allows for greater casting distance and reduces the likelihood of line breakage during sudden jerks of prey. Well, we should also not forget about the personal preferences of the fisherman - after all, the effectiveness of casting largely depends on the overall convenience of the rod.Line test
This parameter describes the compatibility of the rod with various fishing lines, but its role is not limited to this. Typically, the line test is specified as a range of values, such as 8 – 15 pounds (1 pound — 454 grams). The breaking load of the line used should be within the range specified for the rod. With a lower load, it is likely that the line will break during a sharp movement (for example, during hooking or even when casting), and with a higher load, the rod may break under a load that the line itself would withstand without problems.
Thus, the test on the line characterizes a kind of "power" of the rod, which includes two characteristics: elasticity (the force developed during jerking due to the flexibility of the structure) and the maximum weight load.
Working length
The length of the rod in the unfolded (working) position. For different types of fishing, different lengths are considered optimal; see "Rod Type" for more on this. If the type of rod you need has numerous length variations, when choosing, you should take into account the conditions in which you have to fish. On the one hand, longer models usually have a greater casting distance (this is especially true for float fishing); on the other hand, for limited conditions (for example, with dense vegetation on the shore or when fishing from a boat), it may make sense to take a shorter rod.
Folded length
The length of the rod when folded. This parameter primarily affects the convenience of transportation: the shorter the folded rod, the easier it is to carry / transport.
