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Fishing Rod Action, Power, Weight, Size, Capacity Explained

If you are a beginner in fishing, you might be confused about the terms used to explain a fishing rod. You find various types of fishing rods in the market.

But choosing the right rod is difficult if you don’t know what to consider before buying. Fishing rod action, power, weight, size, capacity, etc. are the essential features to consider before buying.

The fishing rod is the most expensive equipment for fishing. The right fishing rod will worth your money. Balance among the features can make a rod the right one. So, you should know the factors that make a fishing rod suitable for you.

In this article, we will explain the terms to help you know the features. For example, the meaning of fishing rod action and power, the standard weight of fishing rod and line, rod size and capacity, etc. You will also give the idea about the heavy and medium fishing rod.

What does fishing rod action mean?

Rod action means how much a rod can bend on the tip of the rod under pressure. Generally, fast, moderate, and slow are the three actions in a fishing rod. A fast action rod bends only at the top and a moderate action rod bends over the last half. Lastly, a slow action rod bends more than half.

Rod action also describes the speed at which the fishing rod will return to its initial position. This action depends on the material and construction process.

Rod action can be modified to make the rod more suitable. For example, extra fast and moderate fast are two of the modified actions.

Among the actions, the fast action rod is the most popular. Because it gives better sensitivity and has a fast load up for hook-setting. Medium action rod also gives better hook-setting power. But the slow action rod is convenient for casting smaller lures.

What does fishing rod power mean?

Fishing rod power means the amount of pressure required to bend the rod at its action. It also means the overall stiffness of the blank. Rod power corresponds to the line strength. Ultra-light, light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, and extra-heavy are the power rating used in a rod.

Various fishing rods have different rod power. For different power, you should choose a different fishing line. You should consider the power because the rod can’t hold the weight if the rod power isn’t enough.

You can’t catch a heavy-weight fish with a light power rating rod. Ultimately, the rod will break. That’s why the fishing rod has different power ratings. So, the main concept of rod power relates to how much pressure the rod can hold.

What does fishing rod weight mean?

The fishing rod weight refers to the strength of the red. Rod weight is also called rod power. Generally, it describes the resistance to bending of the rod. Rod weight also has ratings like rod power. Ultra-light, light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, and extra heavy are the rod weight ratings.

Rod weight is also related to lure weight. If you want to catch heavier fish, you must need heavier lure weight. Similarly, for a heavier lure, you must need a heavier rod. So, the rod weight, lure weight, and fish weights are interconnected.

The rod weight corresponds to the strength of the rod all things being equal. If the rod weight is heavy, all the things needed with the rod will be heavy. The rod will be heavy to hold. Similarly, a light rod will be light to hold.

What does fishing rod line weight mean?

Fishing rod line weight means a weight range of pounds or tensile force that the rod supports. Fishing line weight also describes the suitable distance and accuracy achieved while bending the rod. Fishing rod line weight range changing also changes the rod’s action and power.

Fishing rod line weight is related to the rod weight. Line weight differs for different rod’s weight. Specifically, rod weight is expressed as “N”wt (e.g. 6wt). This expresses a standard weight in grains for the first 30 feet (9 m) of the fly line.

For example, if the rod weight is expressed 6wt, which means the first 30 in (75 cm) of a 6wt fly line weight should be between 152–168 grains (10–11 grams).

What does fishing rod size mean?

Generally, fishing rod size means the length of the rod. This length refers to the length between the endpoint of the handle and the endpoint of the rod tip. Fishing rod size has an impact on the casting distance. The more the rod size, the more casting distance can be achieved.

The fishing rod length ranges from 6 to 12 feet. Each size of the fishing rod has different purposes. For example, a long size rod provides more hook setting force. So, choosing the right-sized rod is essential according to your purpose.

Moreover, fishing rod size greatly affects the following aspects of fishing.

  • The size of the fishing rod affects the accuracy of the casting.
  • Casting distance also depends on the size of the fishing rod.
  • Short and long-sized rods give an impact on leverage.
  • Different-sized rods can give comfort according to personal choice.

What does fishing rod capacity mean?

Typically, fishing rod capacity means how much weight the rod can hold. Fishing rod capacity is related to the rod weight capacity and line weight capacity. Because a fishing rod is capable if it can hold the overall weight properly along with reasonable fish weight.

The fishing rods are available in different sizes and weights. These measurements vary with the fishing rod’s capacity. A good capacity fishing rod means the rod has minimum length, weight, and other dimensions to resist bending.

The Fishing rod’s capacity refers to the overall ability of the rod. If anyone doesn’t consider any of the dimensions of the rod properly, the rod’s capacity may fall. So, for ensuring a fishing rod’s capacity, you should check the length, weight, line, and lure rating.

What does medium/heavy mean on a fishing rod?

On a fishing rod, medium/heavy means the rod’s power. It refers to the amount of pressure required to bend the rod at its action. The overall stiffness also relates to the rod power. Medium or heavy is one of the fishing rod’s power categories available in the market.

The fishing rods have different rod power. Rod power has a great impact on the application of the rod. For example, a heavy power rod is suitable for offshore trolling. On the other hand, a medium power rod is suitable for surf casting.

If you want a heavy-weight fish, you have to choose a heavy fishing rod. While fishing, a heavy power rod will bend about three inches before transferring the power to the blank. But a medium power rod is comparatively slower than a heavy power rod.

What does lure weight mean on a fishing rod?

On a fishing rod, lure weight means the standard weight of the fishing lure when the rod is loaded upon the cast. Lure weight is the mass that corresponds with the fishing line. If the lure is lightweight, the line will cast a shorter distance. Contrarily, a heavy lure will give a slow cast.

The working capacity of the fishing line and rod also depend on lure weight. If your fishing lure weight is appropriate, your fishing accuracy and distance will be also proper. So, you have to choose the fishing rod with a matching lure weight.

Every fishing rod has a specific limit of lure weight. For example, a light power fishing rod can hold a lure weight that ranges between 4 to 8 lbs. Similarly a heavy power fishing rod can hold a lure weight that ranges between 20 to 40 lbs.

What does a test curve mean on a fishing rod?

A test curve on a fishing rod means a measurement in pounds or ounces. It refers to the weight to bend the rod through 90 degrees angle. If you put weight to the tip of the rod, the rod will start to bend. The weight needed to bend the rod to 90 degrees is called the test curve on a fishing rod.

Specifically, a 3lb test curve on a fishing rod means that the rod will bend to 90 degrees if you put a 3lb weight on the tip of the fishing rod.

The test curve is an essential part of the measurement of the fishing rod’s power and action. The test curve has an interesting characteristic.

If you increase the weight to the tip gradually, the rod will bend at a greater angle. But later, the angle will change a little with the increase in weight.

A fishing rod is the most essential equipment for fishing. Choosing the right fishing rod is not easy. But choosing the right one can increase your fishing efficiency. If you are a beginner, you must know the guidelines.

Fishing rod dimensions and specifications are important to know before buying a fishing rod. So, if you want to buy a fishing rod, make sure you know all the little details about the fishing rod. 

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