Why Do Fishing Rods Bend? (All You Need to Know!)

Oftentimes, newbies in the world of fishing are baffled by the sight of their fishing rods bending. While some curve down a few inches, others lean a good distance.

All fishing rods bend. And there is a solid reason why.

Why do fishing rods bend?

Fishing rods mainly bend to make sure that the tension on the line is held and evenly distributed whenever a fish is trying to fight with force. Moreover, when a fishing rod bends, it has greater sensitivity of tug, and the cast is much more controlled, as well as distant.

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When the pressure is taken off the line, even vigorous and fast movements from the fish will not slack or break the fishing rod. How much or in which direction the rod will bend is dependent on the action of the rod.

The action of the rod can be moderate, fast, or extra fast. This determines how quickly the rod will come to a halt once it starts bending, with extra fast being the shortest bending distance.

4 reasons why fishing rods bend:

More powerful casting:

As all fishermen agree, a longer rod is much harder to cast due to the stiffness of the rod. On the same lines, a fishing rod bends to make this casting more powerful, accurate, and travel a further distance.

When the rod curves to an angle, it allows a uniform motion to be set into place, so that the pressure is more evenly distributed on the line.

Additionally, in the case of a light rod, the fishing rods bend more compared to a heavy rod. That’s also why when light rods are cast, it takes more time, while casting on the heavy, less flexible rods is always quicker.

Due to the slow movement of a bent rod, you are able to understand even if there is a slight tug even by the smallest of fish.

Decreases pressure on line:

One of the primal reasons why fishing rods bend is to relieve the pressure on the fishing line. When a fishing rod bends to a certain degree, retaining the tension on the line becomes much easier.

Although when the fishing rods bend to great degrees, you might think that your rod would snap into two pieces at any time. In fact, it is the opposite.

The reduced stress on the line makes sure that the line is not as stiff. Hence when a fish is hooked and fighting, the rod does not break but provides more flexibility.

This is why most fighting rods are designed in such a way that their line tension can be adjusted so that when you have caught a fish, it does not break out of the capture so easily.

Greater sensitivity:

When you catch a lure, sometimes it is almost immediately that you can feel a pull. Other times, you may have a big lure at the end of the rod, but you cannot feel the tug.

When fishing rods are bendable, the sensitivity increases. This also allows the rod to be more lightweight when you hold it in your hands.

So, if you wish to go fishing and have caught dinner of a small size, the only way to understand if there is any tug, is because of the bending of the fishing rod.

Winning fish fights:

When you catch a fish, the fish tends to use all its might and force to escape the hook. It moves and rumbles violently. If the fishing rod does not have enough flexing ability, the fish is more likely to yank away from the tug.

While winning and not giving in when it comes to fish fights is one reason fishing rods bend, this curving nature also helps to catch much heavier fishes.

As the rod curves, the line captivates energy from the force exerted by the fighting fish. Thus, this helps to prevent the rod line to break due to forced pulls from the fish.

Can a fishing rod bend both ways?

Although a fishing rod can bend both ways, it should not be angled in both directions. This is because the rod spine is constructed to be on only one side, and not on both.

Through simple methods, fishermen find out the position of their spine and hence finding which way the fishing rod should bend.

Moreover, the direction in which a fishing rod will bend will also depend on what type of fishing rod is being used. In the case of a standard casting rod, you will notice that the reel is located on the upper spine arc. On the other hand, a spinning rod has its reel located at the bottom end.

Which way should a fishing rod bend?

Which way the fishing rod should be will depend on the action of the rod.

A fishing rod should bend in the alignment of the position of the spine. If the reel is placed on the top of the spine arc, the rod is meant to bend in the same direction.

Similarly, with a spinning rod, the reel is placed at the lower part of the spine arc, and hence the fishing rod should bend accordingly.

If you are able to find the position of the spine in the fishing rod you are using, you will be able to discover which is the side in which your fishing rod bends, without external changes.

How much can a fishing rod bend?

How much a fishing rod can or will bend is entirely dependent on the “action” of the rod. The action of the rod is what determines how far the rod will bend from the tip and in which direction.

The action of the rod can be labeled in the following categories

: fast, extra fast, and moderate.

In the case of a moderate action rod, the rod will curve to a third of a distance below. On the contrary, a heavy, extra fast rod will only bend about 4 inches or less.

Fast or moderate action can also be described as the speed with which a rod bends before it stops to transfer energy.

How to fix a bent fishing rod?

If your fishing rod seems to be permanently bet, here is a simple and easy way to fix the bent rod.

Step 1: Cut out a mark in a wooden plain, preferably 2 inches by 4 inches.
Step 2: Place the rod on the plain, and secure the rod on the plank using tapes.
Step 3: Use any heavy weights, like dumbbells, to place around the rod
Step 4: Change the position of the weights so that the rod is straightened.
Step5: Use a hairdryer to heat the straightened parts. Be careful to not use too much heat.

Why are fishing rods flexible?

Fishing rods are flexible so that when you hook a fish at the end of the rod, and it is trying to escape with vigorous movements, the tension on the line is held.

Moreover, when a rod is flexible, the pressure distribution is even. This stops the rod from snapping when too much force is exerted.

In addition to that, a flexible rod can cast with more accuracy as well as better distance. The flexibility also adds the advantage of the rod to feel lighter on the hands, with much better sensitivity.

Why is it important that fishing rods bend?

Fishing rods must bend to prevent slacking of the line. If fishing rods did not bend, just like some heavy rods with stiffer design, there would be higher chances of the rod breaking whenever a lure is hooked.

Moreover, the bending nature of a fishing rod, not only holds the tension on the line, but it also makes sure that the line is not stressed beyond limits.

A flexible fishing rod that bends casts better as well. Moreover, as you cast a lure, the bending curvature of the rod will make sure you get to feel even the smallest tugs.

Is bending is bad for fishing rod?

No, bending is not bad for a fishing rod. A fishing rod is meant to bend on one side. Depending on whether the action of the rod is moderate, fast, or extra fast, the rod will bend 1/3 of the distance or less.

Why are fishing rods so strong?

Fishing rods are designed to be strong so that they do not snap or break when a fish is caught. When heavier fish is hooked, they move with great force. A strong fishing rod is more durable and can be used for heavier lures.

What are fishing rods made of?

Fishing rods that are used in recent times are made of carbon fiber, as known as graphite. They are also made of fiber. However, even a few years ago, fishing rods were constructed using wood variations such as ash or bamboo.

If fishing is your game, it is incredibly important that your fishing rod suits your needs. Whether you go for heavy fishing or light, a certain degree of bending in the fishing rod is certainly required.

After all, you would not want the rod to break off the very moment you have caught a big dinner!