Which Fly Rod Action Is Best? | How to Choose The Best Fly Rod (Part 4/5)

[@chasecook3854]

Fly rods are essentially springs. Their purpose is to store and release energy. Action is just the spring constant. In Physics, that tells us how stiff a spring is, and how much force is required to compress it. It also tells us how "fast" the spring will decompress when we release the compressive forces on it. Maybe that's why they use the "fast" and "slow" nomenclature to describe rod action. In the context of fly fishing, action effectively tells us how fast the rod will release energy (as it unloads) and also how easily it will store energy (as it loads). Thus, a slow action rod easily compresses and stores energy and is slower to decompress and release energy (less line speed). Which is why they have a better "feel" and are more forgiving. A fast rod is harder to compress and store energy and is faster to decompress and release that energy (generates more like speed).

[@Tridentflyfishing]

good breakdown

[@tinaltamirano]

Not exactly. Fly rods are essentially levers, flexible though.

[@jacekmyslinski9629]

Good job Ben like always , thank you.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@profpigeon5441]

I like fast for meatier flies...easy to pick back up and relaunch it fast.

[@skylazart]

Very good explanation thank you

[@johanwithag2432]

Hi, your explanations are absolutely excellent. The best i seen so far on KZbin. I own a 9ft #9 rod for pike fly fishing. Way to long and heavy for the environments I'm fishing in (Dutch "polders" with lot of trees nearby and often very windy. So I'm looking for a 7.5 ft #7 or #8 for example (or even a 6.0 ft #7), and in two pieces. Nowhere to find on the planet. So I'm considering to build one myself.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Thanks for the kind words, Johan! What about something like Sage Payload?

[@johanwithag2432]

@@Tridentflyfishing Hi, thanks for pointing me to the Sage Payload, but they are also 8.9 ft at #6-7-8-9. There are lots of 6ft and 7ft rods in the #3-4-5 range. I think there is no demand for a 6 or7ft #8 rod I'm thinking of. Cheers!

[@CleddauFly]

For night fishing you ideally need a medium/slow action rod as you are relying on feel on your casting stroke.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Makes sense

[@raywalteroutdoors]

I fish fast action at night in the moonlight. It's all about knowing your surroundings and distance in the dark.

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Great video

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Glad you are enjoying our content

[@kencook7580]

Slow is best for everything.

[@Shawn-ts4jw]

Every fast action rod is actually a weight over, so if you looking for a 8wt get a 7wt fast action.

[@cachi-7878]

You have, Ben; so I won’t be calling. 😉

[@jdk6584]

I’ve just bought a hardy wraith 10ft 7wt half price. I need help finding lines that will suit. I’m after a float intermediate and sinking and I’m trying to find out what will match this better? I’ll be fishing for trout on Stillwater. And also be wading into some of the Stillwater’s. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Have you looked into the Scientific Anglers Stillwater Series? They are available in a variety of densities

[@jdk6584]

@@Tridentflyfishing no I will though. They are a bit heavier with the mpx taper so will they help with the fast action of the rod?

[@Tridentflyfishing]

@@jdk6584 They are heavier and should work well with the Hardy

[@springteen3743]

The most important factor about fast vs slow rods is how heavy , a fast rods are always lighter than slow rods and is the most important factor cause everything else falls behind the weight of the rod, a bvk fast rods 2.8 ounces is way much difference than a 4 ounces glass rod specially if you are a small guy like me, 5 ,4 think about it😢

[@Tridentflyfishing]

in terms of graphite vs glass, graphite is definitely much lighter

[@jimknowles5483]

So if your only criteria for rod selection is " needle point, ultra tight loops " .....your best selection for action and length is.....??

[@Heinrich_Von_Schnellfahrer]

fast for tight loops. as for length I`d say that would depend on what type of fishing you are going for more so than how tight the loops will be. 9 foot is pretty standard.