Rod Actions and Tapers

Slow, Medium and Fast Actions

A slow rod is one that will flex down its full length.

A medium rod has most of its flex in the top half of the rod leaving the bottom half stiffer.

A fast action rod has most of its flex in the top quarter of the rod and will be stiffer in the middle and butt section.

Progressive Taper

A progressive taper is a rod which has a smooth, even increase in thickness all the way to the handle.

A rod built to this form will get increasingly stiffer towards the handle, therefore the more load that is applied the deeper the rod will flex.

This type of design is good for casting at short, medium and long distances.

Compound Taper

This is basically a progressive taper, but the increase in diameter is varied along the length of the rod. Most of the old classic tapers were made to a compound taper.

Parabolic

This type of rod will flex more in the butt section when a heavy load is applied.

They have a stiff middle section and a flexible butt section.

Rods with parabolic tapers are slow and powerful and make fantastic roll casting rods.

Personal Recommendation and Advice

If you need advice on what type of rod to choose I will be very pleased to help you.

Bear these questions in mind when making a decision about a specific rod:

What would you like your new rod to do?

1) Do you need distance or delicacy from your rod?

2) Roughly, what size fish do you intend to
catch?

3) What is your desired line size?

4) What is your ideal length of rod for the conditions in which you intend to fish?

As a rod maker I would like to look at your casting style if possible.
The more I find out about you and were you fish the better I am to tailor a rod to your individual needs.