Rod Action Question

I’ve been using the same ML fast action rod (Limit Creek Smoothie) for a few years now and dont have many complaints with it. I’m been in the market to add 2 or 3 new rods to the collection this spring, but looking for something with a little more give to it. The Smoothie seems a little stiff with a few of the presentations I use it for, especially since it is classified as a “fast” action rod. So my questions is, do spinning rods have a standardized system to classify extra fast vs. fast or is it dependent on the make/model/blank/length/etc? Essentially, is the limit creek fast action going to be the same as a competitors fast action rod assuming also ML and similar length? Does anyone use a light rod for certain presentations for walleyes or stick to ML/M?

One of the youtube guys I follow close raves about his mojo bass drop shot rod for walleye, says it has a ton of give to it, but its an extra fast rod. How is it that this extra fast rod has more give than my fast action? Maybe I just need to start catching bigger fish to get that bend I’m looking for..

If you know what type of action you are looking for in a specific presentation, then go to the store with no name brands in mind, completely open no matter the price, and pick up every rod within that range. Let the feel tell you what works for you. If you can’t feel it out and know what you are looking for you simply haven’t fished enough or have not been observant enough in the rods to really know what you are looking for. Which is no big deal, get more fish on, fish more presentations and it will come.

Love my 74Lf for livebait rigging, pitching jigs 610mxf, spinners over weedbeds 7mf, vertical jigs 66mf, stickbait trolling/casting cranks 72mm, etc.

My favorite rods are the ones I didn’t go specifically to the store to buy. I was there, they just felt too dam good to put down and they fit a niche which I needed.

Good luck in your search for a new stick. Good times man

Its all about when the rod loads up. I hope Randy W. will post his input he is more knowledgeable then I on this. Here is a chart that show when they load.

There is a lot of latitude within the industry. Action ratings are a reference, but not the same throughout manufacturers. Having a few thousands difference in the tip, butt, of mid section can really set rods apart. As an example comparing my quantum exo rods to Falcon rods, not even close. All the Falcon rods are stiffer and a more stout backbone. In contrast to that, my older Loomis IMX rods are a bit softer than my Quantum rods.

I just suggest taking caution when going into a store and handling a rod only. It can be very deceiving. Put a matching reel on it, few feet of line and load the rod with 4 or 5 ounces. You’ll get a feel for the action when you load it up a little.

And for your last question, YES. I have a few rigging rods that I wanted a very unique softer action for. I have 8’ fly rod blanks built into spinning rods. My favorite panfish rod is a Sage RPII 3wt 7’ built as a moderate spinning. For walleyes, I have a pair of loomis IM6 7wt 8’ built in moderate. They fit that gap that a manufactured rod couldn’t replicate.

I think its hard to find good Medium or ML spinning rods with a more moderate action tip. Don’t know your price range but Shimano Zodias has a couple models between 6′-8″ and 7’0″ that are listed as Moderate-Fast actions. Last I saw some might have been at Joe’s Sporting Goods but that was a while back. Always helps to pick one out in person as actions vary between companies as stated above.

One problem you could have with a slow action rod is when you cast the rod it will wobble around more after the cast. This will result in a shorter cast. Mr. Beads and Randy have the best advice.

I do use light action rods for walleyes. It works great for drop shot presentations, jig fishing, and Lindy rigging.

Agree with Randy on this one. Different manufactures use different blanks processes etc. So each brand length will feel differently even when it has the same “rating” I have had my good friend making me custom rods for this specific reason. I can mock up what I am looking for and decide. We have they same fishing brain so he knows exactly what I am looking for and we play around with enough blanks to get exactly what we are both seeking. Only problem it just ads to my fishing rod obsession, but I guess I could have worse vices in life.

Ripjiggen wrote:

we play around with enough blanks to get exactly what we are both seeking.

How do you get your hands on a bunch of different blanks to play with? I am not exactly sure what I ordered until the blank shows up on my doorstep. I do a lot of research before I order my blanks and have a good idea of what it is. You are unable to sand or reshape the blank action unless it is a solid blank and I will not build on a blank for someone until I had a season of testing that blank. This might also be the reason why I have over 100 rods. I want the person to come fish with me and test some rods before I make them one so I can make sure it is exactly what they want.

Let’s just say his rod building obsession far exceeds my rod buying obsession. He has a ton of blanks we mess around with. He orders new ones all the time just to see what they are like. We only live 5 doors down so whenever he gets a few new blanks in we mess around with them over a couple beers. If I like one he builds it and I test it out for him. If it is not what I/we are looking for exactly he sells it to someone else.
Not saying this is an option for most just making the observation how different rods are with the same “specs” or “action”

Rodwork wrote:

One problem you could have with a slow action rod is when you cast the rod it will wobble around more after the cast.

It’s a learning curve. Slow action (as an example fly rod blank) loads up much different than a medium fast. I exerted less energy casting a 12 foot noodle rod than a 7 foot rod and get a huge longer cast. It’s all in learning how to cast slower to go further. Let the rod do the work

Excellent explanation Randy, thank you. I was able to find a better search engine for fishing rods and stumbled upon a few options for a mod. fast tip, which is what I believe I’m looking for. One of them is that Zodias that Frydog referenced. Just find it odd there isnt more of a standardized system for classifying rod action. I just need to get better about familiarizing myself off all the different brands out there. Sounds like a nice excuse to spend a few afternoons at Joes, Scheels, and fleet farm (&!%#$ cabelas).

Deuces wrote:

My favorite rods are the ones I didn’t go specifically to the store to buy. I was there, they just felt too dam good to put down and they fit a niche which I needed.

Funny you mention that because my favorite ice rod ended up in my possession under the same scenario. A new ice rod was the last thing I needed but I just couldnt get myself to put it back. Hopefully I’ll stumble upon something similar soon!

If I had to choose a handful of rods to always have in the boat for walleye this is it. Covers all season and the majority of presentations.

G Loomis GLX Mag light xf for jigging
Limit creek smoothie for pitching
JT black reign MF for throwing cranks
St Croix Bounce and Troll for trolling and rigging

This is my personal preference but have found it highly effective.

That’s interesting. My personal preference has me looking at something besides the smoothie because I don’t love it for its pitching lol. Personally feel like I lose that “touch” with anything less than 1/4 oz jig, which is almost always what I’m pitching. What was the reason for going the GLX route over IMX and E6X? Never actually held a g loomis rod, only laughed at the price tag, but I think my search will start there.

Seems like the logical decision here is go with a light rod with fast/ extra fast action instead of the original plan of ML rod with mod fast/moderate/slow action.

You will probably be able to find a ml fast action rod that does what you want. They are not all the same.

tbro16 wrote:

That’s interesting. My personal preference has me looking at something besides the smoothie because I don’t love it for its pitching lol. Personally feel like I lose that “touch” with anything less than 1/4 oz jig, which is almost always what I’m pitching. What was the reason for going the GLX route over IMX and E6X? Never actually held a g loomis rod, only laughed at the price tag, but I think my search will start there.

Seems like the logical decision here is go with a light rod with fast/ extra fast action instead of the original plan of ML rod with mod fast/moderate/slow action.

The GLX was kind of a fluke. I bought it used because I thought the price tag for new was outta control. It’s a remarkable rod and I’ll never hug with anything else.

I have an IMX that I also use for pitching plastics but i like the smoothie better. Like you mentioned, a lot is preference and fishing style.

Dusty Gesinger wrote:

You will probably be able to find a ml fast action rod that does what you want. They are not all the same.

I agree. I don’t know what some lights are like, mine specifically is for livebait rigging, and sucker fishing although my suckers are flooded and in tight quarters now so when I get a bigger carp on I’m simply outmatched.

I don’t like anything under ml for river fishing, I’m usually not out there for eater fish either. Have had to many big fish man handle me by wood, snags, current etc. I’m usually that guy fishing aggressively in $hit most aren’t.

If you haven’t picked up these yet they are absolutely worth a feel…..

1.fenwick elite tech 610mlxf
2.muse gold 610mlxf or equivalent
3.st.croix eyecon ml

Anything over 1/16oz and under 1/4oz gets the ml and perform wonderfully with the power needed there when you need it.

I bought a fenwick elite tech last year. Unfortunately before I got hardly any use out of it a surprise muskie while walleye fishing alone in the dark got the best of me and that rod laying in the bottom of my boat snapped clean.

Anyway, appreciate the recommendations. Will certainly look into them. Have put together a nice list of ml and l rods I’d like to see before making a few purchases. The ideal rod I’m discussing here will be used for handling jigging raps and tossing 1/16 to 3/16 oz jigs with live bait. Maybe the occasional light spinner rig and/or slip bobber. Most ML rods recommend lure weight minimums of 1/8 oz, like my smoothie, but it feels like a stretch. This is where experimenting with other brands will help most.

My go too for light presentations is StCroix 7 foot MLXF
either my Tournaments series or my Legend Elites the Elites being lighter have just that little bit extra feel to it with very light presentations.The Avids in 7 foot MLXF are nothing to sneeze at either for there price range.

I have had GLoomis NRX`s 802S in MLXF there tip is a bit stiffer then I like for light presentation such as we are discussing.

tbro16 wrote:

I bought a fenwick elite tech last year. Unfortunately before I got hardly any use out of it a surprise muskie while <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>walleye fishing alone in the dark got the best of me and that rod laying in the bottom of my boat snapped clean.

Anyway, appreciate the recommendations. Will certainly look into them. Have put together a nice list of ml and l rods I’d like to see before making a few purchases. The ideal rod I’m discussing here will be used for handling jigging raps and tossing 1/16 to 3/16 oz jigs with live bait. Maybe the occasional light spinner rig and/or slip bobber. Most ML rods recommend lure weight minimums of 1/8 oz, like my smoothie, but it feels like a stretch. This is where experimenting with other brands will help most.

Did you send it in to get replaced? As far as the elite tech I was not a fan. Fenwick no longer makes the elite tech it is being replaced by the new techna, which is a much nicer rod imo.

Ripjiggen wrote:

As far as the elite tech I was not a fan. Fenwick no longer makes the elite tech it is being replaced by the new techna, which is a much nicer rod imo.

Noooooo! Mine is the bass series rod. Mine too is broke. Costs $75 and ship it in to Fenwick. Do that one day here….

Those handles can’t be beat IMO

tbro16 wrote:

The ideal rod I’m discussing here will be used for tossing 1/16 to 3/16 oz jigs with live bait.

tbro16 wrote:

My personal preference has me looking at something besides the smoothie because I don’t love it for its pitching

Caught tonight pitching a 3/16 oz jig and live bait. Maybe the smoothie isnt the one with the issue here…

“if it ain’t broke dont fix it”

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Nice fish.

If everytime we all caught a nice fish it was a reminder that we don’t need another rod we’d all have alot less rods…..

Go and buy another rod now dammit as to not curse the rest of us

Guy I was fishing next to appeared to have the cheapest rod and reel he could stumble upon. He also caught twice as many fish as I did.

We’re all stupid for “investing” as much as we do into this sport but as long as the wives and girlfriends dont realize it who cares? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

check out st. croix bass-X line, it tends to have a slower ore parabolic action

Mr. Beads, where can you currently get the Muse Gold. Bought a couple when Scheels had them on sale and one from Gander. My favorite is the 6′ 9″ M.They are so light.

tbro16 wrote:

One of the youtube guys I follow close raves about his mojo bass drop shot rod for walleye, says it has a ton of give to it, but its an extra fast rod.

I believe that Tom Boley is now an Elliott Rods guy, as of recently, so now you gotta buy one of those

Nice fish you got in that pic

moustachesteve wrote:

I believe that Tom Boley is now an Elliott Rods guy, as of recently, so now you gotta buy one of those

Elliott makes some nice stuff. I am working on 3 of is blanks right now. I built on a couple of them last year and they are now some of my favorites. Great actions.

Open Water

moustachesteve wrote:

I believe that Tom Boley is now an Elliott Rods guy, as of recently, so now you gotta buy one of those

Sounds expensive. Maybe I’ll talk to my good pal Mr. Pohlad and he’d pick up the rest of the tab for me..

nord wrote:

Mr. Beads, where can you currently get the Muse Gold. Bought a couple when Scheels had them on sale and one from Gander. My favorite is the 6′ 9″ M.They are so light.

2 springs ago I got mine at Joe’s. I agree, feather light. Becoming on of my favorite rods. Did real well up in Monticello too all of winter open water.

Picked up about every rod that Scheels, Fleet farm, and Joes had to offer. Wasnt going to spend $400+ on a rod, but anything under was seriously considered. Unfortunately Scheels and Joes were sold out of the Mag light G Loomis rods I wanted to see, but when comparing the 7′ L E6X Loomis to 7′ L Elliot there was no question. I walked away with the Elliot very confidently. I was also very, very impressed with the 7′ ML Mojo Yak rod from St Croix so I bought one for the slightly bigger presentations. Appreciate all the responses to help me out!

Now, time for the field test! Happy Opener!