Xfast rods?

[Spazzums08]

Hey guys, why are Extra-Fast rods reccomended for drop-shotting and jigging? Same question for moderate rods and crankbaits?

[PerchJerker]

Extra Fast and Moderate refer to the action of the rod, or to put it another way, how much of the rod bends from the rod tip going back toward the handle.

For techniques like dropshotting, jigging, live bait rigging, etc. you typically want a very sensitive rod with a very fast tip -- as soon as the fish hits the bait you feel the bite, and you do a quick hookset. And you're typically fighting a fish with only 1 hook in it's mouth. Fast action rods excel in this application.

For crankbaits, you typically have a bait that pulls against the rod and starts to load it up (ie. bend the rod tip), whether you're casting or trolling. When the fish hit they often hook themselves due to the multiple treble hooks, and you don't need as quick of a hookset as you do with dropshotting or jigging. The softer, slower action of a moderate or medium action rod does better at absorbing the pull from the crankbait, and cushioning against a fish that's fighting against multiple hooks.

Hope this makes sense.

I'm curious to hear what others have to say about this. It's a good question.

[rodmaker]

PerchJerker,

Well put . The HSR 9000 G. Loomis IMX is a great rod for live bait rigging.

Like you mentioned, with a baitcasting rod, you need the rod to absorb the hit, you don't want something stiff where you are ripping their lips off, because there is no give.

[delmuts]

i have heard and read too, that a slower action rod helps the fish have that extra split second to get the crank bait in its' mouth . where as a fast action rod, you could pull the lure away from it.

[Deitz Dittrich]

yep, what Perch said... Its all about how to present the lure better. If you must put the action in the lure you are looking for a faster tip.. if the lure has its own action, a much slower more moderate action is desired.

[slipperybob]

A drop-shot and jigging rod has a different bend curve along the tip portion of the rod. I do believe the drop-shot specific rod has it down lower from the tip, then again baitcasters and spinning rods are quite different from each other. As so far as imparting action, drop-shot and jigging gets most of the subtle finesse action right from the wrist.

For crankbaits that rely on steady retrieve or long sweeps a moderate rod aids in the action of the lure better. An extra-fast action rod might make a crank go from pause to top speed and roll the crank instead of giving it the wobble dive-swim action.

Although I'll use fast action rod for light cranks of 1/4 oz and less.

[fishorgolf]

Perchjerker, I have noticed from all your posts that you have a very strong talent for explaining things in a very precise easy to understand way. I talent I wish I had. Are you and english major or is it just a natural talent?

[PerchJerker]

Thanks so much for the compliment

I work in Marketing and do a lot with sales letters and brochures, etc. I don't do much of the writing myself but give a lot of direction to copywriters and designers, and review and approve all that stuff before it goes to print.