The Ultimate Guide to Fishing Rod Power, Action, and Length

Walking into a tackle shop to find a new fishing rod can be overwhelming. There are a vast number of rods lining the shelves: long rods and short rods, thick rods and skinny rods, stiff rods and whippy rods… With so many choices it is easy to get lost and potentially pick the wrong fishing pole for your technique. In this post, I’m going to share what I wish I had known ten years ago so that you can navigate through the massive inventory of fishing poles and pinpoint the perfect rod for your fishing style.

There are three primary fishing pole characteristics: power, action, and length. Power refers to the weight class of the bait a fishing pole is designed for. Action refers to where the fishing pole bends on the rod. Fast action bends at the tip while slow action bends at the base of the pole. Practically speaking, your fishing technique is most influenced by the action of a pole. For instance, if you are jigging then you want a fast action pole that provides sensitivity and a quick hookset. I will dive into the details of pole action later. And finally there is a pole’s length. How long your fishing rod should be is a trade between handling and leverage. Shorter poles have better handling and longer poles have better leverage.

Before diving into the three primary fishing pole characteristics, it is important to consider the fish you are targeting and the technique you are using. Are you trolling or jigging? Are you targeting northern pike or bass? Are you throwing a heavy spinner bait or a small Mepps spinner? Take a moment to think about the weight of the lures you are using and the size of the fish you are targeting. Also, think about your style of fishing: are you jigging, trolling, casting, throwing top water, etc. And finally, think about how far you need to cast versus whether you want to be precise in the location of your casts (shooting docks and cover). Finding the best fishing pole for you means you have perfectly matched the weight of your bait, the technique you are using, and the leverage you need in a fishing pole.

Selecting the right fishing rod can make all the difference in your angling success. To help you make an informed decision, this guide breaks down the key factors: rod power, rod action, and rod length. We’ll explore their characteristics, how they affect your fishing experience, and the techniques they are best suited for.

Fishing Rod Power Explained

Rod power refers to the strength of the rod and its ability to handle different lure weights and fish sizes. Rod power is the amount of deflection or bend when load is applied. The fishing pole power is sized for different lure weights and fish sizes. Choosing the correct power to match the lures you use and fish you are targeting will be critical for rod performance.  Here’s a breakdown:

Key Takeaway: Lighter rods are ideal for finesse techniques and smaller fish, while heavier rods are built for larger species and bigger lures.

Another way to explain rod power is that if the same weight is applied across different power fishing poles, the rod would bend as seen in the picture below. Heavy power would bend the least and ultra-light power would bend the most.

Fishing Rod Action Explained

Rod action describes where the rod flexes when load is applied. This directly impacts hook-setting and sensitivity. A fast action rod bends towards the tip which gives anglers more sensitivity and allows for a quicker hookset than say a Moderate action rod. A Moderate action rod bends in the middle of the rod and has less sensitivity and a delayed response when setting the hook. This is a desirable trait to have when trolling or retrieving crank baits. The pole is already somewhat loaded by the drag of your lure so that when a fish bites, a Moderate action rod provides the correct response to hook the fish. Here’s an overview:

Key Takeaway: Faster action rods are more sensitive and offer better hook-setting power, while slower action rods provide greater casting distance and flexibility for treble-hook lures.

Fishing Rod Length Guide

Rod length impacts your casting ability, leverage, and overall control. More and more, fishing rods are getting longer. This is because of the advances in graphite to increase strength and reduce the weight of a rod.  Like Archimedes said, “Give me a lever long enough… and I can move the world.” In fishing having a longer rod (more leverage) means you can move your bait further with one motion, you can set the hook more powerfully, and you can cast further. If this is the case, why would you ever want a shorter pole? Storage, handling, and weight are the main reasons why you should consider a shorter pole. If you travel with your pole, if you need pinpoint precision when casting into cover, or if you are holding your pole all day – a shorter pole provides anglers with the ability to stay out on the water longer and present their baits right up into cover. Here’s a breakdown of different fishing pole lengths:

Key Takeaway: Shorter rods offer precision in tight spaces, while longer rods provide better casting distance and leverage for larger fish.

How to Choose the Perfect Fishing Pole

When selecting a fishing rod, consider these factors:

1. Fishing Environment: Are you fishing in tight spaces, open waters, or along the surf?
2. Target Species: Match the rod power to the size of fish you’re targeting.
3. Fishing Technique: Choose the rod action that aligns with your preferred fishing style and lures.
4. Casting Distance vs. Accuracy: Decide whether you need long casts or precise control.

By combining the right power, action, and length, you’ll maximize your fishing performance and enjoyment. Take the time to experiment and find the perfect setup for your angling needs.

Using these principles, I have created specific posts for:

• The Best Crappie Rod and Reel Combo
• The Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo