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Craig & Group...
[GH] A little quiz on fly rod characteristics including "action", "strength" and "speed" :-
1.) We've read several interpretations and descriptions of these words applied to fly rods in our past messages.
Question: Which of these (or your own) descriptions make the most sense to YOU.
a. Fly rod action.
b. Fly rod strength.
c. Fly rod speed.
a. action
( i see Action as Movement, how the rod moves, reacts to the caster, his quarry, line and fly choice, )
[GH] Your answers to question 4 include b. and c.
2.) Your student is a 15 year old high school student who is taking a fly casting course as an elective to help complete his physical education requirements. He has a low grade average.
He asks you this question after raising his hand in class :
"We read about 'effective rod lengths', but I still don't understand what this means. Could you explain it in simple terms ? "
Question: How do you answer him ?
if a vertically held 9 ft rod is bent down 4ft it would then have an effective rod length of 5 ft.
the bend depth (amount) changes according to the rod's task.
[GH] One could look at it that way. However, I think the original intent of the term "effective rod length" was to describe an inherent property of a particular fly rod. That is why Marlnaro used the term "....the chord which subtends the arc of the fully bent rod." In other words, a way of comparing the physical property of one rod compared with another.
Frankly, I see value in your way of seeing it. Looking at it that way, if I fight a small fish with a 9 foot rod and only the tip bends, then I'm fighting with a rod which is effective at, say, 8'. If I hook a huge fish on the same rod and the tippet holds as the rod bends way down to about 4 feet, then I'm fighting with a rod which is effective at 4 feet.
3.) After you answered the student in 2.), he then asks :
"Well..... how will this help me when I go to buy a fly rod to catch striped bass ?"
Question: What do you tell him ?
one task the rod's particular bend will help you with is sending the line out, in your style,
BUT
equally important, it helps you fight a fish. a long soft rod is not a big bass boat rod.
you will not be able to lift the fish. but if that rod casts well FOR YOU, you could use it
casting from shore, you would certainly be able to beach the big boy by walking her in.
4.) How would you explain each of these terms to your student at an intermediate level :
a. Fly rod action.
how the rod bends. where it bends when. how it moves.
possible adjectives: crisp, deep, noodle.
it's feel.
think: Goldie Locks....
b. Fly rod strength.
how much torture, work, the rod can handle before it collapses. strength is for casting as well as fighting fish.
c. Fly rod speed.
the time it takes for the rod to come straight after being released from a bend.
we use terms such as slow, medium, fast recovery to describe fly rod speed.
(often confused with action)
d. Overall length.
static, at rest measurement, of rod from tip-top to butt cap. rods can be many lengths, but anything between 7 - 10 ft (in a single handed rod) is common.
e. Rod rating. (Line wt. rating.)
a way to describe, classify, a rod based on the weight of the first 30 (or so) feet of fly line it was designed to cast best with.
the rod's rating dictates the fly size we will be comfortable casting with it, as well as the size of our quarry.
example:
a 5 wgt. rod is considered a medium wgt.
designed around casting a 145 (+) grain line.
this rod will cast small flies, nymphs, and some streamers.
usually used in freshwater for trout .
Try to use these five terms as you answer questions 4 - 8, below :-
5.) Use these five terms to explain to your early casting student what rod he should purchase for his fly casting lessons. He is 20 years old, medium height and slender. Calm temperament. He wants to learn how to fly fish so he can fish brook trout in local streams.
"Dude, you so need a light line rod rated for a 3 or 4 wgt line. short in length, but not impaired.... useful for tight quarters, low canopy, narrow open slots. something with a chill action, mellow, something that rolls out a whisper quiet leader."
6.) Use these terms to describe the fly rod you would recommend for Nancy who is a 34 year old accomplished caster. She is short (5') - (150 cm.) and weighs 110 lbs. (50Kg.) . She is a dance instructor. She wants to use it to catch panfish in the lake.
"Nancy, i suggest a light rod (outfit) .... meaning it is rated for a light line, a 4, AND the rod itself is light.... in other words, not too heavy for you and your quarry. an 8 ft 4 wgt. (maybe a 5 if you think you'll be casting medium sized poppers)."
7.) Jack is a big fellow. He is a professional football player who plays many other sports very well. He's also a scratch golfer. He wants to take his first trip to the Florida Keys to catch a big tarpon. He has caught lots of trout and large salmon, but has never before fished in the salt.
Question : What rod do you recommend ?
"Sir, as a big guy casting to a big fish, you'll want a big tool. I suggest a rod rated for at least an 11 wgt. line, no longer than 9 ft., a rod that can load for a quick in close cast, but have the power (aka, the strength) to change the mind of hundred pound plus fish. if the fish truly will be that large, then a rod designed with an extra grip, a grip above the front cork, below the big stripper guide may be in order."
[GH] Great to see the way you answered these. Just as if you were there talking with these students !!!
8.) You are about to order 15 fly rods for your fly fishing school as school rods. The courses you usually teach are at the beginner - intermediate level. Your students may be of any age and physical description.
Question : What rods do you order ?
2 @ #4, 8' _ medium action.
4 @ #5, 8.5 - 9' _ medium-fast actioned rods.
4 @ #6, 9' _ medium-fast actioned rods.
1 @ #7, 9 1/2 - 10' _ med-fast. maybe fast. long for mending and distance capabilities.
1@ #9, 9' an all around saltwater rod for good sized fish a/o good sized flies. strength for the fish as well as lifting depth charge sinking lines.
3 @ child size... easy loading. length more in keeping with the user, 7 1/2 ft., 4-5 wgt., short head line. bottom grip (as an example, Echo's Gecko)
[GH] I hoped someone would come in with an answer like this. (Of course, it would have been better if I'd specified the number of students you usually taught at one time at your school. Better, yet, if I'd indicated whether or not you taught children ).
I know you have worked with Joan Wulff at her school.
As you know, one of her teaching exercises is to introduce the students to various rod / line combinations.
At her Instructor School, she placed different rods at each casting station. Each student would cast with the outfit there. Then each student would step to the new station and cast with a different one. At the end of the session each student would have cast each outfit. Instructive discussion followed.
So much to be learned by participating at these great schools !
9.) Now you have offered to give a course on advanced fly casting. One of the students who has signed up for the course calls you for your recommendation on what fly rod he should bring.
Question: What questions would you ask of him before giving advice ?
what fishing has he done.
what fishing does he plan in the near future.
what rods/outfits he owns presently.
which of the above he likes most.
- why.
10.) Your long term student calls you for advice. He is a vigorous 40 year old ski instructor of average height and build . Ski season is over and he's been invited to fish a river in Africa for a fish you know nothing about. He wants to know the best fly rod for this venture.
Question: What questions would you ask of him before coming up with a recommendation ?
fresh or salt water fish?
- general size of fish.
- style of fly, lure, or bait that fish will take?
river size?
- location of fish in river?
- float or wade fishing?
what outfits does he presently own?
- multi pc.?
- several lines for the outfit?
[GH] Yes. Getting close to Tom's "Gitzet fish".
10. NOW FOR THE QUINELLA !
This question is from Craig Buckbee. Highlighting is mine :
Gordy,
all interesting, in response to Zigi's comments, as well as Al Buhr's writings, on a rod's action and speed, can anyone give examples (manufacturer + model) of a tip action rod that is slow, or a fast rod that bends deep?
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