I need a little info, Cap!

Hi somoan,

Many folks get misled and confused by some ads etc. They confuse "action" and "power". Throw in "taper" also.

When thinking "action" look at how the rod flexs/bends.

Extra fast=upper 1/4 of the blank bends

Fast=upper 1/3 of blank bends

Moderate=upper 1/2 of blank bends

Slow=think of a parabolic curve. The whole blank bends, slowly at butt end, faster at tip end.

"ACTION" is determined by at what point the blank bends.

"POWER" deals with lifting ability.

I will try NOT to confuse anyone. We now get into what determines "ACTION" and "POWER". "TAPER"


I an copying this from ADVANCED CUSTOM ROD BUILDING.

The amount of material composing the wall of the blank at any given point determines its stiffness at that point, and therefore the overall action. This is achieved by cutting the cloth or tape into patterns of different shapes.

A straight taper has an even progression of additional fiber added to the wall of the blank from tip to butt. In its purest form, a straight-tapered blank will have a slow to medium action with flexing occurring progressively over all or almost all of its length.

A compound taper is one in which there is at least one change in the angle along the side opposite the straight side of the pattern. The taper changes along the length of the blank. If a fast action blank were being made, the pattern would have comparatively less material in the top third. At that point the pattern would widen rapidly to provide more stiffness over the remaining length of the blank.



Sooooooooo, there you have it. I hope I have helped. Any questions and I will do my best to get you the correct answers.

Capt Neil

Hi somoan,

Just looked up your new rod in the St Croix blank catalog. They have a cross ref table.

If i looked at the right blank it has a #9 tip top and a butt under 3/4". A very nice rod. Is it possible that the hook wasn't in a good place for setting it? How much did the rod bend, especially in the mid section? Did the rod feel too soft to set the hook? Too many variables.

The more lifting power (stiffer blank) the more you can control the fish while fighting it. Just like a tractor pull, the more horsepower the easier it should be to pull the load.

Some times too stiff a rod will pull the hook out of a fish.

For bass fishing, do you use circle hooks? It takes a little doing not to set the hook BUT the hook up ratio is better and very few gut hook jobs when using clam bellies.

I would be delighted if you tried out the demos. Give a call in advance to set up a time. (631) 567-8049

Capt Neil