A quick look at blank action and blank power...

"Rod Terms"

Over the next few days we will take a look at some different types of rods and reels and their specific (and/or general) uses for south Florida fishing applications.  Let's quickly talk about the five most common terms that are often used when describing fishing rods. 

ACTION- Action is used to describe the bend of the blank (Most companies use action ratings extra fast, fast, medium fast, moderate fast, moderate, slow, etc...).  A extra fast action blank bends mainly in the tip and then stops, where as a slow action blank bends more through the whole rod(often described as a parabolic bend).  

 Blank Material- Very simply stated, this is the material that the rod blank is made from.  Typically rod blanks are fiberglass, graphite, or a combination of the two.  The material used has some bearing on the action and power of a rod.

Line Class- The manufacturers suggestion for what pound line should be used on a rod.  Typically given in a range, Example 10-17lb.  

Lure Weight- The manufacturers suggestion for what size lure/bait is ideal to use on blank.  Also typically given in a range, example 3/4-2oz.

Power- Power is used to describe the pulling power of a rod, typically ranging from ultralight to heavy.  (Different than action as it is not describing how the rod bends, just the pulling power it has)  There is no set table for "power" so the feel of a Heavy Shimano rod verses a Daiwa Heavy rod may be completely different.  

"Quality Control"

...Take it serious, VERY serious

"Super Stealthy"

Want a little extra stealth? Try this...
Keep a bottle of rubbing alcohol in your tackle box and wipe down your fluorocarbon leader from time to time. A quick wipe will remove any surface dust or grime that may be clinging on to your leader, and also temporarily removes any cloudiness in your leader as well. 

Pro Tip: Always replace fluorocarbon leaders when they show any abrasion, chaffing, or wear. As soon as fluorocarbon becomes chaffed it loses all of invisibility properties.

"Enjoy The Show"
Mullet Run 2014

Okay...so it's not really a fishing tip today. Stepping back and just watching everything going on during the mullet run is a great learning experience; and also just a really cool to see. Watching snook, tarpon, jacks, sharks, and bluefish work a school of mullet is a sight not to be missed.

Some of my earliest (and best) fishing memories revolve around watching all the cool stuff going on during the mullet run along the beach. Last night as Fisher and I watched a small school of finger mullet being worked over by some tarpon and snook, I just stood back and smiled. It didn't matter that we didn't have a fishing pole, we just sat back and enjoyed the show.

Look close and you can see the school of mullet we were watching just a few yards off the beach.  (Photo credit to my awesome wife Morgan)

Thanks For Reading Guys,
Todd

"On the Edge"