Fly Rods : Guide to Mid Action Fly Rods

Medium Action Fly Rods or Mid-Flex Fly Rods

A medium action fly rod is a fly rod that has a fair amount of flexibility but is still somewhat stiff. The fly rod bends much more than a fast action fly rod but not nearly as much as a slow action fly rod does. Which, of course, is why it is called a medium action fly rod. In the real world, what this means is that when casting, the fly rod will bend moderately for about half of its length, from the middle of the rod upward to the tip of the rod. The lower half of the fly rod, the half nearest the fly reel, will basically remain stiff.

Medium Action fly rods are the workhorses of the fly rod world. They are by far the most popular fly rod on the market today. Medium action fly rods are also the most versatile of fly rods. They can make longer casts quite adequately, especially in the hands of a good caster, yet function well enough to allow them to be used in most spring creek fishing conditions. Thus, if you plan on fly fishing in a wide range of conditions, from big rivers to spring creeks and everything in between - and can afford/only want one fly rod - then a medium action fly rod is the fly rod of choice.

Additionally, medium action fly rods are generally quite forgiving. Beginner anglers can quickly pick up on using them and begin making decent casts quite quickly. The slower line speed gives beginner anglers more control over where the fly line, and the fly, ends up.

Who Are Medium Action Fly Rods For?

So, who is a medium action fly rod for? Medium action fly rods are ideal for anglers who need these traits in a fly rod.

• Maximum Versatility - If an angler only wants or can only afford one fly rod, the versatility of a medium action fly rod provides the most versatility for fishing a wide range of conditions.
   
• The Angler is New to Fly Fishing - A beginner angler will find a medium action fly rod quite forgiving. These fly rods are not quite as forgiving as a slow action fly rod, but still quite forgiving nonetheless. Plus, the greater versatility of medium action fly rods will assist new anglers just starting out in the sport.

In short, medium action fly rods are excellent fly rods for both beginner and veteran anglers alike. Unless you need a different type of fly rod for a particular fly fishing condition or situation and can only afford one fly rod, a medium action/mid-flex fly rod is likely to be your best bet.

Next Page: Slow Action Fly Rods

Other Fly Rod Action Articles

• Fly Rod Action Explained
• Fast Action Fly Rods
• Slow Action Fly Rods
• Fly Rod Action Summary

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