extra fast or fast

[Stik-ugly]

I am looking to buy a rod to match to a 2500 sol it will be used for plastics with a jig head weight up to 3/8 oz, I need a bit of advice or a opinion on best suitable I have narrowed it down to two rods, both graphite,one is 6ft 6ins rated at 6 to 12lbs line with a fast taper or a 7ft 8 to 14 lb line weight but extra fast taper.Is there any advantages with fast or Extra fast tapers for plastic fishing . used mainly for flatties and trevs

[Apollo]

Stik

I have a 7'10" rod that I would class as extra fast and my fly rod would be similar. They do take some getting use to and you need to change your casting technique a bit, but I must say that they can punch a long cast out there when you get it sweet. I would have to also say that the previous rod which was not as fast was more forgiving for lack of technique.

Steve

[metaloid]

I use an extra-fast 7' 6-12lbs rod for plasticking and I kinda miss the lack of "give" for finesse fishing.

Having said that, it's double the fun against a head shaking fish. So it depends which aspect is more important for you.;)

[Horse]

I prefer a med fast/fast rod for plastics as there is a lot more give in the system when braid is brought into the equation. with heavier lines I find the faster rods tend to feel like they are fighting me more than the fish

[SWANO1]

yes what horse said is true , you need a med to fast taper to absorb the head shakes of a boatside flatty , to stiff in the action will result in more stress on the hookpoint into the fish or the leader will chaff through faster, maybe even go down in line rating to a 2-4kg rod in seven foot.
cheers swano

[Apollo]

Have to say I agree a bit with horse and swano. I have found that I have to adapt my fish fighting style a bit with softer hands and keep the rod just a bit further away from my body on the really big fish. That being said, I have not had any troubles since and have landed some big fish on such light gear.

Steve

[Blythy]

Stik,
I guess it depends on what line class you are going to be using, if you are using 8lb line you would be much better using a 2-4kg rod as swano said. I use a Shimano Raider 1-4kg (7'2") and a Loomis Dropshot 2-4kg (6'10") for all my soft plastics, I chase everything from bream and flathead to snapper and sweetlip with them. Both have an extra fast action I find that it help keep you in contact with the plastic during the retrieve.