I understand the concept around power, for heavy rods it will be easier to set the hook but from what I hear it will be harder to sense a bite vs ultra light.

 

But in terms of action, what are advantages over a slow action? Fast action seems to be ideal, because wouldn't you want to know if the fish is biting right away?

When folks go the Med they are usually using it for CB .  That is all I use a Med for.  Everything else is fast or extra fast...Remember, one companies fast is another EF, and visaversa 

 

truth Th be told, I seldom grab a Med even if it is for CB.  With flexes the way they are and the improvements in drag, I use a F even for my CB

Are you fishing for trout or crappie? I wouldn't suggest an ultralight rod for anything bass related. Unless you're looking to do it as a challenge. 

 

Action just refers to where and/or how far into the blank the curve goes before it hits the backbone of the rod (fast action means that the backbone of the rod starts near the tip). I don't use anything but fast action rods. That's not to say I've tried other actions and didn't like them, but it's what I'm familiar with having come from saltwater fishing. So, I stuck with it. 

If the rod is 5'+ I would go with a fast action. 

I'm fishing for smaller species like bluegill. This is when I don't catch anything for the day, so I'l go with a ultra light rod so I can have more fun catching these smaller fish. My goal is to get a rod that maximizes sensitivity and feel so it feels like I got a big fish on the end of the line when in reality its a small fish.

 

Just to make things more fun.

2 hours ago, Milos said:

I'm fishing for smaller species like bluegill. This is when I don't catch anything for the day, so I'l go with a ultra light rod so I can have more fun catching these smaller fish. My goal is to get a rod that maximizes sensitivity and feel so it feels like I got a big fish on the end of the line when in reality its a small fish.

 

Just to make things more fun.

 

Gotcha. I'd go with a fast action then. Easier to set the hook with the types of presentations you'll be throwing for pan fish. 

Fast action would be a better all around UL rod. The blank will be very flexible compared to a heavier traditional bass fishing rod and may take some getting used to if you haven't fished one before. 

 

Personally, I love fishing light and ultralight powered rods and have caught panfish, cichlids, bass and peacocks using tiny baits. It's such a rush but you do need to pick your battles carefully. You don't want to be throwing tiny jigs next to downed trees, pads, thick grass etc. As soon as you hook up, fish will go to the nearest cover and will more than likely break off. 

 

I currently use a Fenwick river runner 5'8 fast action with a 1000 size stradic fk with plans to swap it for a 500 size reel. 

 

Id post pics from my IG of my recent UL catches but haven't figured how to do it yet....

Just got off the water with a guy using an ultralight and it was fast......after hooking 1 pounders, I can imaging a Med......simple put, it would be a noodle and frustrating