Could anyone articulate the technical/colloquial difference between Fly Rod and Spinning Rod Tapers for a trout rod? Or, in other words, what is the quantitative/empirical difference between an ultra light spinning (or light spinning rod) blank versus a 3-5 weight flyrod blank?

I've read where someone would take a fly rod blank and turn it into a spinning rod...and perhaps vice versa...or whatever...

I mean...I could see where a spinning rod taper might be "too stiff (or fast) for a fly rod application and such...and I know...it may depend on the circumstances...

Please be as technical as you care to be, or as off the cuff as you care to be. I'd like to hear all sides...

Are there publicly known standards for the different types of tapers? Or, is this proprietary industry knowledge?

Thanks in advance...John

Action is not power, so get rid of that notion right away. Fast does not mean stiff, nor does slow mean soft. IGFA trolling rods are extremely slow and yet extremely powerful (stiff). Action is where the rod initially flexes, Power is stiffness. These are two entirely different things.

All rod blanks are made the same way - they are essentially just hollowed, tapered shafts. Traditionally, fly rod blanks in general are not as steeply tapered (as fast an action) as what you find in the way of fast action spinning blanks (another plus for the CCS which does not differentiate between classifications of blanks when it comes to action). In terms of how most makers rate "action," a "fast" action spinning rod blank will tend to be faster than a "fast" action fly rod blank. But this is changing quickly, i.e. check the new St. Croix SCII/IV fly rod blanks.

Many years ago when I could not find fly rod blanks with actions to suit me, I built nearly all my fly rods on fast taper spinning rod blanks. They worked perfectly for my requirements. At the end of the day, a blank is a blank is a blank. Wise rod builders will see past the manufacturers' classifications and select what they need based on the particulars of each respective blank.

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A rod is a rod is a rod.

The function of taper is to determine or define the action (AA) of the rod. What one desires in this respect is strictly a personal decision.

The principle difference between a "classic spinning rod" and a "classic trout rod" lies in the frequency of the rod blank. Spinning rods typically exhibit higher frequencies. But, again, what one desires is strictly a personal decision.

The frequency of one's trout fishing outfit is determined by the weight of the fly line used, while the frequency of one's spinning outfit is determined by the weight of the lure used. In any case, it is different for each angler who has his own unique PPF (Personal Preferred Frequency)—which, of course will probably be different for each different application.

From a non technical guy, i have 2 fly rods converted to spinning rods and have had them for about 20 years and love em.

here recently i joined a rod building club here in Houston and i now have built 2 fly rods based on my preferences ( i use the spinning reel as a counter balance and that verses the rod length and weight is so much easier on my wrists) , that and i find the the fly rod(s) seem to be so much more sensitive to the feel.

first trip out on my latest fly rod i just wanted to test it on a nice red or speck and i felt a bump, set the hook and 20 minuets later i had a 40 inch jack on shore all on 10 lb line, now you say what has this got to do with a normal spinning rod verses a fly rod.

had i used a spinning rod i would have tried to horse the fish in and maybe broken the rod and most assuredly broken the line but with the fly rod i played him and let the rod work .

so there ya go, i'll never go back to spinning rods and in fact fixing to make a fly rod/spinning combo for the wife

try it and i'll bet ya like it.