Use of Natural Resonant Vibrational FrequenciesAnd Resonant Vibrational Mode ShapesTo Measure Performance Characteristics of Fishing Rods

There are two theories that form the basis for this technology:

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That the natural resonant vibrational frequencies of a fishing rod precisely describethe stiffness of the rod as it is used – in a dynamic setting.

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That, when a fishing rod is vibrated at its higher natural frequencies, the locations of the “nodes” or points of minimal motion, precisely describe the stiffness distributionof the rod as it is used – dynamically.

Frequency Theory

It is a well-developed fact that two structures with the same weight, weight distribution andstiffness will have the same natural resonant vibrational frequencies. If the weight and weightdistribution are held constant but the stiffness is increased, the natural resonant frequencies of thestructure will increase also. The simpler the structure, the more direct the relationship betweenthe stiffness change and the frequency changes.This theory was applied to golf shafts by Dr. Joseph Braly in 1977 (US Patent 4,122,593). Inthis application, the first natural vibrational frequency of a golf shaft is used to measure itsstiffness.

Sketch of Dr. Braly’s Frequency Measuring Device

Fishing rods are even simpler structures than golf shafts, since they have virtually norequirement to resist torsional loads.The current method of measuring the stiffness of a fishing rod is to mount the fishing rodhorizontally, held only at the grip. A weight is then placed on the tip, and the tip is allowed todeflect. The relative distance of the deflection compared to other rods is used to determine therod’s stiffness rating. There are no standards for the method of gripping the butt section, themass of the weight used, or the amount of deflection for different standard terms used to describerod stiffness.

275.5cpm

WCurrent Method of Measuring Fishing Rod StiffnessD

Node Theory

Most structures have more than one natural resonant vibrational frequency. For the simpleststructures (the strings of a violin or guitar) the frequencies are simple mathematical multiples(harmonics) of the lowest resonant frequency. A fishing rod is only slightly more complex: it isheld at only one end, and the stiffness is not the same throughout the rod. The rod isconsiderably stiffer at the butt than at the tip. The distribution of stiffness varies greatly fromone rod to another, depending on how it is intended to be used.If a fishing rod is vibrated at any of its higher natural frequencies, vibrational “lobes” will form.These lobes will have a roughly sinusoidal shape, and there will be small concentrated areas between lobes where the fishing rod is virtually stationary. These points are called “nodes.”

Rod Vibrated at Its 3

Natural Resonant Frequency, Showing Lobes and Nodes

There is a very strong relationship between the distribution of stiffness in the rod and the locationof these nodes. For example, compare three rods that have the same stiffness at the butt and tip, but have different stiffness distributions between, as shown below.

Three Different Rod Stiffness Profiles

Stiffness

Butt TipRodARodCRodB

65.5 HzNode 2Node 1

If Rods A, B and C are all vibrated at their third natural resonant frequency, the lobe sizes andnode locations will be very different. The nodes on Rod A will be closest to the tip, followed bythe nodes for Rod B, and lastly Rod C.

Rod A Node LocationsRod B Node LocationsRod C Node Locations

The current method of measuring the stiffness distribution of a fishing rod is purely judgmental.A rod like with a stiffness distribution like Rod A would be called a “Fast” rod; one like Rod Bwould be called “Moderate;” and one like Rod C would be called soft or “Parabolic.” Theseterms have no thresholds or values associated with them.

Theories Combined

If Frequency Theory and Node Theory are combined, we now have two tools that give us thecapability to describe the overall stiffness and stiffness distribution of a fishing rod with a highdegree of precision. We also have a method for distinguishing between two rods that are eachsuited for different species, sizes of fish and methods of presentation.Using the method currently employed in the market, sensitive 6-ft walleye-specific rod with astiffness distribution like Rod B above would probably be called a 6-ft medium rod. However, a6-ft rod intended for bass fishing, with a stiffer action and a stiffness distribution like Rod Awould also be called a 6-ft medium rod. These rods would be sold in different markets, and therating only has meaning within the sub-market, species and presentation techniques at hand.On the other hand, the Frequency/Node system would give a more meaningful description of thetwo rods. The walleye rod might be a 6-ft 30-Hz rod with nodes at 4 and 22 inches. The bassrod could be a 6-ft 42-Hz rod with nodes at 3½ and 18 inches.