Playing fish on "fast actioned" salmon rods

[ceilidh]

I have noticed that some of the modern 'fast actioned' rods are considerably stiffer than the more traditional spey rods.
Has anyone found it necessary to modify 'the golden rule' of keeping the rod tip high when playing a fish (particularly a grilse) on this type of rod?

Last season I caught a 6lb grilse in moderately fast water whilst trying a faster rod and my fishing partner remarked that he noticed that I had played it with the rod tip held much lower than usual, although I was not aware of this at the time. I suspect that I was subconsciously worried that the stiffer rod would tear the hook hold and was therefore favouring the reel rather than the rod to control the fish.

[tynetraveller]

I think that when playing fresh grilse with any big double-hander the feeling is always there that you are over-gunned, but you just need a good reel with a light drag and some luck.

I have just bought a Loop greenline 12'4'' 8 weight double hander for summer fishing because I felt my 15foot greyline was too stiff for playing grilse. That said, with bigger fish it has a lovely through action and bends right down into the butt.

[Fruin]

I have found that when playing a big fish on a fast action rod, there is sometimes no option to hold to the rod high, as every powerful run drags the rod lower, due to the stiffer action.

I think this is where good control of the reel comes into play.

I also agree that, when you catch a grilse on a fast actioned, powerful rod it can feel like you are overgunning a bit. Too often it is one run after the take and then reel it in. That said, this is better for the fish if you intend to release it.