Re: [VFB] IM 6 / IM 7

[Peter Gramp]

Hello, Rene-
  All of this is in MY opinion, so take it with a grain of salt... but first let me do my speal on modulus...

  IM6 has a somewhat slower feel than IM7's.  I personally prefer a slow rod, so the difference between a "super fast" and "ultra fast" rod is not that important to me.  If my memory serves me correctly, the modulus of an IM6 is somewhere between 33 and 38- million, while IM7 is more towards 42 and 47million -- it's really not important to know the exact number so much as the general idea of modulus in terms of rods.  For anything even slightly elastic (broom handles, even!), there exists some frequency at which an elongate cantilever (that would be your rod) will vibrate equally from one end to another, cancelling out each other and really only 'vibrating' at one point, the "Natural" frequency of an object.  This is one of the ways opera singers break glasses (besides stamping on them) -- the glass has a structural integrity that prevents 'non-natural' vibrations from moving through the glass itself.  At the "natural" frequency, there is a "twist" point that exists, thus acting like a person trying to physically twist a glass. 

  Anyhow, back to the fishing rod(s)-- the higher the modulus, the higher the natural frequency (in cycles per second), therefore the faster the release of the energy stored in the rod.  Here's where it turns from confusing to downright complicated... the speed is not a function of the finesse/ how delicate a presentation is.  In reality, the natural frequency is just a measure of how fast energy is released, not how much energy is being released.  To know if a rod will cast distance like wet noodle or a cannon, you need to also have the Power of a rod (typically the line rating / line weight class of the rod) and the action of the rod (how much of the rod is the energy stored in). 

Having typed all of that, I'd look at what style your current rods are (especially the action) and work from there.  If you prefer a slower rod, I'd go IM6, but if you prefer a fast cannon, IM7 is your best bet.  Then I'd look at how you like to reel in -- if you prefer your tip up in the air, a stiffer rod action (ultra fast) may be appropriate, whereas a slower rod will bend more throughout the rod... think of this as taper... Lastly, look at the size of the fish you're going to use the rod for -- this determines your power needs, or line weight.  The time of year you're talking of will have you into some of the larger stripers and blues, or blackfish if you fish very deep, so I'd go with a stiff 8, a moderately-stiff 9wt, or a loose 10wt.  Again, just my take on it -- go with what you want for your fishing style.  I cast slower than anyone I have seen, so I may be off here.

I haven't read my e-mail in quite some time, so sorry if this is late or a repeat of what someone else has since said. 
Tight wraps,
Pete