Determine the optimal lure weight for your fishing rod to maximize casting distance and accuracy.
Fishing Rod Casting Weight Calculator
Typically between 100cm and 400cm.
Fast (1.0)
Moderate-Fast (0.8)
Moderate (0.6)
Slow (0.4)
Select your rod's action (Fast = Sensitive tip, Slow = More parabolic bend).
The breaking strength of your fishing line (e.g., 10kg or 20lb).
Ultra-Light
Light
Medium-Light
Medium
Medium-Heavy
Heavy
Extra-Heavy
Your rod's power rating (e.g., Medium, Heavy).
Standard
Aggressive/Powerful
Gentle/Technical
How forcefully do you typically cast?
Optimal Casting Weight Range
— – — grams
Rod Factor—
Line Factor—
Style Factor—
Formula: Base Range * Rod Factor * Line Factor * Style Factor
Casting Weight Explained
Recommended Casting Weight Ranges (Grams)
Rod Power
Action
Base Weight Range (g)
Ultra-Light (UL)
Fast
0.5 – 7
Ultra-Light (UL)
Moderate-Fast
1 – 8
Ultra-Light (UL)
Moderate
1 – 9
Light (L)
Fast
3 – 15
Light (L)
Moderate-Fast
3 – 18
Light (L)
Moderate
3 – 20
Medium-Light (ML)
Fast
5 – 25
Medium-Light (ML)
Moderate-Fast
5 – 30
Medium-Light (ML)
Moderate
5 – 32
Medium (M)
Fast
10 – 40
Medium (M)
Moderate-Fast
10 – 45
Medium (M)
Moderate
10 – 50
Medium (M)
Slow
15 – 55
Medium-Heavy (MH)
Fast
15 – 55
Medium-Heavy (MH)
Moderate-Fast
15 – 60
Medium-Heavy (MH)
Moderate
20 – 65
Medium-Heavy (MH)
Slow
25 – 70
Heavy (H)
Fast
25 – 75
Heavy (H)
Moderate-Fast
30 – 85
Heavy (H)
Moderate
35 – 90
Heavy (H)
Slow
40 – 100
Extra-Heavy (XH)
Fast
40 – 100
Extra-Heavy (XH)
Moderate-Fast
50 – 110
Extra-Heavy (XH)
Moderate
60 – 120
Extra-Heavy (XH)
Slow
70 – 130
Comparison of Recommended vs. Calculated Optimal Casting Weight Range
Understanding and Optimizing Your Fishing Rod's Casting Weight
A) **What is Fishing Rod Casting Weight?**
Fishing rod casting weight, often referred to as lure weight or casting rating, is a crucial specification printed on the rod blank itself. It indicates the ideal range of lure weights that the rod is designed to cast effectively. This range is typically expressed in grams (g) or ounces (oz). Using lures within this specified range ensures that the rod bends correctly during the casting motion, allowing for optimal energy transfer, maximum casting distance, and accuracy. It also prevents damage to the rod from casting lures that are too heavy or too light.
* **Who should use it:** Every angler, from beginners to seasoned professionals, should understand and utilize their rod's casting weight rating. It's fundamental for selecting appropriate lures and ensuring a pleasant, effective fishing experience. Whether you're targeting small panfish or large predatory fish, matching your lure weight to your rod's capabilities is key.
* **Common misconceptions:**
* "Heavier lures always cast farther": This is false. An overloaded rod will not load properly, resulting in poor distance and potential breakage.
* "The rating is a strict limit": While it's a guideline, the rating is more of a recommended *range*. Factors like line type, reel, and casting technique can influence what feels best.
* "All rods of the same length have the same casting weight": This is incorrect. Rod power and action play significant roles. A 7-foot Medium power rod will have a vastly different casting weight range than a 7-foot Ultra-Light rod.
B) **Casting Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation**
The calculation for an optimal casting weight range is not a single rigid formula but rather an estimation that considers several factors. Our calculator uses a multi-stage approach to refine a base range derived from rod power and action, then adjusts it based on line strength and casting style.
The core idea is to find a balance:
* The rod needs to load (bend) sufficiently to store and release energy.
* The lure needs enough weight to properly load the rod.
* The lure shouldn't be so heavy that it overloads or damages the rod.
* The line needs to be strong enough to handle the forces involved.
**The Calculator's Approach:**
1. **Base Weight Range:** This is determined by a lookup table based on Rod Power and Rod Action. This provides the manufacturer's intended sweet spot.
2. **Rod Factor:** Derived from Rod Length and Rod Action. Longer rods can sometimes handle slightly lighter lures for distance, while faster actions might require slightly more weight to load effectively.
3. **Line Factor:** Line strength impacts casting. Thicker, heavier lines create more drag and resist smooth loading, especially with lighter lures. A stronger line generally means you might need slightly more lure weight.
4. **Casting Style Factor:** An aggressive casting style imparts more force, allowing for a slightly higher lure weight before overload. A gentler style might benefit from slightly lighter lures for optimal loading.
**Simplified Conceptual Formula:**
`Optimal Lure Weight Range = (Base Weight Range derived from Rod Power & Action) * Rod Length Factor * Line Strength Factor * Casting Style Factor`
**Variable Explanations:**
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
| :————— | :—————————————————————————————————– | :———– | :—————— |
| Rod Length | The physical length of the fishing rod. | cm | 100 – 400 |
| Rod Action | How much of the rod bends when force is applied (Fast, Moderate, Slow). Affects energy storage. | Unitless | 0.4 (Slow) – 1.0 (Fast) |
| Line Strength | The breaking strength of the fishing line. | kg or lb | 1 – 50 |
| Rod Power | The stiffness or lifting power of the rod (UL, L, M, H, etc.). | Categorical | UL to XH |
| Casting Style | The typical force applied during a cast. | Categorical | Standard, Aggressive, Gentle |
| Rod Factor | An internal multiplier adjusting for length and action nuances. | Unitless | ~0.7 – 1.3 |
| Line Factor | An internal multiplier adjusting for line drag and resistance. | Unitless | ~0.8 – 1.2 |
| Style Factor | An internal multiplier adjusting for casting technique. | Unitless | 0.8 – 1.2 |
| Optimal Min Weight | The lower end of the calculated ideal casting weight range. | grams (g) | Varies |
| Optimal Max Weight | The upper end of the calculated ideal casting weight range. | grams (g) | Varies |
C) **Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)**
Let's look at two common scenarios:
**Example 1: Targeting Largemouth Bass with a Medium Power, Fast Action Rod**
* **Inputs:**
* Rod Length: 198 cm (6'6″)
* Rod Action: Fast (0.95 Factor used in calculation)
* Line Strength: 12 kg (approx 25 lb braid)
* Rod Power: Medium (M)
* Casting Style: Standard (1.0 Factor)
* **Calculator Steps & Results:**
* Base Range (M, Fast): 10g – 40g
* Rod Length Adjustment: (198cm / 210cm) * 1.0 = ~0.94 (Slightly less weight needed for shorter rod)
* Line Strength Adjustment: (12kg / 10kg) * 1.0 = 1.2 (Heavier line increases drag, needs slightly more weight)
* Style Factor: 1.0
* *Intermediate Factors may vary based on internal logic, for example:* Rod Factor: 0.9, Line Factor: 1.1, Style Factor: 1.0
* Calculated Optimal Weight Range: **~8g – 44g**
* **Interpretation:** This angler should focus on lures between 8g and 44g. A 15g jig or a 30g swimbait would be ideal. A very light 5g lure might struggle to load the rod properly, while a heavy 55g lure could overstress the blank and reduce casting distance.
**Example 2: Light Rock Fishing (LRF) with an Ultra-Light Rod**
* **Inputs:**
* Rod Length: 200 cm (6'7″)
* Rod Action: Fast (0.95 Factor used in calculation)
* Line Strength: 3 kg (approx 6 lb mono)
* Rod Power: Ultra-Light (UL)
* Casting Style: Gentle/Technical (0.8 Factor)
* **Calculator Steps & Results:**
* Base Range (UL, Fast): 0.5g – 7g
* Rod Length Adjustment: (200cm / 210cm) * 1.0 = ~0.95
* Line Strength Adjustment: (3kg / 10kg) * 1.0 = 0.3 (Very light line, less drag)
* Style Factor: 0.8 (Gentle caster)
* *Intermediate Factors may vary based on internal logic, for example:* Rod Factor: 0.9, Line Factor: 0.9, Style Factor: 0.8
* Calculated Optimal Weight Range: **~0.3g – 5.7g**
* **Interpretation:** For this specialized LRF setup, the ideal lure weights are very light. Small soft plastics, micro jigs, or lightweight metal lures around 2g to 5g will perform best. Trying to cast anything heavier than 7g is likely to damage the delicate rod tip and result in poor casting performance.
D) **How to Use This Casting Weight Calculator**
Using the casting weight calculator is straightforward and designed to provide actionable insights for your fishing trips.
1. **Identify Your Rod's Specifications:** Locate the casting weight rating (often printed on the rod blank near the handle) and note the rod's length in centimeters. Determine your rod's action (Fast, Moderate-Fast, Moderate, Slow) and power (UL, L, M, MH, H, XH). If unsure about action or power, consult your rod's manufacturer or common fishing guides.
2. **Input the Details:**
* Enter the **Rod Length** in centimeters.
* Select the **Rod Action** from the dropdown menu.
* Enter your **Line Strength** in kilograms or pounds (the calculator normalizes this).
* Select your **Rod Power** from the dropdown.
* Choose your typical **Casting Style** (Standard, Aggressive, or Gentle).
3. **Calculate:** Click the "Calculate Optimal Weight" button.
4. **Read the Results:**
* The primary result shows the **Optimal Casting Weight Range** in grams (g). This is the target range for your lures.
* You'll also see the **Intermediate Factors** calculated (Rod Factor, Line Factor, Style Factor) which show how each input influenced the final range.
* Refer to the table below the calculator for general recommended ranges based on rod power and action, and compare it with the calculated results.
5. **Decision Making:** Use the calculated range to select lures that fall within the lower and upper bounds. Remember this is a guide; slight variations might feel better depending on conditions and personal preference. If your desired lure falls outside the range, consider if a different rod or line setup might be more suitable. Use the "Reset" button to try different inputs.
E) **Key Factors That Affect Casting Weight Results**
While the calculator provides a solid estimate, several real-world factors can influence the optimal lure weight and casting performance:
1. **Rod Action Nuances:** Even within categories like "Fast," there can be subtle differences. A very fast, stiff rod might feel better slightly overloaded, while a softer fast action might perform best at the lower end.
2. **Rod Power Specificity:** Rod power ratings (Light, Medium, Heavy) are standardized but still have variations between manufacturers. Some brands might rate a rod's power differently.
3. **Lure Design & Aerodynamics:** A compact, dense lure of a certain weight will cast differently than a bulky, sparse lure of the same weight. Lures with better aerodynamics generally cast farther.
4. **Line Type and Diameter:** Braided lines have less diameter and drag than monofilament or fluorocarbon lines of the same strength rating. This means lighter lures might cast better with braid. Conversely, thicker lines increase drag, potentially requiring heavier lures.
5. **Reel Type and Size:** The reel's weight, spool diameter, and drag can subtly affect casting dynamics. Larger, heavier reels might balance differently on the rod.
6. **Wind Conditions:** Casting into a strong headwind often requires slightly heavier lures to maintain trajectory and distance, while casting with a tailwind might allow for lighter lures.
7. **Technique Refinement:** An angler's ability to properly load and unload the rod during a cast is paramount. A skilled caster can often push the limits of a rod's rating slightly better than a beginner.
8. **Water Conditions:** While less direct, very rough water might necessitate heavier lures to keep them submerged and controlled, impacting the "feel" of what's optimal.
F) **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
* **Q1: My lure feels too light to cast. What should I do?**
A1: This usually means the lure is below your rod's optimal casting weight range. Try a lure that is a few grams heavier, or consider if your rod's power or action is appropriate for very light lures. Ensure your line isn't excessively thick for the lure weight.
* **Q2: My rod feels overloaded when I cast. What's wrong?**
A2: The lure is likely too heavy for your rod's rating. You risk damaging the rod tip or guides, and your casting accuracy and distance will suffer. Switch to a lighter lure or a rod with a higher casting weight rating.
* **Q3: What's the difference between rod action and rod power?**
A3: **Action** describes *where* the rod bends (tip-flex = Fast, mid-flex = Moderate, whole-flex = Slow). **Power** describes *how much force* it takes to bend the rod (e.g., Ultra-Light to Extra-Heavy). Both are critical for casting weight.
* **Q4: Can I use lures outside the recommended range sometimes?**
A4: You can experiment, but it's generally not recommended for consistent use. Casting significantly lighter lures may not load the rod, leading to poor distance and control. Casting significantly heavier lures can overstress the rod, potentially causing breakage and reducing casting efficiency.
* **Q5: Does braid vs. monofilament affect casting weight?**
A5: Yes. Braided line has a smaller diameter and less memory than monofilament, resulting in less drag. This means you might be able to cast slightly lighter lures effectively with braid compared to mono of the same strength.
* **Q6: How does rod length affect casting weight?**
A6: Generally, longer rods can store more energy and may cast lighter lures slightly better than shorter rods of the same power and action. However, very long rods can also become cumbersome. Our calculator incorporates length as a factor.
* **Q7: What if my rod doesn't have a casting weight rating printed on it?**
A7: If the rating is missing, try to determine the rod's power and action from the manufacturer or dealer. You can then use general charts (like the one provided) as a starting point. Experience and comparison with other rods will help you estimate.
* **Q8: Should I prioritize distance or accuracy when choosing a lure weight?**
A8: Prioritize the weight that allows the rod to load and unload smoothly, providing both good distance *and* control. Overloading for distance often sacrifices accuracy, while underweight lures may not reach your target zone. The optimal range balances both.
G) **Related Tools and Internal Resources**
* [Fishing Line Strength Chart](internal-link-to-line-strength-chart-url)
A guide to understanding line breaking strengths and their common applications.
* [Choosing the Right Fishing Rod Action](internal-link-to-rod-action-guide-url)
Learn more about how different rod actions impact your fishing technique and lure selection.
* [Best Lures for Bass Fishing](internal-link-to-bass-lures-url)
Explore popular lures and how they match different fishing conditions and rod types.
* [Saltwater vs. Freshwater Rods](internal-link-to-saltwater-freshwater-rods-url)
Understand the differences and considerations when choosing rods for different environments.
* [Knot Tying Guide for Anglers](internal-link-to-knot-guide-url)
Essential knots for attaching lures and connecting lines securely.
* [Tackle Box Organization Tips](internal-link-to-tackle-box-tips-url)
Strategies for organizing your lures and gear efficiently.
// Function to validate input and display error messages
function validateInput(id, errorId, min, max) {
var input = document.getElementById(id);
var errorElement = document.getElementById(errorId);
var value = parseFloat(input.value);
errorElement.textContent = ""; // Clear previous error
if (isNaN(value)) {
errorElement.textContent = "Please enter a valid number.";
return false;
}
if (value max) {
errorElement.textContent = "Value out of range. Please enter a value between " + min + " and " + max + ".";
return false;
}
return true;
}
// Function to get rod factor based on length and action
function getRodFactor(length, actionValue) {
var lengthFactor = length / 210; // Normalize length relative to a common 7ft rod
if (lengthFactor 1.3) lengthFactor = 1.3;
// Combine action and length effects
// Fast action rods might need slightly more weight, slower rods slightly less, relative to length
var combinedFactor = (actionValue * 0.5 + 0.5) * lengthFactor; // Action effect between 0.4 and 1, length effect between 0.7 and 1.3
// Adjust for extreme actions and lengths
if (actionValue === 1.0 && length 240) combinedFactor *= 1.05; // Slower, longer rod might cast lighter lures better
// Clamp the factor to reasonable bounds
if (combinedFactor 1.3) combinedFactor = 1.3;
return combinedFactor.toFixed(2);
}
// Function to get line factor
function getLineFactor(lineStrength) {
// Normalize line strength relative to a common 10kg/20lb line
var strengthFactor = lineStrength / 10.0;
if (strengthFactor 1.2) strengthFactor = 1.2; // Max factor for very heavy lines
return strengthFactor.toFixed(2);
}
// Function to get casting style factor
function getCastingStyleFactor(styleValue) {
return parseFloat(styleValue).toFixed(2);
}
// Function to get base weight range from rod power and action
function getBaseWeightRange(power, action) {
var baseRange = { min: 5, max: 25 }; // Default fallback
// Define base ranges in grams
var ranges = {
"UL": { "1.0": { min: 0.5, max: 7 }, "0.8": { min: 1, max: 8 }, "0.6": { min: 1, max: 9 }, "0.4": { min: 1, max: 9 } },
"L": { "1.0": { min: 3, max: 15 }, "0.8": { min: 3, max: 18 }, "0.6": { min: 3, max: 20 }, "0.4": { min: 3, max: 20 } },
"ML": { "1.0": { min: 5, max: 25 }, "0.8": { min: 5, max: 30 }, "0.6": { min: 5, max: 32 }, "0.4": { min: 5, max: 32 } },
"M": { "1.0": { min: 10, max: 40 }, "0.8": { min: 10, max: 45 }, "0.6": { min: 10, max: 50 }, "0.4": { min: 15, max: 55 } },
"MH": { "1.0": { min: 15, max: 55 }, "0.8": { min: 15, max: 60 }, "0.6": { min: 20, max: 65 }, "0.4": { min: 25, max: 70 } },
"H": { "1.0": { min: 25, max: 75 }, "0.8": { min: 30, max: 85 }, "0.6": { min: 35, max: 90 }, "0.4": { min: 40, max: 100 } },
"XH": { "1.0": { min: 40, max: 100 }, "0.8": { min: 50, max: 110 }, "0.6": { min: 60, max: 120 }, "0.4": { min: 70, max: 130 } }
};
var actionMap = {
"Fast": "1.0",
"Moderate-Fast": "0.8",
"Moderate": "0.6",
"Slow": "0.4"
};
var actionValue = actionMap[action] || "0.8"; // Default to Moderate-Fast if not found
if (ranges[power] && ranges[power][actionValue]) {
baseRange = ranges[power][actionValue];
} else {
// Fallback logic if specific power/action combo not found, e.g., use nearest power or average
console.warn("Specific rod power/action combo not found. Using fallback.");
if(ranges[power]) { // If power exists but action is off
var nearestAction = Object.keys(ranges[power]).sort(function(a, b) {
return Math.abs(parseFloat(a) – parseFloat(actionValue)) – Math.abs(parseFloat(b) – parseFloat(actionValue));
})[0];
if (nearestAction) baseRange = ranges[power][nearestAction];
}
}
return baseRange;
}
// Function to calculate casting weight
function calculateCastingWeight() {
var rodLengthInput = document.getElementById("rodLength");
var rodActionSelect = document.getElementById("rodAction");
var lineStrengthInput = document.getElementById("lineStrength");
var rodPowerSelect = document.getElementById("rodPower");
var castingStyleSelect = document.getElementById("castingStyle");
var errors = 0;
// Validate inputs
if (!validateInput("rodLength", "rodLengthError", 100, 400)) errors++;
if (!validateInput("lineStrength", "lineStrengthError", 1, 50)) errors++;
if (errors > 0) {
document.getElementById("result-display").style.display = "none";
return;
}
var rodLength = parseFloat(rodLengthInput.value);
var rodActionValue = parseFloat(rodActionSelect.value);
var lineStrength = parseFloat(lineStrengthInput.value);
var rodPower = rodPowerSelect.value;
var castingStyleValue = parseFloat(castingStyleSelect.value);
// Calculate factors
var rodFactor = getRodFactor(rodLength, rodActionValue);
var lineFactor = getLineFactor(lineStrength);
var styleFactor = getCastingStyleFactor(castingStyleValue);
// Get base range
var baseRange = getBaseWeightRange(rodPower, rodActionSelect.options[rodActionSelect.selectedIndex].text); // Get text for action e.g. "Fast"
// Calculate optimal range
var optimalMinWeight = baseRange.min * rodFactor * lineFactor * styleFactor;
var optimalMaxWeight = baseRange.max * rodFactor * lineFactor * styleFactor;
// Clamp results to reasonable minimums/maximums to avoid absurd values
if (optimalMinWeight < 0.1) optimalMinWeight = 0.1;
if (optimalMaxWeight < 1) optimalMaxWeight = 1; // Ensure max is at least 1g
if (optimalMaxWeight 150) optimalMaxWeight = 150; // Cap max reasonable weight
optimalMinWeight = parseFloat(optimalMinWeight.toFixed(1));
optimalMaxWeight = parseFloat(optimalMaxWeight.toFixed(1));
// Display results
document.getElementById("optimalWeightMin").textContent = optimalMinWeight;
document.getElementById("optimalWeightMax").textContent = optimalMaxWeight;
document.getElementById("rodFactor").textContent = rodFactor;
document.getElementById("lineFactor").textContent = lineFactor;
document.getElementById("styleFactor").textContent = styleFactor;
document.getElementById("result-display").style.display = "block";
// Update chart
updateCastingWeightChart(optimalMinWeight, optimalMaxWeight, baseRange.min, baseRange.max);
}
// Function to reset calculator to default values
function resetCalculator() {
document.getElementById("rodLength").value = "210";
document.getElementById("rodAction").value = "1.0"; // Fast
document.getElementById("lineStrength").value = "10";
document.getElementById("rodPower").value = "M"; // Medium
document.getElementById("castingStyle").value = "1.0"; // Standard
// Clear errors
document.getElementById("rodLengthError").textContent = "";
document.getElementById("lineStrengthError").textContent = "";
// Reset results display
document.getElementById("optimalWeightMin").textContent = "–";
document.getElementById("optimalWeightMax").textContent = "–";
document.getElementById("rodFactor").textContent = "–";
document.getElementById("lineFactor").textContent = "–";
document.getElementById("styleFactor").textContent = "–";
document.getElementById("result-display").style.display = "none";
// Reset chart
updateCastingWeightChart(null, null, null, null);
}
// Function to copy results to clipboard
function copyResults() {
var mainResult = document.getElementById("optimalWeightMin").textContent + " – " + document.getElementById("optimalWeightMax").textContent + " grams";
var rodFactor = document.getElementById("rodFactor").textContent;
var lineFactor = document.getElementById("lineFactor").textContent;
var styleFactor = document.getElementById("styleFactor").textContent;
var formula = "Base Range * Rod Factor * Line Factor * Style Factor";
if (rodFactor === "–") {
alert("Please calculate results before copying.");
return;
}
var textToCopy = "Casting Weight Calculation:\n" +
"Optimal Range: " + mainResult + "\n" +
"—————————\n" +
"Key Factors:\n" +
"Rod Factor: " + rodFactor + "\n" +
"Line Factor: " + lineFactor + "\n" +
"Style Factor: " + styleFactor + "\n" +
"Formula Used: " + formula + "\n\n" +
"Assumptions: Your rod's power and action, line strength, rod length, and casting style.";
navigator.clipboard.writeText(textToCopy).then(function() {
// Success feedback (optional)
var btn = event.target;
btn.textContent = "Copied!";
setTimeout(function() { btn.textContent = "Copy Results"; }, 1500);
}).catch(function(err) {
console.error('Failed to copy text: ', err);
alert("Failed to copy results. Please copy manually.");
});
}
// — Charting Logic —
var myChart = null; // Variable to hold the chart instance
function updateCastingWeightChart(calculatedMin, calculatedMax, baseMin, baseMax) {
var ctx = document.getElementById('castingWeightChart').getContext('2d');
// Destroy previous chart instance if it exists
if (myChart) {
myChart.destroy();
}
if (calculatedMin === null || calculatedMax === null || baseMin === null || baseMax === null) {
// If no data, clear canvas or show placeholder
ctx.clearRect(0, 0, ctx.canvas.width, ctx.canvas.height);
return;
}
// Define chart data
var chartData = {
labels: ['Recommended Range', 'Calculated Optimal Range'],
datasets: [{
label: 'Weight Range (grams)',
data: [
{ x: baseMin, y: 1 }, // Base Min
{ x: baseMax, y: 1 } // Base Max
],
backgroundColor: 'rgba(0, 74, 153, 0.6)', // Primary color for base range
borderColor: 'rgba(0, 74, 153, 1)',
borderWidth: 1,
barThickness: 30 // Adjust thickness for better visibility
},
{
label: 'Weight Range (grams)',
data: [
{ x: calculatedMin, y: 2 }, // Calculated Min
{ x: calculatedMax, y: 2 } // Calculated Max
],
backgroundColor: 'rgba(40, 167, 69, 0.6)', // Success color for calculated range
borderColor: 'rgba(40, 167, 69, 1)',
borderWidth: 1,
barThickness: 30
}]
};
// Configure chart options
var chartOptions = {
indexAxis: 'y', // Horizontal bars
responsive: true,
maintainAspectRatio: false,
scales: {
x: {
beginAtZero: true,
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Lure Weight (grams)',
color: 'var(–primary-color)'
},
ticks: {
color: 'var(–text-color)'
}
},
y: {
grid: {
display: false // Hide Y-axis grid lines
},
ticks: {
display: false // Hide Y-axis labels
}
}
},
plugins: {
legend: {
display: true,
position: 'bottom',
labels: {
color: 'var(–text-color)'
}
},
tooltip: {
callbacks: {
label: function(context) {
var label = context.dataset.label || ";
if (label) {
label += ': ';
}
if (context.parsed.x !== null) {
label += context.parsed.x + 'g';
}
return label;
}
}
}
}
};
// Create the chart
myChart = new Chart(ctx, {
type: 'bar',
data: chartData,
options: chartOptions
});
}
// Initialize chart on page load if default values exist
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
// Set initial default values before the first calculation
document.getElementById("rodLength").value = "210";
document.getElementById("rodAction").value = "1.0"; // Fast
document.getElementById("lineStrength").value = "10";
document.getElementById("rodPower").value = "M"; // Medium
document.getElementById("castingStyle").value = "1.0"; // Standard
// Calculate initial values for chart display
calculateCastingWeight();
// FAQ toggles
var faqHeaders = document.querySelectorAll('.faq-section h3');
for (var i = 0; i < faqHeaders.length; i++) {
faqHeaders[i].addEventListener('click', function() {
var content = this.nextElementSibling;
this.classList.toggle('active');
content.classList.toggle('active');
});
}
});
// Add Chart.js library dynamically (only if it's not already loaded)
if (typeof Chart === 'undefined') {
var script = document.createElement('script');
script.src = 'https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/chart.js';
script.onload = function() {
// Chart.js loaded, now we can proceed with chart initialization if needed
// Initial call to calculateCastingWeight() will handle chart update
};
script.onerror = function() {
console.error("Failed to load Chart.js library.");
// Optionally display an error message to the user
var chartContainer = document.querySelector('.chart-container');
if (chartContainer) {
chartContainer.innerHTML = 'Error loading chart. Please check your internet connection.';
}
};
document.head.appendChild(script);
}