> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sunfish-studios.gitbook.io/main/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sunfish-studios.gitbook.io/main/vehicle/main-components/rod-bend-system.md).

# Rod Bend System

### Fishing Rod Bend Controller

<figure><img src="/files/BjF4mDByeNtOzms4cYB7" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Drives realistic rod-bending animations based on fishing actions: casting, reeling, bites, and tension. Uses a chain of bone transforms to simulate flexible rod physics—no physics required.

> ✅ **Requires**: An array of rod bones (from handle to tip) assigned in the inspector.

***

#### 🔧 Inspector Settings

**Rod Bones Setup**

* **Rod Bones**\
  Assign the hierarchy of transforms that make up your rod (e.g., from Maya or Blender). Order matters: first = handle, last = tip.

<figure><img src="/files/XhOiYfyPfRDuPdbBrHXG" alt="" width="491"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Cast Bending**

* Controls the full casting sequence:
  * **Windup** (backward bend)
  * **Release** (forward snap)
  * Optional **post-cast hold** to simulate line tension.
* Adjust angles, speeds, pause duration, and strength multipliers.

**Pull Back & Bite**

* **Pull Back**: Forward bend when reeling in a fish.
* **Hard Bite**: Sharp bend when a fish strikes.
* Each has independent angle, speed, hold time, and return behavior.

**Bend Distribution**

* **Bend Distribution Curve**\
  Defines how much each bone bends—typically stronger at the tip. Edit the curve to fine-tune flexibility.

<figure><img src="/files/fXmOBHwAx5IjsZjEHPEH" alt="" width="278"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Rotation Axis**

* **Bend Axis**\
  Which local axis the bones rotate on (usually **Y** for horizontal rods).

**Preview System&#x20;*****(Editor-only)***

* Toggle **Enable Preview** to interactively test bend types and amounts in the Scene view—great for tuning without entering play mode.

<figure><img src="/files/0D90o1w0ApruFt94uYAN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### 📈 Public Methods

* `StartCastBend()`\
  Plays the full windup → release → post-cast sequence.
* `StartPullBackBend()`\
  Triggers a controlled forward bend (e.g., during reeling minigame).
* `StartHardBiteBend()`\
  Snaps the rod forward on a fish bite.
* `ReturnToNeutralPosition()`\
  Smoothly resets the rod to its original pose.
* `InformWaterHit(bool)`\
  Tells the controller whether the cast hit water—used to decide if post-cast bend should activate.


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