Fishing Rods and Levers: Understanding Class 2 Levers

In a second-class lever, the input force is applied between the fulcrum and the output force. The output force is located at the opposite end of the lever arm from the input force. The fulcrum is located at the end of the lever arm opposite the output force.

In the case of a fishing rod, the input force is applied by the angler's hand on the reel. The output force is applied by the fish on the line. The fulcrum is located at the point where the fishing rod contacts the water.