Reverendo

Rather than start another thread, let me add to this one since the topic is the same. Hopefully I'm not high jacking the main theme. I too have been exploring the possibility of going with lithium batteries for my Trolling motor (Minn Kota 24v 70/80#). While the cost is steep, if I do the math, they'll come out cheaper than replacing regular batteries every 2-3 years... if they are indeed 10 year batteries. Currently, I'm using a pair of Brute Force Puretron AGM series 34 batteries, inside my console (Mako 18LTS). Being that they are dual purpose, I'm not getting the longevity I thought I would get, which is why I'm considering the lithiums. So I have a few questions about the lithiums: Minn Kota says their charger will charge the Lithiums if I set the charger to AGM. Fine. But they also warned that Lithiums run hotter when the TM is set to high, and this can ruin the motor. Can anyone verify this? Also I'm assuming that I'd need a deep cycle version of the lithium, but I'm not seeing many options. Any brands I should be looking at?

I'm looking to either purchase, or else build a 7'6" medium action casting rod. I've been impressed with the Rainshadow IMMORTAL blanks but have no real experience with their Eternity or Testament blanks (I think RS replaced the Eternity line with the Testament line). Anyone in the know care to weigh in on how these compare to the GLX's?

Let me say that I do appreciate all of you that took the time to give me your opinions and suggestions. I would not have considered some of these options without your feedback. So thank you. I think I found the culprit. It seems that the 1.5 oz. Live Target Mullet is the suspect. If you've been following this thread then you know I was only able to cast this lure about 38-39 yards, and when I really put some zing into the cast, I'd get an overrun about half way. Well I swapped out my 30# braid for 50# braid and opted to just fill the spool up half way. Then I swapped out the Mullet for a regular 1.75 oz. bucktail jig. First cast 45 yards! After taking off one brake and loosing the spool control knob 2 clicks, pow, 48-49 yards. This is a 10 yard jump over the LT mullet. It seems like a noobie mistake, but that lure apparently creates quite a bit of drag and slows down significantly once it reaches its apex. Right now I have 2 of 8 brakes on, and the spool is set several clicks lighter than the recommended setting. To further test this finding, I will re-spool with 40# braid and tie on a simple 3 oz. bank sinker. Let's see what it'll do then.

Chapter 2: Update Well I heeded the advice of several on here and removed the 30# Samurai. I had some 50# J-Braid laying around, so I spooled the reel up half way just for kicks and giggles. This morning I headed out to a nearby canal to test this theory. I played with both the spool control and brakes, with heavy thumb and without, and still could not see any difference. The longest cast was about 42 yards, with 38-39 being the average. Right now the spool tension is set a few clicks (2-3) looser than the recommended starting point, and I have 3 of the 8 brakes on. I did try going up all the way with the brakes, as well as taking them all off. The only noticeable difference was shorter casts when using maximum brakes. Right now, I think this rules out the problem being thin line, no? The other option I see is to change the lure. Maybe 1.5 oz mullet is catching too much wind and creating too much drag? This afternoon I'll get back out there and try a standard 1.5 oz. bucktail jig. A last option would be to learn to cast. lol. But really, maybe I need to remove all brakes and just practice training my thumb...

Had a 100# tarpon do that. Nearly spooled me. Fortunately, we followed him on the boat. In 45 minutes. He was boat side. It's a Mod-Fast swim bait rod...

Alright. Keep in mind that this is a Calcutta Conquest, not the regular Calcutta which is about twice the width... no kidding. The regular Calcutta 400 is similar in size to the Millionaire 300 in this vid. Not sure if that makes a difference?

Though the rod is rated for weights up to 7 oz., I cannot see it casting something as heavy. The 1.5 oz. Live Target seems to be loading well. I wonder if this lure's drag (resistance) is contributing to this? If my overruns are occurring midway through the cast, wouldn't that suggest the lure is slowing down quite bit?

OK right now I have three of the eight brakes on. I tried all the brakes on and went down to just one brake on. Of course with the one brake, I used more thumb control. In all instances the maximum distance I could get was about 40 yards. When I really try to put some uumph into it, I would get the overrun about 20 to 25 yards in. By the way I come to the site to gain knowledge from some of the best fishermen in the industry,. In saying that I hope I don’t get flamed for saying that I’m using 350 yards mainly because I’m fishing for LMB’s Saltywater cousins, Mr. Snook. In the salt is not uncommon to have a fish, not necessarily a snook, zip off 150 yards in a blink.

Yep getting about 40 yards. 42 on the good side. 38-39 on a normal cast.

For reference, the rod is a Japanese Tulala Swimbait rod (Monstruo 710), rated for 1/2 oz. to 7 oz. It has a moderate / fast taper. The 1.5 oz. Live Target mullet, does not seen to be overloading the blank. Though the lure has some drag, I do not think it's a major deal. I just read Hammer 4's post where he casts a 6 in. Hud trout on similar outfit 60 yards. 60 yards! I find that to be insane! I think I'm getting about 30 yards out of mine, maybe 40. I will put the range finder to it this afternoon to verify.

Moderate meaning a somewhat forceful cast but not very strong. lol 350yds. of 30# if you're wondering.

I'm not new to baitcasters, so I'm a little befuddled with this new combo I'm breaking in (Calcutta Conquest 400 & 7'10" rod, 30# Samurai braid). I'm using this combo in South Florida's inlets for snook, etc., but it is basically a swim bait combo (which is why I’m posting here). The bait is Live Target Mullet (1.5 oz.). I've adjusted the spool control knob and breaks according to standard. I can good casts with no backlash with moderate casts, and achieve moderate distance. The problem is when I really want to put some zip into the cast to get some extra distance. The extra zing gets me nasty backlash early on in the cast cycle. I've tried tightening the spool control knob but with limited success. Yes it'll stop the backlash, but it also limits the casting distance. I do use my thumb to "feather" the spool, but it is not that well trained. Is there a remedy to this other than more practice? Someone mentioned they thought my line diameter was too small for the heavy baits I intend to cast (1-3oz).