Casting Distance

[Clackinrap]

Instead of constantly discussing more issues in my previous thread, I'm just going to start a new one for my new problem.

 

I ended up purchasing an Abu Garcia Veritas (MHF 7') which is rated for 8-15lb line.  I've paired this up with my Shimano Spirex 2500 reel which is rated for 10lb line.  Naturally I've spooled with 10lb mono.  Bought this setup for worms/jigs/frogs (I've been fishing nothing but crankbaits up until a few weeks ago).

 

Got it out today, first cast, 10 feet.  Second cast, 10 feet.  Tried flipping, pitching, skipping, 10 d**n feet.  What is my problem here?  Had it rigged with a size 3 worm hook, 4" senko texas rigged with a 1/4 oz worm weight.  Not to mention I bought this whole setup because I've been in a 3 week no fish drought and everyone seems to be ranting and raving about plastics.  No bites, no fish (unless I didn't recognize the bites, but that's why I bought this setup).

 

Help, please.  Half tempted to cannibalize the setup and make the Veritas disappear.

[Mike2841]

I have a veritas 7' M with a revo s30 spooled up with 20lb braid and I throw everything from weightless senkos to super spooks on it without any problems. When you cast do you think it's a problem with the rod or reel? Could be the guides or maybe the line isn't coming off the reel properly. Also 10lb mono seems pretty big for a spinning reel esp a 2500

[Smallmouth Hunter]

What brand of line are you using? 10 lb test is a bit heavy for a spinning rod. I would recommend 8 for what you are doing. A good type of line would be berkley XL. It is not stiff so you can cast it far, and it is reliable line.

 

Also, how much line is on your spool? If you don't have much line on, then it is harder for the line to come off the spool when casting.

[MarkH024]

Switch to 15# braid and you'll be In heaven. More than likely it is your line. Do ypu know how to spool line on a spinning reel correctly?

[Clackinrap]

I have a veritas 7' M with a revo s30 spooled up with 20lb braid and I throw everything from weightless senkos to super spooks on it without any problems. When you cast do you think it's a problem with the rod or reel? Could be the guides or maybe the line isn't coming off the reel properly. Also 10lb mono seems pretty big for a spinning reel esp a 2500

 

Not sure at all, and was basing the 10lb off the rod and reel limits/specifications

 

What brand of line are you using? 10 lb test is a bit heavy for a spinning rod. I would recommend 8 for what you are doing. A good type of line would be berkley XL. It is not stiff so you can cast it far, and it is reliable line.

 

Also, how much line is on your spool? If you don't have much line on, then it is harder for the line to come off the spool when casting.

 

I've got 10lb spider-wire, wanted stren but they were all out.  I've got a bunch of stren 8lb available too.  I'd say I've got about 75 yards on, definitely under the 120 yard limit.

 

Switch to 15# braid and you'll be In heaven. More than likely it is your line. Do ypu know how to spool line on a spinning reel correctly?

 

Guy at Gander Mountain suggested 30lb braid, I bought it, and decided not to spool that.  I sure hope I know how to spool a spinning reel correctly haha.  I've never had a problem respooling my other reels.

[MarkH024]

Put the braid on. 30# is a bit big for my liking but you definitely can use it. Trust me you won't look back.

[Cgrinder]

Does the rod feel like it is loading during the cast or remaining stiff? A MH Veritas is a stiff stick, in my opinion. 10 lb. mono should be fine, but 8 lb. Stren sounds better. Fill the spool, stopping at just 1/8" under the lip. An underfilled spool can be murder on distance.

 

You also might want to consider fishing the Senko weightless, but that's a different thread.

[Clackinrap]

Does the rod feel like it is loading during the cast or remaining stiff? A MH Veritas is a stiff stick, in my opinion. 10 lb. mono should be fine, but 8 lb. Stren sounds better. Fill the spool, stopping at just 1/8" under the lip. An underfilled spool can be murder on distance.

 

You also might want to consider fishing the Senko weightless, but that's a different thread.

 

It feels VERY stiff.

 

I'm sure I should be reading up more on plastics and proper techniques for different baits, but it's been a lot to take in, and it's a bit more difficult when you're about the hit the 4 week mark with not a single fish.

[Fishwhittler]

Not sure at all, and was basing the 10lb off the rod and reel limits/specifications

 

 

I've got 10lb spider-wire, wanted stren but they were all out.  I've got a bunch of stren 8lb available too.  I'd say I've got about 75 yards on, definitely under the 120 yard limit.

 

 

Guy at Gander Mountain suggested 30lb braid, I bought it, and decided not to spool that.  I sure hope I know how to spool a spinning reel correctly haha.  I've never had a problem respooling my other reels.

 

There's part of your problem.  The optimum spool capacity is so the line is within 1/8" of the spool rim.  Less than that, and you can have problems with the line rubbing against the lip of the spool and affecting casting performance.

 

Your rod is rated for lures in the 1/4 ounce to 3/4 ounce range.  That would put its wheelhouse right around 1/2 ounce, or slightly heavier given it's an Abu rod.  I'd guess the lure & weight you're using weigh only 3/8 ounce or so—which isn't a lot considering the rod and line you're using.  I prefer to use spinning tackle only for lightweight presentations such as weightless flukes and ultralight cranks, and fish everything else on baitcasters.  My only spinning rod is a medium-light Daiwa Ballistic, rated for lures from 1/16 ounce to 3/8 ounce.  It has a soft tip and can handle just about any light to middleweight plastics application.

 

Otherwise, I'd try thinner line and/or braid, and using KVD Line & Lure conditioner.

[Cgrinder]

I would fill the spool first, but if you're still having issues after that, I would swap the MH for a Medium. 

 

I feel you on the drought thing. It's been a tough summer. The nice thing about Senkos is that they can be a do-nothing bait. Cast it out, let it sit, sip beer, wait for fish, reel it in if no fish come and try again.

[Clackinrap]

I would fill the spool first, but if you're still having issues after that, I would swap the MH for a Medium. 

 

I feel you on the drought thing. It's been a tough summer. The nice thing about Senkos is that they can be a do-nothing bait. Cast it out, let it sit, sip beer, wait for fish, reel it in if no fish come and try again.

 

Gonna go give that a try, beer and all haha

[Marty]

 

Got it out today, first cast, 10 feet.  Second cast, 10 feet.  Tried flipping, pitching, skipping, 10 d**n feet.

 

Is that an exaggeration, 10 feet? Your lure and sinker weigh ~1/2 oz. and a cast that short seems almost impossible. As others have said, get that spool filled to within 1/8" and see what happens. Switching from 10# to 8# line will make no difference if everything else stays the same.

[Clackinrap]

There's part of your problem.  The optimum spool capacity is so the line is within 1/8" of the spool rim.  Less than that, and you can have problems with the line rubbing against the lip of the spool and affecting casting performance.

 

Your rod is rated for lures in the 1/4 ounce to 3/4 ounce range.  That would put its wheelhouse right around 1/2 ounce, or slightly heavier given it's an Abu rod.  I'd guess the lure & weight you're using weigh only 3/8 ounce or so—which isn't a lot considering the rod and line you're using.  I prefer to use spinning tackle only for lightweight presentations such as weightless flukes and ultralight cranks, and fish everything else on baitcasters.  My only spinning rod is a medium-light Daiwa Ballistic, rated for lures from 1/16 ounce to 3/8 ounce.  It has a soft tip and can handle just about any light to middleweight plastics application.

 

Otherwise, I'd try thinner line and/or braid, and using KVD Line & Lure conditioner.

 

I think the 75 number is just a poor guestimate.  It looks like I have a decent amount of line on there.

 

 

Is that an exaggeration, 10 feet? Your lure and sinker weigh ~1/2 oz. and a cast that short seems almost impossible. As others have said, get that spool filled to within 1/8" and see what happens. Switching from 10# to 8# line will make no difference if everything else stays the same.

 

That's a tiny exaggeration haha.  But my casts were painfully short.  Is flipping and pitching not a good shore technique? Should I be saving this rod for the boat and stick to cranks from land?

[tomustang]

Honestly don't know what's going on with your rig. I can cast find with any amount of line on and is use 10lb line/diameter, never had a shortfall distance.

Are you sure the line is going through the guides right?

[Clackinrap]

Honestly don't know what's going on with your rig. I can cast find with any amount of line on and is use 10lb line/diameter, never had a shortfall distance.

Are you sure the line is going through the guides right?

 

Yeah, everything is lined up properly.  Brought the setup back out at night and noticed some odd tension sort of noises from the reel.  Metallic/grinding sound almost. Occurred every few twists of the handle.  Maybe I have a defective reel, which wouldn't surprise me with how many issues I've had getting this thing out there.

[SirSnookalot]

Based on the picture the line amount on the spool is not your problem.  10# line should not be a problem either, I would prefer 8# but you should be casting reasonably well.  I might try soaking your spool in hot water to limp out, could have coiling issue, that should give you instant feedback on whether it's the line or not.  As others have mentioned braid is always a good option for spinning gear.

The last thing in the equation is the rod, maybe not loading up, I'd try a heavier lure, if that's not it I'd be looking to change rods.  Casting a spinning reel the bail is open on a fixed spool, it's about the rod not the reel.

[dodgeguy]

sufix elite if you are going to use mono.sufix 832 10 lb test braid if you want braid.a bigger spool reel will cast further.if you look at pro fishermen they hardly ever use small spinning reels.