Casting Questions

[Robertqq]

Hello,

 

Still a week or so, probably, for the last of the ice to clear on our local Pond.

Seems like the winter would never, ever, end up here.  But, signs of progress.

 

Will do lots of experimenting of course, and try to find what works best for me, but thought while

waiting would be interesting to read others thoughts on this.

 

For a 7-1/2 or 8 foot Light Spinning rod  ("regular" Guides; not micro):

Braided line.  12 pound test

 

10" or so mono leader

 

I usually like to use a mono leader, and have always in the past kept the leader and any knots outside

of the guides.  Would like to increase my casting distance, meaningfully, this season.

 

Thinking that the lure a lot closer to the tip when casting might be an advantage.

 

a. So, how close to the tip do you folks usually come with the lure at the start of the cast ?

 

b. Using an Albright Knot, have you experienced any "problems" getting the line-to-leader knot thru the guides; particularly

the tip guide ? 

 

    Do you try to avoid setups where any knots have to pass thru the Guides, or usually not a problem at all ?

    Hints ?

 

c. Any general thoughts on increasing casting distancel ?

 

Best regards,

Bob

 

 

[Jig Man]

I usually have about a foot of line hanging down.

 

Use the Alberto instead of the Albright.

[sprint61]

Don't reel your lure all the way to the tip to cast it will not load your Rodike it should that will decrease casring distance. Don't worry about the leader connection know just make it small and gift and trim your tags good it will come through your guides just fine.

[Sam]

1.  Please add your geographical location to your avatar. It would make answering future questions easier and more specific to your area.

 

a. So, how close to the tip do you folks usually come with the lure at the start of the cast ? - Depends on what you are throwing and the control you need. For an underhanded cast you may want a full 12 to 18-inches. For an over the head cast you may want 6 to 8-iches. To hit a specific target go with a tight line cast at the target. And there are so many other options we can give you hat we need to know what baits you are throwing, moving or plastics or both. The heavier the bait and the lighter the line test will get you more distance. However, have you noted the rod's bait weight and line test maximums and minimums? Stay within those guidelines, along with your reel, and you can cast as the rod and reel was designed to cast.

 

b. Using an Albright Knot, have you experienced any "problems" getting the line-to-leader knot thru the guides; particularly

the tip guide - ? - Yes, depending on the size of the knot and rod's guide opening. You are throwing a "light" rated rod. May I suggest not getting any micro guides and head up to a medium heavy baitcaster or spinning rod? And you may not want to use a leader and tie your bait direct to the braid. Give that a shot and see what happens. And remember to put some mono the same size as the braid on your reel first as backing to keep the braid from slipping.

 

    Do you try to avoid setups where any knots have to pass thru the Guides, or usually not a problem at all ? - Yes. I hate feeling the knot wham-bam through the guides. If this is happening to you the maybe you have a leader that is too long. Shorten the leader to avoid this situation.

    Hints ?

 

c. Any general thoughts on increasing casting distancel ? Yes. Always check behind you or to the side when casting off a bank or in a boat to make sure nothing is there that can tick or catch your bait as you cast it. Balance the bait with your rod and reel by using the "drop" method to help avoid backlashes. Always stay within the rod's manufacturer's specifications. Learn the basic casts including the underhand roll which is great in windy weather. Learn how to flip and pitch with your setup. Learn how to skip a bait under a dock, pier, tree, etc. with your setup. You can destroy your cast by having your line too close or too far from the rod's tip. Experiment with your specific rods to find the maximum parabolic angle created for your specific rod. Watch your rod tip as you cast. If you let the rod tip point to 10 or 11 o'clock you may get maximum performance. If you let the rod tip go to 8 or 9 o'clock or stay up at 12 o'clock you are destroying your cast unless you are targeting a specific target and need more control. A longer rod can cast farther than a shorter rod. Lighter line casts farther than heavier line. A heavier bait casts farther than a lighter bait.

 

And have you had your reel cleaned, greased and oiled? Is your spool too tight? How is your drag set? What about your baitcaster's magnets? Any "on" or are they all "off"? And what size reel are you using? Have you overfilled the reel or left the line about an 1/8 inch from full spool? Is the reel's specs matching that of your rod?

 

Have you learned the "drop" method of balancing your rod, reel, line and bait? If not, ask and the guys can fill you in.

 

One last thing: is your rod a "fast action" rod tip? Check it out.

 

Hope some of this is helpful.

 

The physics of bass fishing can drive you nuts.

 

Good luck and go out there and land some nice ladies and post the pics.

 

Don't forget your needle nose pliers!

[RanndomUndead]

i keep my lure 1'3 ft away from the rod tip and rarely overhand cast. Generally side cast and whip it, lets it go far and stay rather low

[RoLo]

Hello,

I usually like to use a mono leader, and have always in the past kept the leader and any knots outside

of the guides.  Would like to increase my casting distance, meaningfully, this season.

 

b. Using an Albright Knot, have you experienced any "problems" getting the line-to-leader knot thru the guides; particularly

the tip guide ? 

Best regards,

Bob

 

As a rule-of-thumb: The lighter the lure weight, the longer the hangdown length between the lure & tiptop guide.

For instance, a 1-1/2 oz mat punch would sit right below the tiptop guide,

while a 1/8 oz lure might hangdown 30 inches.

 

I never use a leader, so the hangdown length is never dictated by connection knots.

Although you mentioned 'mono', you didn't mention the line materials you're joining.

In any case, if you're joining braided line with fluorocarbon, I'd strongly suggest using an Alberto knot.

 

Roger

[WRB]

7'6" to 8' light spinning rod, very unusual for bass fishing unless you are using a bobber rig or live bait.

With a long rod you can have more line between the rod tip and lure or live bait. The longer drop length generates higher lure speed and tend to load the rod more evenly if you slow down your casting motion.

I use between 12" to 18" with most lures, shorter gives you more accuracy, longer more distance. keep in mind what is behind you during your back swing when using longer drop lengths like a finesse C-rig.

Tom

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Your line should handle well enough. A well tied Albright knot joining those lines will pass as small as a size 4 guide with appreciable affect on casting distance. To maximize your current setup run a long cast worth of line through a rag with KVD L&L to treat and clean the line. Clean the guides of any residue or debris. Make sure the reel is fully spooled to just below the beveled edge of the spool. Ultimately the rod power and action are what will determine how a given weight will cast.

[Robertqq]

For Delaware Valley Tackle:

 

Thanks for info.; appreciate it.

 

Did you mean "NO appreciable effect...

 

                   "with appreciable affect on casting distance"

 

Bob