Optimizing casting distance

[snake95]

I'm on a mission to get the maximum possible distance with a low profile baitcaster (for an upcoming trip, and also for a pond where the bass like walking baits, if I get them out to the middle).

Using a long (8') MH rod rated for 1/2-3 oz baits, and throwing 3/4 to 1-1/2 oz lures: walking baits, poppers, and jerkbaits.  

I have my choice of Power Pro braid for the main line - 20 lb, 30 lb or 50 lb.  I plan to use a short mono leader.

Two related questions:

1)  For castability and general manageability, which line would you go with, and why?

2)  Are there any fairly simple ways to lubricate or otherwise adjust the reel to optimize distance?   (nothing too complicated i.e. involving reel tear-downs, etc.)

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

 

[Choporoz]

I can't help with your questions...except that for the second, I'd send to DVT.

I do suggest having a crochet hook with you, though...and maybe study this guy's tutorial:

 

[J Francho]

I actually can cast a TW on my 6-2 M/XF Avid farther than any other rod I own, using a specific reel.  That reel happens to be a hot rod I built for just this task.  I usually load it with 10# mono.  I can just about clear the shallow Alphas R spool.

[S. Sass]

1. Of what you listed 20lb thinner easier to get distance

2. Back off every brake and tension knob normal lubrication also a clean reel. 

You could always go aftermarket bearings but you didn't want to teardown. And I don't know what you have for a reel so it may have great bearings.

DVT is a great idea as mentioned.

[kickerfish1]

Flush and relube the stock bearings. Braid is a great choice for mind distance casting. For a mono line Sunline Defier is incerdible for managibility and casting distance. 

[snake95]

Thanks for the suggestions:

Yes I will seriously consider sending to DVT in the future.  I won't get a chance before I go on my long-bombing mission.

The reel I intend to use is a brand new Daiwa Coastal TWS, though I've been using a Revo SX for attempting long distances lately.

45 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I usually load it with 10# mono.  I can just about clear the shallow Alphas R spool

Interesting that you are going so far with mono.  I know there is a range of opinions on this topic, but with only about a year with walking baits under my belt I've decided that I generally prefer mono for that application.  I was intending to switch to braid with a mono leader on the new reel for distance reasons.  At the risk of hijacking the thread I started here... I'm interested if someone would make a different line choice for long-bombing walking baits for this application?

[J Francho]

I don't think braid casts better than mono.  It's braided, which means more friction through the guides than slick mono.  For some, it's easier to cast hard than mono, which I somewhat agree, though not in small diameters like 20# on a casting reel, but I get greater distance with supple, slick mono.  I always treat my lines and guides with KVD L&L.  I also really don't like braid and walking baits.  It doesn't feel "right."  Might be that I've used baitcasters since before modern braid was commonly available.

[Team9nine]

From everything I've researched, it depends

If you base a test on just line rating, say 15# braid vs. 15# mono, braid will outcast mono because the thinner diameter and extreme limpness will more than offset any increased surface friction via thinner diameter (surface area) and decreased mass and wind resistance. However, if you base the comparison on diameter, say 50# braid vs. 12# mono, then mono will likely cast as far or further, especially if you're using one of the softer, more manageable lines (e.g., Trilene XL). If you use a stiffer, abrasion resistant mono like XT or CXX, then the stiffness and coiling will tend to decrease casting distance due to increased friction through the guides, more so than braid, and braid would likely win out, though it might not be terribly different. Though not thrown into the discussion, fluorocarbon would likely fare the worst in all comparisons.

-T9

[snake95]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

I also really don't like braid and walking baits.  It doesn't feel "right." 

Thanks John.  Honestly, I'm a rookie and appreciate everyone's experience.  So far by trial and error I found that the elasticity of mono helps me with hooksets on poppers and walking baits, with braid my hookup rate is much lower.  I have been trying L and L and might just go the route you are suggesting and hold off on the braid.

[blckshirt98]

I'd go as light as possible on the braid to get max distance, so 20# for sure.

I'm wondering if your rod rated at 1/2-3oz might not load properly with some of the lighter baits?

Don't worry about using a leader for the walkers/poppers, and unless the water is clear I wouldn't use a leader on the jerkbait either.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Whether braid or mono, a supple line is one key. The Rod you're using is on the heavy side for those baits. For max distance choose a Rod where the bait weight is a little over the mid range of the listing. You'll have to experiment to find the sweet spot. Flush and oil the spool bearings and wipe any grease or oil from the spool shaft and frame. Going forward , for raw distance an appropriate spinning rig can't be beat. 

[WRB]

8' MH, 3 oz lure weight sounds like a swimbait rod and a poor choice for casting 5/8 to 3/4 oz lures because the lure weight doesn't load up the rod. You would be better off using 7'3" -7'6" MH or H crankbait rod.

Why use braid?

Tom

 

[snake95]

Guys, many thanks for the input and experience.  In terms of rods and lures, this is a situation where I've basically got what I've got and have to make the best of it. 

To add to the information: the only parameter I have to work with is the line, and of course I can adjust the reel to some degree, and select from the pile of baits I have at hand.

The rod I'm working with is Abu's MHF Volatile in the 8-ft version, says rated 1/2-3 oz, 12-25 lb line.  This puts the mid-range at 1.75 oz.

I looked closer and would revise the predominant weight of the baits to between 1 oz and 1.75 oz, so on the lower half of the range for the rod.

(I also have a long spinning rod on this trip, but I don't know the specs off hand).

Bottom line is I'm experimenting with what I can get my hands on, and maybe doing some misguided or even downright crazy rookie things, but I figured at least I can adjust the line and reel and make the best of it.

http://www.abugarcia.com/abugarcia-rods-casting-rods/abu-garcia-volatile-casting-rod/1365053.html#specifications