Casting Distance Question

[Loomis13]

So I know many people say braid does effect casting distance but I have an experience where it did however it may have been the rod. I had an abu revo s on a st. croix avid mxf 6'2" casting rod with braid and the casting distance was not great (this reel had 30lb braid on it). I was casting KVD square bills. I now have this revo s paired on a Loomis GL2 MHM rod with p-line co-poly line and the casting distance is much better. So my question to you guys is, with out having to change line and find out, is the "crankbait" rod just better for casting crankbaits or does the distance gain have to do with the different line?

Thanks!

[roadwarrior]

Length is probably the most important factor, then how the rod loads. Generally, a crankbait rod rated Medium Power/ Moderate Action will give you the greatest distance. Last would be line and for the most part that is a function of line diameter.

 

[WIGuide]

If you're comparing how a reel cast from rod to rod, that's like comparing apples to oranges. Like roadworrior said length plays a big role in distance, so does action of the rod as it effects how the rod loads. The only way to see any true comparison would be to measure casting distance with braid, and then switch line with everything else staying the same. 

[fishnkamp]

The GL2 is a medium action- moderate taper rod.  It is loading up farther on the rod which would transfer more energy on the cast.  That would be a better rod for fishing small to mid size crankbaits on.  I like the p line for those baits as well.  

[new2BC4bass]

I thought that a Medium action rod should cast further than a F or XF because it loads more of the rod.  Obviously a longer rod should help.  I think I have 50# PP on my Curado 201E7.  Mounted it on a 723 Endurance (MH-XF) and was thrilled by the casting distances.  And this was with a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait.  Now I don't know what to think.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A slower action doesn't necessarily cast farther. Loading more of a wimpy Rod won't do anything for you for example. The most important thing is to select a Rod with proper lure weight range. The sweet spot is usually in the upper mid range. Quality braid that is spooled correctly will not adversely affect casting in most cases. 

[Loomis13]

Well I didn't really have this question until I put a lews tourney pro on the avid mxf and was getting much better casting distance with the same lure and line compared the revo s. So perhaps Ill try braid on the GL2 as I much prefer it. The lure rating on the avid is 1/4-5/8 and the GL2 has a lure rating of 1/4-3/4. 

 

Can a reel not "like" braid? 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You're focusing too much on the one aspect of the line. The Rod length, power, action, lure weight, reel, line, conditions and more all factor in. Trial and error is the only way to arrive at the best mix to accomplish the goal. 

[Loomis13]

I guess I'm off to experiment! 

Thanks guys

[Bluebasser86]

Typically, short rods are what I consider "target" rods. They'll not designed for long distance casting, but rather for accuracy. I have that Avid, it's the best popper rod I've ever owned, and I also use it for small walking baits and jerkbaits. 

[WRB]

It's all about lure velocity at the point of release combined with low friction of the reel spool and line going through the guides. If you can achieve the same lure velocity at release point with  5' rod as someone else using a 7' rod, everything else being equal the casting distance will be equal.

A fast action rod is stiff so the rod tip travels at the same speed as the rod at release point verses a moderate action rod the tip is moving faster then the rod at release point. This is why a crankbait moderate action rod unload the tip increasing lure speed launching the lure further. If you are able to move a longer rod faster then a shorter rod the tip will be traveling faster. Seems simple but casting long 8' rods all day is tiring, 7' is a lot easier and with proper technique, tuned reel, good quality moderate crankbait rod 50+ yard casts are achievable.

Tom