Hey, for those of you who have had experience w/ multiple baitcasters...

[roadwarrior]

Raul's point was that any baitcaster can launch medium to heavy lures, lighter baits are more challenging. My reels probably vary a lot with regard to "absolute capability", but from a practical standpoint they are about the same. There is rarely (never) a need for a cast over 50 yards if you are actually "fishing".

8-)

[dodgeguy]

i think my bps rick clunns with the hybrid brake cast great.actually better than my trion or president which are also good.i have noticed line has a lot to do with it.

[ILfisherman]

Raul's point was that any baitcaster can launch medium to heavy lures, lighter baits are more challenging. My reels probably vary a lot with regard to "absolute capability", but from a practical standpoint they are about the same. There is rarely (never) a need for a cast over 50 yards if you are actually "fishing".

8-)

There certainly is a need for a long cast when you don't have a boat or when you fish local small ponds.

It's really annoying when ppl try to shoot down my original question. If you don't want to answer it, then don't post. I purposely used the medium of a 5" weightless senko because pretty much everyone has used one and casted it. This is pretty much like a poll question except that I could not possibly know or list every baitcaster that everyone on this board owns.

Thanks to those who have actually answered the question. Your answers are very informational and very much appreciated

[roadwarrior]

I want to know about casting distance. Disregarding experience level, which baitcaster have you owned that has given you the ability to absolutely launch a senko or other bait across the pond?

Okay,

Using a Shimano Calais 200 on a Lamiglas SR705R (glass rod) and #12 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft I have cast a Lucky Craft LV Max-500 (3/4 oz) just under 110 yards with a VERY strong wind. With the same equipment on the same day, I cast a 7" Senko approximately 85 yards.

Using a Shimano Stella 2500FB matched to a St. Croix Legend Elite ES70MF and #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft, a "normal" cast for me, fishing a 6" Senko or Fat Ika from the bank, ranges between 30 and 50 yards. With a strong wind I occasionally cast more than 75 yards with this set-up.

8-)

[Chad.]

I think we are mixing yard with feet its 3feet to a yard and the world record cast is is something like 150 yards with a 12 foot rod and a huge abu.

[roadwarrior]

I think we are mixing yard with feet its 3feet to a yard and the world record cast is is something like 150 yards with a 12 foot rod and a huge abu.

I don't think World Records get the assistance of 50+ mph wind gusts.

[Chad.]

100 yards is mighty long :-X

[Just_Old_Fisherman]

If looking for pure distance, you might want to consider the bearings in the reel, not the number but the type. I had an old Citica that had 1 spool bearing and 1 spool bushing. I changed those to ABEC-5 bearings and can cast it easier/farther than my newer Citica's that came with the 2 stainless spool bearings. If really looking for distance I would consider upgrading to some ABEC-7's. Here is a study that shows difference in casting distance with Ceramic Bearings:

http://heartlandtackleservice.com/ceramictest.stm

[fourbizz]

I can get 265 feet out of my Calcutta 400 TE and a hand built 5 ounce bait casting downwind with 20mph or so at my back.

So I would say that my best distance would be with a Calcutta 400 TE. Try throwing a weightless senko on one of those

[Guest muddy]

It's seems that it is not how far you can throw em but where you throw em thats important.

[Catt]

ICSF (International Castingsport Federation) World Records

Multiplier Distance Double Handed (bait cast)

13 foot extra stiff rod and an ABU 2500 reel with special spool, 18 gram bait (0.635 oz)

Peter Thain Great Britain 114.67 meters (115 yds)

[Bushwacker]

A few that are my favorite casters are my Daiwa Pixy, Sol, and TD-Z.  I think the key to any reel is the right oil and keeping them clean from debris.  I would really look at the Sol for the $170 range reel.  They are out there if you look hard enough.

[Don B]

All my baitcasters can cast pretty far, but if I had to pick the best one, I'd go with my Alphas.

Even though it is not entirely, the original question is almost unanswerable, in the sense that there are so many factors....weight, line, rod, reel, wind, place, water conditions, etc.

The example was 10lb. mono/MH rod/5" Senko? Let's suppose you do get it about 60-70 yards out there, better have a circle hook on it, cuz your hooksets are gonna be pretty lame with 10lb mono that far out.

I can get a 1/2oz tube out at around 60-70 yards, but if I'm fishing out that far, I'll use braid. And just to get them out that far, you gotta really wing 'em hard and HIGH up in the air, just to get that kind of distance. Accuracy isn't too consistent either when you're chukin' 'em that hard and high.

My conditions are usually the many rivers here, so I'm usually fishing to 20-40 yards out from the boat.....but when wading, many times there IS a need for greater distance. Under those conditions, I'll use thin braid, 7'M rod, and 1/2oz tubes/spoons. With that equipment/gear, you'll get 60-70 yards EASILY with ANY Shimano or Daiwa baitcaster, maybe with any of the other brands too. Casting all day with two hands isn't the most relaxing way for me to fish though.

I'll take 10lb mono, a Daiwa Alpha, a 7'M rod, and 40 yard, one-handed casts, with anything out of my box, to the exact spot that I seen one boil, all day long over any of my 70 yard casts, with two hands. The longer casts always take me a few tries to get the exact spot that I want anyway.

[Micro]

Man, some of you folks are getting incredible distances.  I've never had to make a 50 yard cast ever while bass fishing.    I don't think I've even ever tried to cast that far while just practicing.   A 50 foot cast for me, while fishing, is a long cast.  

[Jeff H]

Man, some of you folks are getting incredible distances. I've never had to make a 50 yard cast ever while bass fishing. I don't think I've even ever tried to cast that far while just practicing. A 50 foot cast for me, while fishing, is a long cast.

Thats what I was thinking.  I figure if I've ever cast beyond 30 yards, it was for no real good reason.  Can't say I've ever even tried to "spool" a reel.

[ILfisherman]

If looking for pure distance, you might want to consider the bearings in the reel, not the number but the type. I had an old Citica that had 1 spool bearing and 1 spool bushing. I changed those to ABEC-5 bearings and can cast it easier/farther than my newer Citica's that came with the 2 stainless spool bearings. If really looking for distance I would consider upgrading to some ABEC-7's. Here is a study that shows difference in casting distance with Ceramic Bearings:

http://heartlandtackleservice.com/ceramictest.stm

GREAT post! I'll have to look into that.

Well, I'll tell you guys what. Some of these yardage numbers seem incredibly long to me. I know that there really isn't any accurate way to determine how long you can cast other that "eyeing it".

Also, to the guy that said my original question is impossible to answer, you're wrong. Line, lure, and I believe I said rod length, were all mentioned. Some great replies so far guys

[Catt]

If you want distance & accuracy invest in a quality rod; all those bearings & stuff is just faking yourself out.

[roadwarrior]

Some of these yardage numbers seem incredibly long to me. I know that there really isn't any accurate way to determine how long you can cast other that "eyeing it".

Or, if you are fishing from the bank and cast parallel to the shore, you can "walk it off" for a pretty close estimate. Also, if you want to be "scientific" you can count the number of crank turns during retrieve and work the math. IPC (inches per crank) or sometimes referred as IPT (inches per turn) are specific to each reel. (Technically, this is an average as the EXACT retrieve varies slightly. The specifications are for a "full spool").

From a practical standpoint, an "average" cast is 25-30 yards. Twice that (50-60 yards) is probably as far or further than anyone actually casts for fishing.

8-)

[Maxximus Redneckus]

i have used them all from quantum to pinnicale Abu to shimano penn to daiwia  and IMO u will never go wrong using shimano or garcia .All a man needs is Shimano or Garcia im surprised all other reels aint obsolete yet  8-)

[ILfisherman]

If you want distance & accuracy invest in a quality rod; all those bearings & stuff is just faking yourself out.

I have invested in "quality" rods in the past and they don't do $#*t.

[roadwarrior]

I have invested in "quality" rods in the past and they don't do $#*t.

That seems a bit harsh. Everyone I know REALLY likes them. :

[fourbizz]

Some of these yardage numbers seem incredibly long to me. I know that there really isn't any accurate way to determine how long you can cast other that "eyeing it".

Or, if you are fishing from the bank and cast parallel to the shore, you can "walk it off" for a pretty close estimate. Also, if you want to be "scientific" you can count the number of crank turns during retrieve and work the math. IPC (inches per crank) or sometimes referred as IPT (inches per turn) are specific to each reel. (Technically, this is an average as the EXACT retrieve varies slightly. The specifications are for a  "full spool").

From a practical standpoint, an "average" cast is 25-30 yards. Twice that (50-60 yards) is probably as far or further than anyone actually casts for fishing.

 8-)

I used the IPT to figure my longest cast as well. There are a few situations for me that an absolute monster cast is pretty much a must. In one lake in particular, I have never been bit within about 100 feet of the boat on a swimbait. The place is GIN clear and I guess boats just make the big girls a little nervous there.

I do agree that a quality rod, weight and aerodynamics of lure, and line are all as important as the reel.

[lubina]

Daiwa Pixy

Daiwa Steez

Daiwa Alphas Ito

 

Same for me

[Catt]

If you want distance & accuracy invest in a quality rod; all those bearings & stuff is just faking yourself out.

I have invested in "quality" rods in the past and they don't do $#*t.

I use a Calcutta 100A with the stock bearing that came in it and I'll challenge you to a competition of distance & accuracy anytime anywhere.

[Guest muddy]

I have invested in "quality" rods in the past and they don't do $#*t.

That seems a bit harsh. Everyone I know REALLY likes them. :

Thats because you hang out with that Elite Raul guy all the time