Is It My Setup?

[slonezp]

Here's what's happening. I have a Revo STX, 55lb Samuari braid, on a Fenwick HMG 7'0 MHF. All the brakes in the off position. Setup to be used for topwater. I can't get any casting distance from the is setup, no matter what lure I put on it. Also the cast control seems to have no affect. I also have another STX with 10lb flouro on an HMG 7'0 MF that I use for smaller cranks and plastics. All the brakes off. I can cast this a country mile.

I'm wondering if it's a line issue, a reel issue, the setup in general, or something else I'm missing.

Thanks

[.ghoti.]

The facts that the spool tension control does nothing, and that you can cast this thing with zero braking, would have me tearing that reel apart for a good cleaning. I don't see the rod or line being part of the problem.

When was the last tine you had that reel open?

[slonezp]

The reel is 2 years old, never serviced, and hasn't been used much because I don't fish alot of topwater. The cast control works when I adjust the fall rate, just doesn't have any impact with distance.

[00 mod]

What topwater lure are you throwing? I could see a problem if trying to throw a tiny popper, but a Heavy 1/2oz+ lure should be no problem! Maybe you should buy *******!

Jeff

[.ghoti.]

Is this the STX with dual braking? If so, are you sure all the centrifugal brakes are off? Not trying to insult you, but the fact you can cast both of these reels with all the brakes off begs the question.

[slonezp]

Insult me all you want LOL Dual brakes and all the centris are off.(Away from the center of the spool, Correct? Maybe they're all on LOL)

I don't think I've tried to cast anything heavier than maybe 5/16. That could be the problem.

With the side plate off, I listened to both the reels when I depress the cast button and they sound the same during a freespool as the lure drops, and when reeling in.

00 mod If you're implying buying the "S" word. Ain't gonna happen. I've been using Abu's for 30 years.

Before I start transfering line from spool to spool wanted to see if you guys had any ideas.

[LuckyHandsINC.]

Insult me all you want LOL Dual brakes and all the centris are off.(Away from the center of the spool, Correct? Maybe they're all on LOL)

I don't think I've tried to cast anything heavier than maybe 5/16. That could be the problem.

With the side plate off, I listened to both the reels when I depress the cast button and they sound the same during a freespool as the lure drops, and when reeling in.

00 mod If you're implying buying the "S" word. Ain't gonna happen. I've been using Abu's for 30 years.

Before I start transfering line from spool to spool wanted to see if you guys had any ideas.

Away from the center is all brakes on, and that would explain the problem your having. Also when you fix it let me suggest not turning all breaks off. I've done it and it wasn't pretty. I fish with mags at 0 and 2 centrifugal brakes on.

[slonezp]

Well, I feel stupid. Thanks LOL

I originally had it set for 3 on 3 off every other one. Still didn't cast far. I'll try with 2

[.ghoti.]

Ah slonezp. now I can insult you with impunity. :eyebrows:

All the cent brakes are on. Don't turn them all off, unless you're ready to re-spool. Try it with every other pin on.

[smalljaw67]

The other part of your problem is line and rod, the rod you are using is rated for 3/8oz to 1 1/4oz and you're throwing a 5/16oz popper. While it isn't under by much, just the fact that most poppers aren't aero dynamic so now you are throwing an aero challenged, under weight lure on braid with a rod rated for heavier weights, even when you get the brake issue solved you still aren't going to see much more distance. For a topwater that size I'd be using a medium powered rod and 8# - 12# mono, braid is good if you're using a crankbait rod that has more flex but for a fast action rod with a treble I suggest mono.

[FD.]

12# mono and a softer tip rod if you are throwing the lighter stuff. I use a 7'-11" med with 12# big game and a SX HS Revo for topwater. I can throw a spook about a mile with that rig.

[00 mod]

Insult me all you want LOL Dual brakes and all the centris are off.(Away from the center of the spool, Correct? Maybe they're all on LOL)

I don't think I've tried to cast anything heavier than maybe 5/16. That could be the problem.

With the side plate off, I listened to both the reels when I depress the cast button and they sound the same during a freespool as the lure drops, and when reeling in.

00 mod If you're implying buying the "S" word. Ain't gonna happen. I've been using Abu's for 30 years.

Before I start transfering line from spool to spool wanted to see if you guys had any ideas.

My topwater setup for smaller poppers, 1/2 oz and under buzzbaits, propbaits and wtd type lures is a 6'6'' mf with a curado 200e7 if that helps!

Jeff

[new2BC4bass]

Also consider cleaning or sending it to DVT for a cleaning. The guy who cleaned my '09 STX said he had never seen a reel so packed with grease.

Also listen to smalljaw. The right rod will help your casting a lot. When I first started with baitcasting gear, after the first few tries I was afraid to load the rod because it was backlash city. Once I became comfortable enough in my casting to start loading the rod, it was easy to see that I was getting equal or greater distance with less effort.

Obviously casting isn't your problem....I'm just pointing out the importance the rod plays as part of the cast.