[Casting distance new rod.]

is that with or without traces and bait?

Without! I'm guessing 80 with tackle and bait; further with a better technique.

[Casting distance new rod.]

Gentlemen:

Thank you for your tackle and casting advice. I would like to report approx 100 meters 2oz and 120 meters 3oz with an overhead cast. I managed about 130 meters, 3oz with an easy cast - once only (paced out with long steps along the beach). I have tried the pendulum but I can't get the timing right, and that swinging 3oz (cannon shell) is disconcerting - more practice.

 

The rod is built on a Purglas 4000 blank 4.05m - very basic. The grip is 1 meter of shrink wrap. The reel seat is a Fuji plate type and the guides Hardloy - I followed the Mudhole spacing chart.

 

The reel seat and the guides are taped on at the moment just in case of any alterations. The reel (fixed spool) is mounted 80 cm from the butt and this seems comfortable for my reach. The first guide is 1 meter above the reel. Incidentally, I have mounted the guides on the spine (at the 180 degree position) for maximum power in the forward cast - I realize that this is a matter of opinion and may raise some eyebrows, however, the blank seems to have a second spine opposite the other. As I haven't caught anything yet, I dont know how well it will perform with a decent fish.

 

The rod really loads up and seems to have heaps of power. However I'm not sure of the leverage advantage in the current configuration. Should I move the reel back a little as my right arm is straight for the cast - am I not using the full advantage of the rod with the reel that high?

 

Thanks again.

[Surf rods]

I think you need to try again to get info out of the locals! Where I fish, for example, there can be a thirty foot tidal range and these days a two pound fish is a good one! The tackle you need for that situation is completely different to what someone might use in a different part of this country, let alone on the other side of the world.

You also need to consider your casting style. An overhead thump won't load up a rod designed for pendulum casting, so you might find the top end rods too stiff and even actually lose distance compared to something lighter. Obviously the best solution is to borrow rods from other people and give them a "test drive". Maybe join a local club.

Thanks Colin, I have similar conversations going on other sites. There is such a wide range of tackle these days that fortunately I'm not limited to a local search. I've seen much of the gear around the tackle shops here and it is limited to the brand names except for a few decent retailers and rod builders. I could have gone with a local brand, but as I dug deeper I found a wider range of tackle accessible and some of it very different and worth while exploring. The UK scene is very interesting as is the USA and South Africa. So with the kind help of people on the forums I have a wider cross section of information than is otherwise possible.

 

 

 

 

{2008 Editor's Note - please click here to view surf rods for sale}

[Surf rods]

I'm not familiar with these rods ... got any links????

Are you in the States by any chance? (Couldn't see any reference to location in your posts)

 

http://www.purglas.com/product_0.htm

 

Purglas is South African.

 

I'm living in Australia!

 

I saw the UK Anglers site first and followed the links to the Aussie site, but I didn't get too many bites to my inquiries. The UK site has been great.

 

I could be tempted to import an AFAW surf or estuary rod, but $$$$$$$$$$$$. The Purglas is less expensive from a distributor in WA, and looks like it will perform. Although, if I have the rod made up the difference is marginal?

[Surf rods]

Thanks Newt and H.A. I guess the next question, given that I will alternate very light and heavier weights throughout the day, changing fishing styles as the conditions demand, is, which reel to buy?

 

The Daiwa Emblem Pro 5000, or the Okuma Axeon AX90a. Both designed for distance casting, I'm leaning toward the Axeon for quality.

 

Any further suggestions?

Without further a'do, and after looking at all the suggestions, a wide range of alternatives, I have settled on a Purglas 4000, or the 400 in the same line and weight class. I will couple it up with an Okuma Axeon that I was able to get half price. The Purglas is the closest match. There are a lot of great rods out there, but this one appears to be ideal for my purposes. So with some good quality guides etc etc, I hope to be in business soon.

 

Thanks for all the advice, and the casting tutorials.

 

Good fishing!

[Surf rods]

Beg to disagree Newt.

 

I've been teaching casting for about 10 years as a licensed coach.

 

Properly set up, a F/S is just as effective as a multiplier for practical fishing purposes. In fact a lot of the top matchmen prefer them coupled to an ultra-long rod which makes casting far more flexible for match techniques and facilitates the use of very long traces (that's another discussion, though).

 

I use multis for most of my long distance fishing but that is simply because I find them more pleasurable, smoother and more 'direct' to use.

 

Get a F/S rod of sufficient length for you to use effectively (it'll probably have a more 'through' action rather than 'tippy') and then set the reel up correctly ..... do I hear the word 'braid'?

Not 'arf!

 

Load your large diameter F/S with 25lb braid + a suitable tapered leader (18 - 70lbs) and you'll soon have the majority of multiplier users looking on with envy!

 

Thanks Newt and H.A. I guess the next question, given that I will alternate very light and heavier weights throughout the day, changing fishing styles as the conditions demand, is, which reel to buy?

 

The Daiwa Emblem Pro 5000, or the Okuma Axeon AX90a. Both designed for distance casting, I'm leaning toward the Axeon for quality.

 

Any further suggestions?

[Surf rods]

Distance is easier with the proper gear but you can only get so much out of a standard overhand thump and the distance specialists use slightly different techniques. The link in my first response offers details on one way to get a rig way out.

 

Here is a very different one that is a little tough to master but is probably as good for distance as you will ever find.

 

Pendulum Cast

 

Another Pendulum Explanation /w video

Thanks Newt. Since following up your links, and digging a bit deeper, I notice that many of the distance casters use overhead reels. I plan on using a fixed spool which, as I understand it, line drag increases proportionally with the distance cast; the line being deeper in the spool as its pulled off. I have seen all sorts of solutions to this problem, but wonder how significant it is, compared with an overhead. Can anyone make a comparison from experience and, possibly, suggest a fixed spool reel with superior casting qualities. Let's say that value for money is not a consideration, for starters.

[Surf rods]

I had one of these, just got to get it back from my son.

Thanks, Looks ideal - their surf rod comes a close second. They provide plenty of information - I feel like I know what I'm buying.

[Surf rods]

What sort of cast do you use for distance?

 

http://saltfishing.about.com/cs/surffishin...aa040110a_2.htm

Hi Newt and Ken.

 

I'm only familiar with the overhead cast; unless were talking fly fishing. I can't say I've given it a great deal of thought - what ever worked on the day. A bit of extra reading will be helpful!

 

After a bit more research, Purglas rods, in particular the 4000 (13' 2" 8kg 3/4oz - 3 oz) seem to be in the ball park, and may be more flexible weight wise for my purposes.

 

The Ugly Stik has an inner helical or coil layer, which minimizes distortion under load. I was wondering if this is common to the high end rods also? I see the Kiwis use the technique. Is this standard practice these days?

 

I'm not being very specific, but as I narrow the course down, I'm leaning towards a fixed spool reel, so that I can work light weights also 1/2 - 3/4. But I still want to get the distance with heavier weights - 3oz. That's why I'm leaning toward the Purglas.

 

I understand that overhead reels are better for distance - once the initial resistance of the spool is overcome - not sure. So to what extent does a fixed spool reel affect casting distance, all other things being equal?

 

I haven't completely ruled out carp rods, but I'm a little closer to making a decision.

[Surf rods]

Add to the list, the Conoflex Flattie Fanatic, just because it's a flattie rod doesn't mean it won't catch bass.

Strangely, carp rods were another avenue that I had been exploring, and dropped in favour of the Zziplex because of it's alleged performance. While most of my fishing won't demand distance, there are times when the fish go sailing by just out of reach, and wading is not an option in many cases.

 

Ideally I would like a rod that can go the extra distance, 150 meters/yards or so, while still fishing light - 1 - 3 oz.

 

I will have a look at the Conoflex.

 

In the meantime what sort of distance do you get with your carp rod? What type of reel would you recommend for light fishing, consistent with distance casting.

[Surf rods]

It has been a long time since doing any serious fishing, so I am out of touch with gear quality and so on. I want to build or buy a good quality surf rod. Two in particular stand out - Zziplex's Light Bass and Powertex.

So I have a lot of questions.

 

How different are these rods? Do they really cast as far as some claim?

 

Someone mentioned Ugly Stik's. How do they compare with Zziplex? What would be comparable to the Light Bass or Powertex?

 

I don't really wan't to compromise quality, performance and suitability; are there better rods on the market?

 

Looking forward to your thoughts.

[New member]

Hi, I am returning to fishing after a long spell doing other things. I have not kept up with the latest tackle, and will be seeking advice in the forums.

 

I am particularly interested in Zziplex rods, and according to the things I have read, they sound ideal for my application. Are they as good as the blurb; are there alternatives that are just as good.

 

Anyway, I look forward to hearing what others think about these issues.

 

Good Fishing!