Surf rods

[goin2fish]

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.

[Newt]

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

[goin2fish]

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.

[Newt]

A fixed spool / spinning reel is not going to perform as well for long distance casting as a multiplier. The design simply won't allow it.

 

I use almost all 'overhead' reels but exclusively fresh water fishing and almost always from a boat so I usually get reasonably close to where I want to fish. I just prefer multipliers & baitcasters unless I'm using a lure and technique that works better with a spinning reel.

 

That combined with the fact that I live so far away and don't have reasonable access to the same brands of rods or reels makes me unable to offer specific brand advice.

[H.A.]

A fixed spool / spinning reel is not going to perform as well for long distance casting as a multiplier. The design simply won't allow it.

 

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!

 

[goin2fish]

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?

[goin2fish]

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!

[H.A.]

Purglas 4000, or the 400 in the same line and weight class

 

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)

 

[goin2fish]

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?

[ColinW]

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.