In reply to Post #21
I agree, lowest you can go is 0.35 and that in itself is probably the limit.
I agree, lowest you can go is 0.35 and that in itself is probably the limit.
I've heard lots of things about different lines, shockleaders, diameters, breaking strains, stretch and so forth when people have talked about casting distances. What I would like to know is what people's choices are when it comes to casting a long way and whether they use braid or mono, shockleaders ect. What is the best choice for this style of fishing?
In reply to Post #1
10lb mono and a 50lb shock leader is popular if rules permit
Could do tapered line again if rules allow and separate shock leaders are banned
For fishing mono straight through it depends on your rods, if you have powerful casting rods a .38 diameter is probably best for softer rods .35 would be ok
10lb mono and a 50lb shock leader is popular if rules permit
Could do tapered line again if rules allow and separate shock leaders are banned
For fishing mono straight through it depends on your rods, if you have powerful casting rods a .38 diameter is probably best for softer rods .35 would be ok
In reply to Post #2
I think my local lake may permit the use of shock leaders. Are there any benefits from using braid as a mainline, or should I use 10lb mono. I'm just a bit worried about playing possible 40 pounders on 10lb line.
I think my local lake may permit the use of shock leaders. Are there any benefits from using braid as a mainline, or should I use 10lb mono. I'm just a bit worried about playing possible 40 pounders on 10lb line.
In reply to Post #3
The only worries about using fine lines with big fish is normally the stiffness of the rod, and any snags.
If I'm going for a big cast on my 3.25lb TC rods, and the water is clear, I will use 15lb Gardner Pro to an Amnesia Shock leader. If there are snags or weed, I go straight through, no shockleader.
The reason for no shockleader with snags is so the run ring (I don't use lead clips), can run off any broken line. In clear water, should I get broken off, the run ring should easily go over the knot. A shockleader knot covered in weed, could trap the run ring, and a shockleader could get snagged up in weed or round branches.
Ritchie Macdonald played Basil at over 40lb on 6lb line, although I don't think he was using high test curve fast tapers.
The only worries about using fine lines with big fish is normally the stiffness of the rod, and any snags.
If I'm going for a big cast on my 3.25lb TC rods, and the water is clear, I will use 15lb Gardner Pro to an Amnesia Shock leader. If there are snags or weed, I go straight through, no shockleader.
The reason for no shockleader with snags is so the run ring (I don't use lead clips), can run off any broken line. In clear water, should I get broken off, the run ring should easily go over the knot. A shockleader knot covered in weed, could trap the run ring, and a shockleader could get snagged up in weed or round branches.
Ritchie Macdonald played Basil at over 40lb on 6lb line, although I don't think he was using high test curve fast tapers.
In reply to Post #4
Thanks. My water doesn't have many snags or weed, and my rod is also a 3.25 TC rod, so maybe I could use 10lb line
Thanks. My water doesn't have many snags or weed, and my rod is also a 3.25 TC rod, so maybe I could use 10lb line
It all depends on what rods, what reels and how far you need to cast.
A braided leader is much better not only as there is practically zero loss of power during the cast, it's instant feedback whereas mono is a very wishy-washy even with heavy leaders; when sending leads can easily lead to mistiming.
With a good quality .37 to .38 mono without a leader, 4oz lead, you're looking at around 150yds +/- (caster dependent) with a decent fast taper rod before you crack off. There are exceptions as some of the big casters can bang out the likes of the Shimano TX2 to big ranges and they're not fast taper rods.
With a braided leader and dropping down line diameter to .33, good technique and fast taper rods, 200yds???
Technique needs to be honed like any skill when casting big ranges. Smashing a rod as hard as you can will only get you so far irrespective of the kit you use, be it el chepo or expensive. Also rod dependant is lead size. Some rods will happily cast 4.5oz leads, some, not so much. 4oz to 4.5oz leads will give you maximum range.
A braided leader is much better not only as there is practically zero loss of power during the cast, it's instant feedback whereas mono is a very wishy-washy even with heavy leaders; when sending leads can easily lead to mistiming.
With a good quality .37 to .38 mono without a leader, 4oz lead, you're looking at around 150yds +/- (caster dependent) with a decent fast taper rod before you crack off. There are exceptions as some of the big casters can bang out the likes of the Shimano TX2 to big ranges and they're not fast taper rods.
With a braided leader and dropping down line diameter to .33, good technique and fast taper rods, 200yds???
Technique needs to be honed like any skill when casting big ranges. Smashing a rod as hard as you can will only get you so far irrespective of the kit you use, be it el chepo or expensive. Also rod dependant is lead size. Some rods will happily cast 4.5oz leads, some, not so much. 4oz to 4.5oz leads will give you maximum range.
In reply to Post #6
My rod is quite a cheap rod, a Vader X RS 3.25 TC rod, and I am still searching for a reel to go with it, to be able to achieve some distance. I have heard good things from it, with it being capable of 100yrds+ (maybe max 130 yrds in the right hands with a 4oz-4.5oz lead). I understand though that the 3.5 TC might be able to cast slightly further than the 3.25, but I do expect I will be able to put out a lead to maybe 120yrds with a 3.5-4 oz lead. As you mentioned a good quality mono will be a good casting line, what do you recommend?
My rod is quite a cheap rod, a Vader X RS 3.25 TC rod, and I am still searching for a reel to go with it, to be able to achieve some distance. I have heard good things from it, with it being capable of 100yrds+ (maybe max 130 yrds in the right hands with a 4oz-4.5oz lead). I understand though that the 3.5 TC might be able to cast slightly further than the 3.25, but I do expect I will be able to put out a lead to maybe 120yrds with a 3.5-4 oz lead. As you mentioned a good quality mono will be a good casting line, what do you recommend?
In reply to Post #4
The stiffness of the rod would only be a problem at the net with your drag locked up because the blank won't absorb any energy.
For the rest of the fight you'd be lucky to apply 6lb of pressure without giving yourself a hernia or snapping the rod.
The only reason to use a fast action carp rod is to cast a long way and pick up line better at range, they're rubbish for anything else.
The stiffness of the rod would only be a problem at the net with your drag locked up because the blank won't absorb any energy.
For the rest of the fight you'd be lucky to apply 6lb of pressure without giving yourself a hernia or snapping the rod.
The only reason to use a fast action carp rod is to cast a long way and pick up line better at range, they're rubbish for anything else.
In reply to Post #7
Have you ever cast 120yds before regardless of the rods capabilities? You'd be surprised that how far it actually is.
For safeties sakes, I'd run with 15lb XT Syncro straight through as a starting point and go from there trying the best lead size to suit. What you want to do is start slow and finish fast with level line casting (straight through) so as to avoid crack off's. If you snatch at the cast, that's where you're likely to leave a live rig out in the water.
I don't know the rods you've got, although I can only guess that they're going to have a moderate tip/ action, which you'll have to adjust your casting speed to get that range you want.
Remember this: it's push and pull, push with your hand holding the reel fitting, and pulling the butt section into your body as fast as you possibly can. There are various different stances, watch on YouTube, play about with them and find the one that suits you the best.
Have you ever cast 120yds before regardless of the rods capabilities? You'd be surprised that how far it actually is.
For safeties sakes, I'd run with 15lb XT Syncro straight through as a starting point and go from there trying the best lead size to suit. What you want to do is start slow and finish fast with level line casting (straight through) so as to avoid crack off's. If you snatch at the cast, that's where you're likely to leave a live rig out in the water.
I don't know the rods you've got, although I can only guess that they're going to have a moderate tip/ action, which you'll have to adjust your casting speed to get that range you want.
Remember this: it's push and pull, push with your hand holding the reel fitting, and pulling the butt section into your body as fast as you possibly can. There are various different stances, watch on YouTube, play about with them and find the one that suits you the best.
In reply to Post #9
Thanks mate. Helped a bunch. Will do straight through to start. What line should I use? One thats good quality.
Thanks mate. Helped a bunch. Will do straight through to start. What line should I use? One thats good quality.
In reply to Post #10
Tee Cee has a lot of strong opinions, some good, some not so good. If you are pushing your casting distances with limited technique and or experience using heavy leads (4oz plus) please use either a shock leader or tapered mainline for the sake of the fish and other anglers.
For casting practice/learning a 10-12 mtr 50lb braid (Armacord or similar) leader and 12lb Syncro XT will keep things safe and will reach the distance you want.
Distance casting 4oz plus leads on 15lb straight through is not safe. In my humble opinion of course.
Tee Cee has a lot of strong opinions, some good, some not so good. If you are pushing your casting distances with limited technique and or experience using heavy leads (4oz plus) please use either a shock leader or tapered mainline for the sake of the fish and other anglers.
For casting practice/learning a 10-12 mtr 50lb braid (Armacord or similar) leader and 12lb Syncro XT will keep things safe and will reach the distance you want.
Distance casting 4oz plus leads on 15lb straight through is not safe. In my humble opinion of course.
In reply to Post #10
ESP Syncro XT 15lb non loaded (corrected)
Gold Label Pro clear 16lb
👌
ESP Syncro XT 15lb non loaded (corrected)
Gold Label Pro clear 16lb
👌
In reply to Post #11
Good call 👍
As for the safety side of things: just as long you check your knot, 120yds is fine given the rod the guy is using. I've hit 145yds with 16lb Pro clear, fast taper rod and poo technique for hours, only cracked off after hitting just shy of 150yds on the field. You really would be surprised at how much you have to give it before it goes bang, it really did take me by surprise, and as I'd said in previous posts, it's more down to snatching at the cast when things blow up.
Definitely a good point you make though and safety all around first 😁
Good call 👍
As for the safety side of things: just as long you check your knot, 120yds is fine given the rod the guy is using. I've hit 145yds with 16lb Pro clear, fast taper rod and poo technique for hours, only cracked off after hitting just shy of 150yds on the field. You really would be surprised at how much you have to give it before it goes bang, it really did take me by surprise, and as I'd said in previous posts, it's more down to snatching at the cast when things blow up.
Definitely a good point you make though and safety all around first 😁
In reply to Post #11
Also worth making a point that you need to practice and test leader connections if we are talking fish safety.
@Teecee- it's esp synchro
Also worth making a point that you need to practice and test leader connections if we are talking fish safety.
@Teecee- it's esp synchro