I've never really attempted long range casting before as I've never needed to do it but gave it a little go before I left the lake today. This has left me wondering what I should be expecting from the set up I have and what is limiting me getting further.

I'm aware that practise is the key and lessons with Tel20 would be a massive step forward, I've watched some of his videos and have picked up bits but what about my tackle?

I've recently got a set of Century SPSU in 12' 3lb, reels are Penn Affinity 8000 loaded with .20mm 20lb braid attached to a couple of feet of lead core with a 3oz distance lead helicopter style. I left the rig on but took the bait off.

I clipped up at 30 wraps/120 yards as I thought it would be a good start and after a couple of casts was very nearly hitting it nearly every go, I couldn't actually quite hit the clip with the lead still in the air although it was only feet short on the better casts. I started with the lead by the spigot but wasn't getting enough height so dropped the lead to the butt ring and this seemed to improve it. I could really notice I needed to work on letting go earlier.

I was waist deep in water as this is necessary in the majority of swims and assume this is hindering me?

My first thought was the lead was too light. How big can I go before crack offs become a thing with the .20 braid? What would the optimum size lead be? With practise and a tweak of my tackle what range should I be hitting as I'm fairly sure I can improve on 120.

Thoughts please.

Thanks.

In reply to Post #1
Pay for casting lessons mate, you'll be amazed, good advice on all aspects given as well.

In reply to Post #1
Interesting reading mate

Never used those rods so cannot comment. I would straight away look at ditching the leadcore and try a lead free one. would also look at a shock leader then you can give it some without fear of cracking off

Regarding the rod, which sounds like the limiting factor to me, 3oz may be its limit once you learn to cast better, maybe 2, 2.5 oz may be worth a trial?

Drop for me is around the spigot but if your in the water be prepared to have your rig under water lol

I have always practiced, especially in winter when it's not worth sat behind a baited rig, couple of hours casting practice is the way for me

Somebody once posted a link on here to a free spirit casting DVD, brought mine on loads, pretty effortless once you get used to it. Maybe worth a look?

In reply to Post #1
If you're not breaking 20lb braid you're not getting to the potential of you're rods. .if you can use a leader do so 50lb armakord or similar. Get some lessons or practice and if you still need more distance get some heavier rods and leads. If like me you are restricted to line and lead size then it's a compromise. You are not going to achieve maximum. However you hopefully will be able to get enough to do tbe job.

In reply to Post #4
I think the su was designed to cast without leaders but I would not be casting thin braid without a leader.
I have found that the tapered mainlines are good for casting 12 lb main line going upto 45lb

30 wraps is a good start and a lesson and practise will see that go up.

I think the su version should be good for 150 plus casting

In reply to Post #3
Interesting, I was expecting to be told to up the lead size. Trial and error I guess

In reply to Post #4
So I really should be using a leader with a 3oz and 20lb? It really felt like I was giving it some and it wasn't breaking! What is the accepted minimum braid to use straight through?

I have zero restrictions and wouldn't say I needed to be hitting any specific distance, certainly not on this lake but with no one around was just curious to see what I could do with the rods I have.

In reply to Post #5
150 sounds like a good target

In reply to Post #7
Put a shockie on it and a 3oz lead and give it the beans. Just remember, steady acceleration.
You said your casting in the water so you cant take a step, but transfer weight from back to front so your top half moves forward with the cast to build the power and acceleration.
You may need to slightly shorten the drop so you're not dipping it behind you and this will affect the release timing but practice and you'll soon adjust.
When your happy you've maxxed out then try a 3.5oz.

In reply to Post #8
Had a google mate, not the one I first saw on here but scroll forward to around 46minutes

If you break your rod don't blame me, blame him

Added yards to my casting!

how to cast!

Edit, found it

this one

In reply to Post #7
Sorry I forgot you are standing waist deep in water so you can't give it as much force as from the bank with a full drop.