I'm currently looking to start Spodding as I've never done it before. I'm using a pair of Sonik Xtractor 9ft/3lb tc rods and have just ordered the Sonik Xtractor 9ft/4.5lb tc spod rod to compliment this setup. My pair of reels are the Okuma LS 6K and I'm thinking of getting an Okuma spod reel too. Once I've decided on the reel, should I be looking to load it with mono and a mono shock leader or just braid? The lake I fish is only a 50m chuck max and so I won't be launching the spod very far. My thoughts were to load the reel with the same 15lb mono mainline (plus a suitable mono shock leader) which I have on the other 2 rods so that the stretch will be about the same whether I'm fishing, or spodding, and I won't need to mess about trying to allow for the stretch of the mono which I would need to do if I used braid for the spod rod.
Any pointers would be very much appreciated.
Any pointers would be very much appreciated.
In reply to Post #1
Cheap 30lb braid off eBay, no need for a leader, shouldn't be more than £10 for 200m. Use some old mono for backing.
Daz
Cheap 30lb braid off eBay, no need for a leader, shouldn't be more than £10 for 200m. Use some old mono for backing.
Daz
In reply to Post #1
practice using the line clip when casting & holding your rod tip up as the spod lands - you will find that you can soften the cast with your tip & reduce stretch.
as daz said - 30lb braid all the way through - get a bright color so you can see it on the water.
practice using the line clip when casting & holding your rod tip up as the spod lands - you will find that you can soften the cast with your tip & reduce stretch.
as daz said - 30lb braid all the way through - get a bright color so you can see it on the water.
Start off short, say 10 wraps and work up. Don't overfill the spomb - a mid sized spomb is a good size and make sure you don't trap bits of particle in the join as that can stop it from opening . Wet the braid before you start and keep it wet all the time - it helps it gets through the rings easier as it reduces friction and also helps to avoid wind knots. The number one rule for me is don't try to spod without a finger stall or a glove. Braid will slice the end of your finger if it becomes jammed in any way on the cast!
In reply to Post #1
50m only, I'd buck the trend and just use your 15lb mono, though not sure your stretch theory will hold up due to the weight of the spod stretching the line more than the rig.
If you do go braid my personal preference is for a mono leader, if you chose not to definately heed the advice re a finger stall, I've had a clutch slip when locked tight and had to stitch my finger there and then, I'll never use braid straight thorugh again, simply not worth any risk.
Even if using mono I'd probably still opt for a stall if doing any sort of regular spodding as it will hurt the pad of your finger eventually if you don't.
As it's 50m only I'd hold the rod tip up all of the way, jic you get any hang up, and let the rod cushion the spod at the clip. Again I know the trend nowadays is for thin braid but personally I used 65lb, it gives you that extra leverage for fraying, naturally if fishing mega distance thinner braid helps.
50m only, I'd buck the trend and just use your 15lb mono, though not sure your stretch theory will hold up due to the weight of the spod stretching the line more than the rig.
If you do go braid my personal preference is for a mono leader, if you chose not to definately heed the advice re a finger stall, I've had a clutch slip when locked tight and had to stitch my finger there and then, I'll never use braid straight thorugh again, simply not worth any risk.
Even if using mono I'd probably still opt for a stall if doing any sort of regular spodding as it will hurt the pad of your finger eventually if you don't.
As it's 50m only I'd hold the rod tip up all of the way, jic you get any hang up, and let the rod cushion the spod at the clip. Again I know the trend nowadays is for thin braid but personally I used 65lb, it gives you that extra leverage for fraying, naturally if fishing mega distance thinner braid helps.
In reply to Post #1
does the ocuma spod reel not come supplied with braid on it?? it's a little overfilled but will be fine for what tou need
does the ocuma spod reel not come supplied with braid on it?? it's a little overfilled but will be fine for what tou need
I ended up going for a Sonik Herox spod reel which comes loaded with 200m of Hypa-Viz 30lb braid. I'll definitely get myself a finger stall but in the meantime I'll use a glove. I can well imagine that braid will be the same as a cheese wire across the end of a finger when something goes wrong.
In reply to Post #7
The main culprit for braid finger slicing is give in the clutch. Make sure the clutch is locked up with zero give and you should be fine. A finger stall does give you more confidence if you need to hit the cast hard though.
The main culprit for braid finger slicing is give in the clutch. Make sure the clutch is locked up with zero give and you should be fine. A finger stall does give you more confidence if you need to hit the cast hard though.