Saltwater casting reel suggestions

I wonder why the guide rings on the baitcasting rods are not the same size (larger) as those on spinning rods? I would think that friction is not out friend when it comes to distance.

Also, it would seem that the line coming off a spinning reel would encounter less friction than line coming off a baitcasting reel? If so, maybe the records point to some other variable?

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fi...-reel-vs-baitcaster-reel-in-casting-distance/

"Here are the records. "Fixed spool" means spinning, "Multiplier" means conventional or what we commonly call "baitcast."



150gm
Multiplier - 0.31mm
278.96m
Danny Moeskops, August '04

150gm
Fixed Spool - 0.31mm
256.26m
Danny Moeskops, April '08"
 
fishiker said:
If you search online for the pendulum cast you will find many videos on the casting technique I'm trying to learn. I watched a bunch of fishermen one day all using similar setups. One was casting further than the others with no physical advantage. I talked with a friend of mine and he told me to watch the technique the guy casting longer was using. I don't know how far they were averaging but it was clear he was throwing further than most others. Compared to the other fishermen he was on the small size.
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Thanks. Cool tips.

[video=youtube;2-FZcQ_hNUI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-FZcQ_hNUI[/video]
 
I have a spinning rod that I surf fish with that is very close to the same size as my new casting combo. I'll compare the distance I get between the two after a few more trips to the driving range with the casting rod. I still have a LOT to learn about using the new reel.
 
..now that I think about it, when the line comes off a spinning reel, it comes off in a circle, thus generating some friction (against the 1st guide) that way.
 
That would make sense. Alvey Rods have a very large first guide, and it can be half way up the rod, I'm guessing to limit some of that friction.
 
Take a look at the St Croix Mojo Surf rods.
A lot of research, including high speed photography, went into the design & height of the guides.
They funnel the cone of line coming off the spinning reel in a way that produces the least friction.
My 10 1/2' Mojo surf throws 2 ounce spoons like a champ.

Back to casting reels. Those old school Penns are great for weight and bait. But due to their low gearing they can be a real hassle to fish lures.
The reel I'd love to try is the Avet SXJ 5.3
Seems like it could be the best of both worlds. Have only seen photos though. No hands on experience sadly.
 
Only managed one short casting session with my Slosh, I can tell I have much to learn about technique and control of the reel. Also managed one very impressive birdsnest.
 
Your thumb never really leaves the spool. Just lighten pressure and 'feather' it so you are right there to catch it.
Don't thumb the line but the edge of the spool (the line burns your finger).
The casting action should be slower than with a spinning rod.
No snap to the cast until you are really used to what is going on.
Start out lobbing them out there, a little further each time. Wet mono seems to be a little easier to manage as well.
Heavier is easier to feel (than too light) as well.
Especially true when learning to cast LMB sized casting reels.

No substitute for practice though.
You'll know you've got it down when you leave your crochet needle at home.
:D
 
I really appreciate all the input so far from everyone. I'll tell you a little more about this. We go to the Outer Banks, NC at least two weeks each year plus a long weekend or two when things go right. Our vacation centers around fishing and Avalon Pier is our favorite spot. I know most of the regulars who fish there and feel like I'm back home every time I set foot on the old weather worn planks. Most of our fishing is throwing lures for bluefish, Spanish, trout, and puppy drum. We have been on the pier many times when the larger drum were biting and the only guys catching them were the ones on the end throwing the heavers. We have watched enough to have the desire to try it ourselves so when I got the opportunity to buy the custom rod at such a good price decided it was time. I have no desire to give up the fishing style we enjoy. I just want to add a new dimension to it. So now I have a respectable rod & reel I only need the skills to get my bait out far enough to catch a fish. We've been there when it didn't seem to matter how far someone cast and other times when only a few were catching fish because they were casting further than others. When I say we I'm referring to myself and my beautiful wife who loves fishing as much as I do. Thanks again:thumbup:
 
I fish the beaches and piers from Galveston down to Corpus Christie and have been doing it for 25 years +. I honestly believe you will need 2 separate rods. A lure rod and then your bait launcher. Beware! Once you get used to chunking those big rods and manhandling and getting manhandled by those bigger fish it's hard to fish any other way.
 
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jimmay said:
I fish the beaches and piers from Galveston down to Corpus Christie and have been doing it for 25 years +. I honestly believe you will need 2 separate rods. A lure rod and then your bait launcher. Beware! Once you get used to chunking those big rods and manhandling and getting manhandled by those bigger fish it's hard to fish any other way.
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After a few casting sessions with the new combo I agree 100% about needing 2 rods. I am anxiously awaiting my first opportunity to cast the big rod into the salt instead of the grass at the driving range. I've been practicing enough that the people who walk the park don't even look when I'm there. I'm sure warmer weather will bring out the golfers and I'll have to find a new spot. I've been practicing with cheap 30#mono and think I'm almost ready to see what distance I can get with a slightly higher quality lighter line.
 
If they run you off of the range then head to a lake or river and use it for some cat fishing. I take mine below the dam at lake Livingston , people look at me funny because the rods are a lot longer and thicker than they are used to seeing, but once I cast 3/4 's the way across the river those looks turn from strange to wow! I use conventional Penn reels for my chunking. Squiders, Jigmasters, 113 hlw's on up to my 114hlw. I have a couple of 16/0's for the really big boys. My favorites are my Jigmasters. I load them up with 500 yards of 40 pound braid, top it off with 30 pound Ande, then put about 30-40 feet of 50 pound Ande for my shock leader. You will want to either put 50 pound or double up the 30 pound for your shock leader. Once you get used to chunking it, you will start putting more " umph" into it and if you only have a single strand of 30 it will pop on you sending your leader with your bait and weight sailing toward the horizon. The shock leader also helps you keep muscle on the fish to keep them off of the pier pilings. Fishing from a pier will also help with your form if they allow you to cast from the backside of the railing. I love casting this way because it allows me to hang my bait and weight off of the back side a pretty good length down and by swinging it a little bit it loads the rod up on the back cast, then I can get a full swing on my cast. It really launches and feels like a cast should because of the back cast loading the rod up. From the beach, I will lay my bait and weight almost in a straight line behind me (between 12:30 and 1oclock when casting target is at 6oclock) with about 6-8 feet of line out, keeping my rod tip in line with the leader, walk out until the line is tight and the rod is in line with the leader, straighten my arms out and then in one quick motion I twist my body away from the leader and towards where I'm casting and it launches like a rocket. Doing it this way it loads the rods up very quick. Just make sure that everybody is behind you and not to the side or in front of you. I can guaranty that weight is coming around with almost as much force as a shotgun slug! A friend of mine that showed me this technique dented the pipe railing at the Flagship fishing pier in Galveston. His 8 ounce weight was completely mangled. I hope some of this helps. I never can get that pendulum technique that the pro casters use to work very well when I have a hook and bait attached.
 
jimmay said:
If they run you off of the range then head to a lake or river and use it for some cat fishing. I take mine below the dam at lake Livingston , people look at me funny because the rods are a lot longer and thicker than they are used to seeing, but once I cast 3/4 's the way across the river those looks turn from strange to wow! I use conventional Penn reels for my chunking. Squiders, Jigmasters, 113 hlw's on up to my 114hlw. I have a couple of 16/0's for the really big boys. My favorites are my Jigmasters. I load them up with 500 yards of 40 pound braid, top it off with 30 pound Ande, then put about 30-40 feet of 50 pound Ande for my shock leader. You will want to either put 50 pound or double up the 30 pound for your shock leader. Once you get used to chunking it, you will start putting more " umph" into it and if you only have a single strand of 30 it will pop on you sending your leader with your bait and weight sailing toward the horizon. The shock leader also helps you keep muscle on the fish to keep them off of the pier pilings. Fishing from a pier will also help with your form if they allow you to cast from the backside of the railing. I love casting this way because it allows me to hang my bait and weight off of the back side a pretty good length down and by swinging it a little bit it loads the rod up on the back cast, then I can get a full swing on my cast. It really launches and feels like a cast should because of the back cast loading the rod up. From the beach, I will lay my bait and weight almost in a straight line behind me (between 12:30 and 1oclock when casting target is at 6oclock) with about 6-8 feet of line out, keeping my rod tip in line with the leader, walk out until the line is tight and the rod is in line with the leader, straighten my arms out and then in one quick motion I twist my body away from the leader and towards where I'm casting and it launches like a rocket. Doing it this way it loads the rods up very quick. Just make sure that everybody is behind you and not to the side or in front of you. I can guaranty that weight is coming around with almost as much force as a shotgun slug! A friend of mine that showed me this technique dented the pipe railing at the Flagship fishing pier in Galveston. His 8 ounce weight was completely mangled. I hope some of this helps. I never can get that pendulum technique that the pro casters use to work very well when I have a hook and bait attached.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately for me the rivers here are not wide enough for me to practice on. There is a lake nearby that has one spot that may work for practicing, I have to pay $5 to park though. I have experimented with a few casting techniques and have yet to find one that works better for me than the others. I'm chunking a 4 oz. sinker 80-90 yds with a cheap stiff 30 lb mono on the reel. I believe I will be over 100 yds with a better line. On a good day I can practice with little or no time spent untangling the first birds-nest. I have friends who live in the Outer Banks where I fish and they will help me with the shock leader/hook/sinker rigging. I can only imagine the force a competent caster could generate swinging an 8 oz. weight. Thanks again for the advice:thumbup:
 
Sounds like you have it down! Better line will help with the casting for sure but if it's too limp it will help with the backlashes also!
 
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