bigbarry
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| 11 May 2009 04:15 PM |
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i have been using a bait caster for years, but because of physical limitation i have sold my boat and fish only from the bank and sitting on a chair. i am getting about 40 to 45 yards per cast but would like to get to 50 yards plus !! any ideas ??????????? or am i just trying for "the pie in the sky" thanks in advance and god bless barry life member 2005 |
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goinfshn
Advanced Poster
Posts:457
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| 11 May 2009 05:51 PM |
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I don't have much information, but you could use a longer rod, lighter line or heavier lures. Any one of these should help, a combination of them would be even better. If you are using braid or fluoro, you will not get as much distance as mono. I don't know your limitations, but you could look at this site for equipment: http://www.achievableconcepts.us/usa_fish.htm or this one: http://www.fhnbinc.org/adap_%20gear.htm Gary Life Member, Retired WV State Police, Retired SFC US Army. Poca, West Virginia |
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| WV State Police Retired, US Army Retired |
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maxspider72
New Poster
Posts:90
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| 11 May 2009 07:24 PM |
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I don't know if they still market it, but Rapala came out with a "long cast" minnow crankbait several years ago. It has some sort of special weight that makes it easier to cast. Can't speak from experience however, since I've never actually tried one for myself. |
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| On A Clear Night I Can Hear The Fish Laughing. |
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bigbarry
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| 13 May 2009 07:24 AM |
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thank you for all your help. i guess i didn't explain i can walk sit stand and have use of both arms and legs , just can't stand for any length of time. that is why i sit on a chair when i cast ! but i would still like that 50 plus yard cast !!! |
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Pegsguy
Veteran Poster
Posts:4095
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| 13 May 2009 05:11 PM |
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Have you thought of switching to spinning tackle? You will get that exta yardage you want, but conditions may not permit this. Also, I don't agree with mono casting further than braid. My personal experience has been the opposite! Don't think fluoro casts as well as either. Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois |
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| Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian! |
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AZAllen
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Posts:2431
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| 14 May 2009 10:38 AM |
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The quality of the reel makes a difference and if you have anti-backlash devices, as the better ones do, back off on them. This does mean that your thumb will have to be well educated or the backlashes will be epic. As mentioned, spinning tackle might be a good option and in either case, use the lightest line practical, this is where braid may be an advantage as you could keep the strength up and still have a smaller diameter. How long of rod are you using, I am tempted to suggest trying a "Steelhead" or "Surf Rod". I ;have casting and spinning rods a 8' and surf sticks go from 10-14. These are only "food for thought ideas", good luck. |
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| NAFC, NAHC, NRA, SASS, Viet Nam Vet. Bullhead City, AZ |
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AZAllen
Veteran Poster
Posts:2431
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| 19 May 2009 12:04 PM |
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I was wathcing one of Larry Dahlbergs show, they were fishing on of the fine Mexican Reservoirs, he spooled up with braid the evening before going out and decided to see how far he could cast. He backed off the centrifical brake (magnets) as far as they would go and let fly. He spooled himself and as his line was not well affixed to the spool, it all went. Unfortunately, I had to leave so I was not able to see if he recovered his line and lure. Now he uses Shimano reels (one of his sponsers) and he has practiced but that shows what is possible. |
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| NAFC, NAHC, NRA, SASS, Viet Nam Vet. Bullhead City, AZ |
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davesett2000
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Posts:2212
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| 20 May 2009 09:03 PM |
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Considering the record for a bait caster is about 850 feet...you SHOULD be able to do better...but you may have to get a different reel. MOST of the recent records were made with Ambassadeurs...and I truely realize that you aren't casting 8 oz baits...but considering there are special bearing kits that you can get for them....you MAY want to consider that. JMHO....I can go into some other thoughts here....but lets see if anyone else can go there  Didn't we have this basic distance conversation back when Jim and Ray White were around? Check out that Topic I have in Members Tips  Life Member David BB Linkmeister
US Army '78-'85 West Central Wisconsin
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| Life Member David 2001 BB Linkmeister US Army 1978-1985 Western Wisconsin
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bigbarry
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| 21 May 2009 08:32 AM |
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dave i just went thru ALL the old "member tips" section and could not find anything on bait casting distance !! i should also mention the type of equipment i am using: for reels i have a ARDENT 1000, a ZILLION reel and just bought a US REEL 1000 PRO and rods are all st.croix mojo 7 foot med with fast tip thanks all and god bless barry |
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davesett2000
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Posts:2212
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| 21 May 2009 05:10 PM |
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Take a look through the stuff I "archived" in Links and Info for Fisher-People. THere's a couple of the old topics about baitcasting that I put in there. At the same time...you haven't mentioned what weight of lure you are talking about. If you are talking lighter weights....1/4 - 3/8 oz...in MY humble estimation....that is dang difficult to do with a baitcaster. Several folks above in this thread made some truly good recommendations as far as distance....so take a closer look at those too. SOme of those were lighter line, longer rod etc... I ALSO believe that when it comes to the lighter weights...that a more limber rod loads better...case in point....most fly fishing rods are quite limber. ANd at that point....you are dealing with miniscule lures   I also like the comment AZAllen made about the "educated thumb". You CAN back off on the settings (regardless of what type of settings the reel has)....but then your thumb will have to make up the difference. When you DO back off the settings, take some time to work with it...and TRY to keep the weight of the lure the same....AND start off with short casts....gradually working longer. This gets your thumb MORE educated to the "feeling" of the line...and you can tell....in an instant when it don't feel right....and your thumb SHOULD clamp down at that point. Hope that makes sense to you Life Member David BB Linkmeister
US Army '78-'85 West Central Wisconsin
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| Life Member David 2001 BB Linkmeister US Army 1978-1985 Western Wisconsin
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bigbarry
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| 22 May 2009 07:26 PM |
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MOSTLY I THROW AT LEAST A 1/2 OZ. AT TIMES A 5/8 OZ. AND DO GO UP TO 3/4 OZ. NOW AND THAN. AS I SAID BEFORE I HAVE BEEN USING A BAIT CASTER FOR YEARS AND GETTING ABOUT 40 OR SO YARDS. WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR IS "THE SECRET" TO GET 50 YARDS PLUS !!!!!! |
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GuppyCatcher
Advanced Poster
Posts:380
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| 24 May 2009 01:51 PM |
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Try using 15lb or less spiderwire or any thin super line that might help.
Old-fart Catfisher |
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davesett2000
Veteran Poster
Posts:2212
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| 29 May 2009 12:10 PM |
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Barry...I hope you don't find this question rude....but do you think the "style" of chair you use inhibits your motion? Also....you haven't mentioned what you use for lube. I haven't tried them....but I've heard that both Hot Sauce and Rocket Fuel DO make a difference. THen again....they do make bearing upgrade kits for certain reels...and there's a few guys around the country that specialize in doing such. Take a gander through this when you get a chance.... http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...=&aqi= Life Member David BB Linkmeister US Army '78-'85 West Central Wisconsin |
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| Life Member David 2001 BB Linkmeister US Army 1978-1985 Western Wisconsin
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Yanosick
Advanced Poster
Posts:669
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| 29 May 2009 06:27 PM |
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They sell line lubricant at most tackle shops. It works really well. also use the lightest line you can get away with. |
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bigbarry
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| 30 May 2009 09:24 AM |
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i do use HOT SAUCE and REEL MAGIC line conditioner along with10 lb. P-LINE. the reason i cast from a chair is because stand and balance is not what it used to be !!!!!! |
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Yanosick
Advanced Poster
Posts:669
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| 30 May 2009 05:38 PM |
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If you are already using that stuff and are still not happy with your casting distance than the only other thing to do is use HEAVY LURES(you can use tungsten products). If that doesn't work than I don't see anyother thing you can do. |
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bassassin
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bigbarry
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| 13 Jun 2009 09:59 AM |
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WELL THANKS FOR YOU HELP I JUST WANTED TO GIVE EVERYONE A UPDATE. FIRST OFF I AM USING THREE DIFFERENT SET UPS: 1) ARDENT 1000, 7' 4" WRIGHT MCGILL (CUT DOWN) ROD -MED FLEX WITH 10 LB. P-LINE 2) ZILLION REEL, 7'6" ST.CROIX MOJO ROD -MED HEAVY WITH 14 LB. FIRE LINE 3) US REEL 1000 SUPER CAST, 7' ST.CROX ROD- MED FLEX WITH 10 LB.PLINE AND THE WINNER IS BY A FEW YARDS IS THE US REEL, AND BY THE WAY THEY MAKE GREAT SPINNING REELS TOO !!!! |
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Delawaretrophybass
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Delawaretrophybass
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fishingischeaptherapy
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Posts:16
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| 01 Jul 2009 07:07 AM |
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You can get even more distance than what you have already manged by transitioning to a good quaility braid like Power Pro, Tuff Line, or Spider Wire. The diameter is much thinner and you can tie on a leader of mono or flouro if the water is clear with a uni to uni know. The diameter is much thinner and the stength is much better too. It's great for breaking loose from snags too if you are shore bound and not losing your lure or bait, just bend the hooks back and keep fishing! |
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retnavy
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| 03 Oct 2009 08:30 AM |
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To get more distance, I'd back the setting off some. Thats the first step. Secondly, when casting load those Rods up! They can handle it. Will just had to re-educate your thumb to feather the spool. |
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WorldRecordbass
New Poster
Posts:138
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| 04 Oct 2009 05:35 AM |
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retnavy wrote:To get more distance, I'd back the setting off some. Thats the first step. Secondly, when casting load those Rods up! They can handle it. Will just had to re-educate your thumb to feather the spool. He knows how to do all this already. He is looking for some kind of trick.  bigbarry
Posted:
Monday, May 11, 2009 5:15 PM
Joined: 3/2/2008 Posts: 379
i have been
using a bait caster for years, but because of physical limitation i
have sold my boat and fish only from the bank and sitting on a chair.
i am getting about 40 to 45 yards per cast but would like to get to 50
yards plus !! any ideas ??????????? or am i just trying for "the pie in the sky" thanks in advance and god bless barry life member 2005 Northeast Bass Fishing For Trophy Bass
http://delawaretrophybass.com |
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Yanosick
Advanced Poster
Posts:669
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| 04 Oct 2009 03:20 PM |
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It seems the only thing left to do is get a longer rod, which will increase your casting distance. |
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Pegsguy
Veteran Poster
Posts:4095
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| 04 Oct 2009 06:51 PM |
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Out of curiosity I did a little experimenting today. I took my baitcaster down to the local pond along with an armless lawn chair. Casting an F7 Rappala on Fireline 10/4 with a Shimano Cruxis and a Cabela's Fish Eagle II rod. Standing up I was consistently 10-15 yds longer on my casts than I was sitting. BTW, didn't catch any fish sitting or standing! Tom |
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| Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian! |
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Yanosick
Advanced Poster
Posts:669
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| 05 Oct 2009 04:01 PM |
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LOOKS LIKE THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE DESIRED DISTANCE IS TO NOT SIT DOWN. GOOD GOING SOLVING THE MYSTERY TOM. I WOULDN'T HAVE THOUGHT SITTING DOWN MAKES THAT BIG OF A DIFFERENCE, BUT 15 YARDS IS A BIG DEAL. |
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Pegsguy
Veteran Poster
Posts:4095
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| 05 Oct 2009 05:36 PM |
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It must be something with weight transfer, the same principle is at work when throwing a ball. Maybe a stool would be a better choice? Just trying to come up with something that works for BB. Tom |
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| Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian! |
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WorldRecordbass
New Poster
Posts:138
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| 05 Oct 2009 07:48 PM |
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That is pretty smart Tom. A stool seems like it would work if he can do that.  Northeast Bass Fishing For Trophy Bass
http://delawaretrophybass.com |
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Pegsguy
Veteran Poster
Posts:4095
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| 06 Oct 2009 05:43 PM |
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I think that is the first time I have ever come up with a solution to a problem by gettin ON my xxxx! Tom |
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| Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian! |
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slipperybob
Veteran Poster
Posts:1240
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| 16 Oct 2009 08:09 PM |
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bigbarry wrote:i have been using a bait caster for years, but because of physical limitation i have sold my boat and fish only from the bank and sitting on a chair. i am getting about 40 to 45 yards per cast but would like to get to 50 yards plus !! any ideas ??????????? or am i just trying for "the pie in the sky" thanks in advance and god bless barry life member 2005
I've got a trick, but I rarely cast any farther than 50 yrds. It's a fly fishing cast. Start your cast wind up with the rod pointing straight out infront of you. Whip your lure back to load the rod tip and now whip your rod forward to complete your cast. You should get more distance. |
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Yanosick
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Posts:669
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| 16 Oct 2009 08:23 PM |
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Sounds like it should work. |
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slipperybob
Veteran Poster
Posts:1240
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| 14 Sep 2010 12:17 AM |
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I've tried a variation of a Happy Gilmore baitcasting style and to an extent, it works. LOL's |
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mflake
New Poster
Posts:8
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| 03 Nov 2010 05:57 PM |
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You didnt say the bait your useing.Try a jig or lipless crank bait.Spinnerbait and billed crank bait will have alot more wind drag when casting. |
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mcopeland1
New Poster
Posts:115
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| 04 Nov 2010 10:42 AM |
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Bigbarry: Try this I switched my bait casters I use Shimano, spool with Berkley Fire Line use the smoke colored line don't use the clear chrystal line it's no good. I gained a lot of casting distance by making this simple change. I also use Fire Line on my open face spinning reels gainded more distance there also.  |
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ouachitabassangler
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Posts:223
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| 04 Nov 2010 02:04 PM |
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Those are plenty good reels, not cutting your distance as much as other things. One thing I will add to all the great advice above is even if new reels, have them "Super Tuned" by a reel expert. Even if you opt for special gear kits like Dave mentioned, it pays to super tune. I added way more casting yards than I needed. That removed all noise from my reels, too. The idea is to polish all moving parts involved in casting until friction is practically eliminated. Stick to extra thin reel oils, save reel grease for cranking gears only.
If you are lobbing 1 oz lures then a fast tip rod is fine. A fast tip robs distance from lighter lures simply because no rod flex energy is added to the lure. Dave covered that in those links. The lighter the lure, the softer the rod action ought to be. Lightest casting lures need all the rod whip you can provide. Note "casting". Getting too light for baitcast rigs calls for spinning or spincast rigs.
I have very little time to spare messing with my boat, so like you fish more from shore lately, usually in the shade under a bridge. Work on something I'll try to describe. When casting nobody behind you should see your hands while casting. They need to remain in your lap, no more than breast high, especially when sitting in a chair. Learn to mostly rotate your wrists, allowing maybe a mere 6" displacement of your forearms. Snap the rod behind your shoulder, then snap the rod forward, putting high stress into the rod. You should add dozens of yards and increase accuracy. If you continue lobbing the rod with mostly arm motion, you are not employing the capabilities of your rod towards supplying kinetic energy, whatever brand or type rod you have. i will point out you won't get much added energy with a stiff rod, a reason for going lighter on tip flex. Rod POWER isn't a factor, except for ability to haul a fish aboard by rod strength alone.
Longer rods are best for distance, but I've found the best rod guides add about as much smoothness and distance. I like them a bit larger than typical on store brand baitcast rods, and closer spaced, so far a great reason for using custom rods. I prefer ceramic rings, the ones like an inner tube in shape on the inside, the line passing over a rounded surface. I still have some flat-ringed guides on some "store-bought" rods that are OK, but will likely be replaced.
Jim |
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ouachitabassangler
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Posts:223
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| 04 Nov 2010 07:27 PM |
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In answer to the PMs I'll add to my last post since probably several readers got confused.
Whipping a good quality rod will not snap it to pieces if you are using the recommended line and lure weight, and haven't done somethings like cracking the rod in a truck door jamb or stepped on it. Modern rod blanks can take it. If you are afraid there's some damage on your rod then don't do this, but don't figure on the rod holding up under a big fish load either. I still use a few favorite rods over 20 years old this way, and one old glass rod I use for crankbaits. I was an overhead "lure lobber" most of my fishing life until I saw some pro anglers cast this way. If you have to don't hesitate to use both hands. Using both will add power and distance.
You can hold the rig out at arm's length if wanted (not necessarily in the lap), and learn not to move your arms hardly at all. Or go ahead and let your arms move. The object is to put as much snap into the rod as possible. It's a real shoulder saver for folks with ruptured rotator cuffs like me. I CAN'T lob a rod more than a few times, but figure I'd out-distance anyone lobbing the same lure. Sometimes I snap the rod sideways or some other way depending on how a boat partner is casting. It did take a lot of practice in my lawn to learn this, so no, it doesn't come easy. Pitchin' didn't come easy for me either. Your casting thumb must be educated, as mentioned earlier. It must skim over the spool constantly while the lure is in the air. I use both brake systems in my reels, changing settings whenever I go to another weight of lure. Most of my reels are the original (discontinued) Shimano Curado, the best I've ever used. I bought up a lifetime supply and had them super tuned.
The rod should bow up on the backswing, then reverse bow direction on the forward pass. The fly casting model mentioned above is similar. The power is in the bows. At the end of the forward pass the bow tip should stop aimed at the target. The lure should not rise higher above water than your rod tip. It should travel parallel to the water surface, spearing air like a bullet. Using the thumb, stop the bait above the target. Learn to have the lure slowed way down by then, let the line kill the forward momentum for minimum splash. The first major benefit I found was splash down was much more controlled than lobbing a lure like trying to put it in orbit. When a lure is falling under it's own weight from an altitude it is going to make a big splash. Not good for bassin'. If it is only falling a foot or two it won't make as big a splash.
Jim |
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ouachitabassangler
Advanced Poster
Posts:223
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| 05 Nov 2010 02:19 PM |
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A little about spool tension.
With a particular bait tied on loosen the spool tension knob until this happens: Release the spool with rod held out, very gently tipping the rod tip (about 1/4 oz of force or less) so the lure starts a controlled steady fall. It ought to fall about as fast as a spider can make a web line, slowly but evenly dropping. The spool must stop spinning the instant the lure stops on the ground. FOR THAT BAIT you have the tension set correctly.
You will then be ready to cast. Start off with easy distance without tangling line, gradually increasing as you gain skill. By the way, the same casting technique applies for other rigs like spinning and spincast rods. You need a clean well maintained reel and quality limp line. Practice on land. If starting over the water you are likely to lose a lot of lures, as until your thumb can control the spool correctly the rod snapping can easily cause line or knot failure.
Jim
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davesett2000
Veteran Poster
Posts:2212
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| 06 Nov 2010 03:15 PM |
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For you folks that don't know OBA (Jim)...he used to contribute to MANY good Topics here on the Forums.  After the software change back in Nov 2007...he was lost for a while. It's good to see him (you Jim) on here again...as you have given SO much knowledge to we anglers on here in the past.  Thanks for sharing your experiences my friend. |
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| Life Member David 2001 BB Linkmeister US Army 1978-1985 Western Wisconsin
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ouachitabassangler
Advanced Poster
Posts:223
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| 06 Nov 2010 06:02 PM |
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I can't take credit for most of what fishing knowledge I have. Hey, a lot of it has come from reading you, Dave! Thanks for all that research and link-sharing.
I rubbed shoulders with no doubt several hundreds of fishermen while a forester/park ranger for 35 years, receiving and passing along a lot of techniques in those campgrounds, in boats, at the ramps, and other places all over America. Many were pros willing to share however much I had time to take and give. Typing it all out these past years has sealed it all in my memory all the better, learning way more stuff than I could try out. Telling however much people wanted to hear while shopping our marina store taught me a lot too, though I was glad to be able to sell my shares and aim closer to retirement. It would be impossible to separate out what I've learned taking part in these online discussions. They make you think. But probably the most enduring knowledge has come from time on the water doing what I've learned to do.
Jim |
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ouachitabassangler
Advanced Poster
Posts:223
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| 07 Nov 2010 04:52 AM |
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Pegsguy wrote Standing up I was consistently 10-15 yds longer on my casts than I was sitting. I'd expect that would be similar to shooting an arrow level to the ground while sitting, then standing to get a few more yards. The higher the shooter, the longer the arrow is in flight, all other factors being equal. |
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slipperybob
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Posts:1240
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| 08 Nov 2010 10:33 AM |
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I have been doing spool bearing cleanings and putting only one or two drops of oil to get them spinning with maximum ease. On some of my reels, I find that having a very light spool tension, it works better. Basically the lure will fall basically freely. The spool will overrun when the lure touches the ground. I'm usually tossing 1/4 oz lures on these reels so there's usually not enough weight at the end of the cast for the spool to overrun.. Other reels, they need a slightly heavier spool tension setting. The lure has a controlled fall rate. No spool overrun when lure touches the ground. I'm usually tossing 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz lures on these reels. I've also found that I don't require to adjust the spool tension beyond 1/2 oz once that is set. If I tie on a 3/4 oz lures, it will just work fine for me.
If I'm going for distance, I tend to put more arm and shoulder into the cast. Mostly to high stick the rod in the cast and the reel is gonna be over my head. If casting more casually, it's mostly just wrist flicking and the reel will be at about chest level. |
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rmidkiff1
New Poster
Posts:5
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| 18 Nov 2010 10:55 AM |
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I don't know if this will help but I use abu 6500's and 6000's for my cat rods which are from 7ft to 11ft but I take the brakes out of my reels which gives me control how far I want it to go as said before you have to use your thumb to control it or it's bird nest city ! I've always used my thumb with a bait caster it's just the way I was taught as a kid ! |
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| TIE ONE ON AND LET IT FLY !
NAFC LIFE MEMBER |
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slipperybob
Veteran Poster
Posts:1240
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| 23 Nov 2010 07:28 PM |
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I've tried the no brakes night catfishing and that gave me the whirly bird nest of a lifetime. LOL's, my thumb just couldn't help me that time . I don't think I'll ever do that one again. Only afterwards did I learn that I should've up my spool tension knob to help. Hard lesson learned. |
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ouachitabassangler
Advanced Poster
Posts:223
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| 24 Nov 2010 11:43 AM |
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Give your thumb a break by using more brake as casting distance increases, but no more brake than necessary. The brake system is there to cancel out some of your misjudged power application. If you could be perfect on every cast concerning rod characteristics, line and bait load characteristics, spool inertia and friction factors, wind vectors, and all the other things that can change quickly, you could turn off all braking and have no problems with bird-nested line.
Jim |
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