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[kostya]

I thought maybe I'd ask for some advice. I've just recently got into surf-fishing (and fishing in general), and am still learning how to use my new rigs/equipment.

The problem I'm having now is casting a large spinning reel on a 9-10ft pole. I've gotten pretty good with a small spinner, unhooking the bale, holding the line with my index finger during the backswing, and releasing at the right time to get a fairly accurate cast. When I try to do the same with the larger spinner on the big rod, there's so much force in the line at the end of my swing, that it slips off my finger sporadically, sending the bait in a random direction. So what am I doing wrong here? I relalize that getting a baitcaster might be a good solution, but I'd like to learn to properly use the equipment I already have...

thanx in advance,

kostya
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[carlb]

Kostya,

Breakaway have a device called the "cannon", which I use on my large spinners. It is a trigger-like device that allows you to avoid the complementary problems of either having to tighten down your drag every time when casting to avoid possibly cutting your finger due to the spool slipping and then loosening it for fishing (or forgetting and leaving it too tight), or forgetting to tighten the drag before casting and possibly cutting your finger.

I found this page describing it:

http://www.breakawayusa.com/pages/cannon-1.htm

and you can order it on this page:

http://www.breakawayusa.com/pages/access.htm

as item BC1.

The cannon also takes the pressure off of the spindle during casts, isolating it at the trigger. Note that Nick's instructions ask you to fully tighten the drag. If you take 3 wraps around the cannon instead of 1, you can leave the drag at your preferred setting (I got this tip from Skipper).

Regards,

Carl B.

[OsoLost]

The cannon is a good choice......but....


the problem you are having is that you have too much weight at the end of your leader........you need to back down on that weight. All of that inertia makes your leader want to fly out. Also you may want to slow down a bit. If you bring in your power too fast you will shoot too high.....slow it down.


Use a weight a few ounces less and try again. I always thought that the more lead that flies the farther off it will take my bait....but it isn't like that.....different rods need different weights....(hence those writings on the side of the rod by the manufacturer!!)

I recommend take an evening off and go throw your rods at a nearby football field or park.....that way you can practice on technique.....two or three evenings of practice make a big difference!!!

OsoLost
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Fishing: The act of casting, spinning, trolling, jigging, while freezing, sweating, complaining, lieing, and/or cursing.

[Big John]

Hey fellow spin caster!

I use spinning reels as well, because I grew up using them, and never could get down the knack of using a baitcaster without getting either birdsnest or friction burn on my thumb.


I have several in different size. The one thing I heard that makes the biggest difference is slow down! Remember that with a longer rod, your arms do not have to move as fast to get the same speed at the rod tip. In other words, you should be able to cast just as far with a slower motion. It may not be as fun , but you learn the way your rod and reel work together that way. Casting the long 12 foot rod I have at the same speed as my 7 foot speck rod, I cast twice as far with the same leader/weight set-up at the end.

As you get more comfortable slowly start increasing your speed. Eventually you will be casting 4oz weights with double drops to the second gut from the sand! Just takes practice and correct form.

Also, don't overload your rod. You just can't cast a really big bait very far, with either a spinning or baitcasting rod.
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Give a man a fish, feed him for a day.

Teach a man to fish, he'll be broke and hungry the rest of his life!

John Sullivan
Native Corpus Christian
Currently Displaced in San Antonio

[Magic]

Follow CarlB's advice and get a Breakaway Cannon. No more slip.

Until then, you have to tighten the drag down until it's locked every time. This keeps the line from slipping over your fingure. Believe me it will cut to the bone if it's braid!

Always use a "Shock Leader." A shock leader is a heavier weight line that takes the load of casting. The size of your shoke leader should be 10 times the total weight your casting in ounces converted to pounds. Example: 5oz requies 50# shock leader. Tie the leader to your running line using a uni-knot in your running line and a single over hand knot in the shock leader. Plenty of spit and TIGHT. You can look up the knots on the Breakaway web site.

Don't worry about the weight your throwing. Just keep it within the capability of the rod your using. With the Cannon and shock leader you can put as much power into the cast as you can get.

Hope this helps.
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Magic

[kostya]

That is some of the best and most detailed advice I've seen on this, or any other board. Thank you everyone!

kostya

P.S. Don't stand too close to me on the beach this weekend, I'll be trying to apply your advice!
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