Reading the threads that arrive on site, it's very interesting to try and analyse the differences between those who go casting and those who go fishing.
More years ago than I care to remember I was indoctrinated into light fishing, three ounce lead maximum. Fishing the Napier coastline there are occasions when I need to up this by an ounce as they are surf beaches, and it's a rare happening to find really flat water.
Casting, especially tournament casting is a sport all on its own, this because what can be achieved in distance just casting a bare lead can not be replicated with a trace, swivels and a reasonable sized bait (or baits) attached. So do those distances really have any input on what can be achieved rod in hand with fish in mind?
I would love to go lighter with my rods but I fear the local average conditions would make such a choice very difficult, so in reality there would be little gain. Therefore you can imagine my surprise when I recently discovered a top tournament caster relaying what to him was a sorrowful story.
He reported it had taken him ten years to perfect the pendulum cast to a stage where he regularly figured on the winner's rostrum. He was using gear usually associated with long casting, a fourteen foot rod with a multiplier reel. I should explain the guy actually owns a respected tackle shop. He went on to report he now has anglers new to fishing and distance casting buying a fifteen foot rod, using a fixed spool reel (shallow long spool) loaded with four kilo fireline braid, and with little or no effort, were dropping a lead five metres behind his best cast. I think his expression was he was pi**ed off!
This information interested me because the world of surfcasting is an ever evolving sport, and in particular I love light gear. There is something very special and rewarding when using a rod with a satisfying curve and a fish that will pull line, the humble kahawai is simply brilliant for such sport. Many of the rods I see being used can handle fish such as this with ease and at speed, but rarely does the angler seem to have the joy of the guy with lighter tackle, fish are winched in.
The proof of the pudding, or so the saying goes. I have just purchased a light fifteen foot rod, slight alteration required for the wooden spud, loaded it with the reel as described and the spool is full to the brim with four kilo fireline plus obligatory leader. I will not be hitting really long distances because I still find most fish hold up behind the breakers in disturbed water. However, one day out of sheer curiosity I will try for distance, although I readily accept age will be against me. On the positive side, when that kahawai comes to visit I will have a fight on my hands, and surely that is what surfcasting is really all about.
Re: Light or Long.
Posted by Neil on 5/7/2013, 11:22 pm, in reply to "Light or Long."
Why limit yourself to light weight gear only ?
I have set ups that go from the likes of the century TT ultra light to rods that are closer to pole vaults then fishng rods .
The really heavy rods are good for days when its marginal ( big swells currents or massive snags ) and you have to use heavy line and big leads to keep a bait in the water. Not as much fun but better then not fishing at all .
If conditions allow a lighter set will be used as they are often a lot nicer to fish with .
As for distance . Its just another tool to be used as and when needed . Most of the time the old adage of fish your feet first is totally true . But its not always the case that the ish are in close and being able to cast a bit further gives you more water to explore or you can cast into a head wind and still be in the zone .
Re: Light or Long.
Posted by Hangler on 6/7/2013, 9:16 am, in reply to "Re: Light or Long."
Neil asked: Why limit yourself to light weight gear only ?
The main rods I use are capable of casting heavier weights but this kind of defeats the rod's action and sensitivity. Lighter rods, and their associated tackle, give a far better 'feel'. The angler is more in contact what is going on at the business end, from the first tentative take, to when the fish slides onto the beach.
As you have light rods I am confident you will believe they are the more enjoyable to use. Yes there would be times when heavier rods would be an advantage, but this is out of necessity rather than enjoyment.
Wait till you progress to kahawai or kingfish on fly gear Hangler. Then yet another new world of fishing will open for you.The snapper don't know where the car park is! Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.
on 5/7/2013, 9:59 pm