casting test

[Walt Foreman]

I saw a post on here recently where someone asked what a reasonable distance to expect would be for an ultralight rod.  I did a casting test last summer on a super-UL rod that I had made, and in the interest of bragging thought I'd post the skinny.

The rod is a 6'6" spinning rod, made on a graphite blank. I used 2-lb. test on a Shimano 2500, and did ten casts each with a 1/64 oz. jig, a 1/32 oz. jig, and a 1/16 oz. jig:

1/64 oz. jig:
42.4'
43.6'
43'
45'
46.2'
44.4'
44.9'
45.9'
49'
42.9'
Longest cast: 49 feet
Average distance: 44.7 feet

1/32 oz. jig:
64'
57.5'
55.4'
61'
53'
59'
58.5'
56'
61'
62'
Longest cast: 64 feet
Average distance: 58.7 feet

1/16 oz. jig:
69.6'
67'
65'
66'
67.3'
64'
68'
66.7'
67'
64'
Longest cast: 69.6 feet
Average distance: 66.5 feet

So the rod cast a 1/64 oz. jig an average of just under fifteen yards, and a 1/32 oz. jig an average of just under twenty yards. 

[Allen Morgan]

Nice!

Would you be willing to duplicate this test, with a reel that has a bigger spool, say, a 4000 size?  Maybe a different line?  I've been thinking about getting some Suffix 832 2 lbs. test, but it's a braid, not mono.

[dick tabbert]

Interesting Walt to say the least.

[Walt Foreman]

Thanks, guys.  Allen, to answer your question, the 2500 is a medium-action reel, not an ultralight - I use it for the same reason you're probably suggesting, because the larger spool allows more casting distance.  I do think the rod would likely cast even further with one of the hybrid lines such as Nanofil that most people will cast further than mono.  I just used mono because it was cheaper:)

[Allen Morgan]

I can understand that.  I've got a 2500 series Shimano on my panfish rod.  It's a 7' Light IM6 graphite rod.  I have it spooled with 10 lbs test PowerPro.

My UL rod is usually used in the local covered Crappie dock; the longest I'm casting with that is 10', and usually I just drop it straight down.

[carl hendrix]

my only question is;; wouldn't accuracy of a cast be  better than distance?  if you can cast accurately for 20 feet; but wander a bit after that distance;;???  

[Walt Foreman]

I'm not sure I understand your question, Carl.  Accuracy, as long as the rod is made properly, depends on the angler, not the rod.  Many cheaper factory rods are made so haphazardly via mass production that the guides are not located properly on the straightest axis or spine, which can cause the rod to cast off to one side.  But any custom builder who knows even the basics of rod building will have the guides properly placed - I certainly do.  Beyond that, accuracy is on the fisherman. 

Many avid bluegill anglers have found that oftentimes presentations with little or no added weight can make the difference between catching fish and not catching; most factory rods do a poor job of casting those presentations.  For example, several anglers on here regularly use jigs of 1/64 oz. and even lighter; if you try to cast those with a factory rod, you're not going to get a lot of distance, and if you have to get within twenty feet of the fish, especially if you're after big bluegill, that's not optimal in terms of stealth.  In many situations, if you have to get within twenty feet of big bluegill, you're not going to catch them.  

But the short answer to your question is, a post had been made asking what a good distance would be to expect from a rod, casting a 1/32 oz. jig, and I wanted to make folks aware that there is a rod that will cast jigs that size further than 34 feet:)

[carl hendrix]

walt--  my question was--  isn't it better to be accurate at a given distance; than how far you can cast it?  and you are quite correct;; it is up to the angler  to practice accuracy.  with most people buying off the shelf rods;; after a little practice can make really good cast accurately.  knowing your limitations;  can be a overriding factor.  after watching  kevin van dam; at bass pro; making cast after cast;; so accurate; it was really unbelievable;;  and his explantation of it .  as he said;; if you can not cast a long distance with any degree of accuracy- get closer!

[Allen Morgan]

When I was a kid, my Dad would have me do "casting practice".  Tie on a small weight to my line, lay out a small bath mat, have me set up about 30 - 40 feet away, and try to land my weight on the mat.  As I got better, he would switch from the bath mat to a small trashcan.

I put my own kids through this when I started them fishing a few years ago.  I will still do this for myself, when I've got a really different rig and I want to get some practice with it.

[carl hendrix]

 I am like you allen on practicing!!  I have a real bad shoulder;; and a lot of times when I cast;; I have a (bump) in it.  its kind of like driving your car over a speed bump.  it can really destroy my cast  so I usually have to limit  my range of casting.