Equipment, Rigs, & Techniques

Distance-casting benefits anglers fishing tailraces closed to boaters.

Coastal fishermen have long recognized the value of delivering their bait to the fish, even when the fish lie 100 yards or more offshore. Catfish anglers who fish below big river dams or from the shore of a big lake or reservoir also recognize the value of a long cast, but usually they don’t have access to the equipment and information available to surf fishermen.

Rods—Most freshwater anglers assume that rod length is the most important attribute for longer casts. Truth is, rod power and action are as important as length. A rod must have enough backbone to transfer the energy from the caster to the cast. The ideal action begins with a soft tip that firms up in the middle of the blank and ends in a powerful butt section.

Design elements like stiffness, whiplash, and recovery also are important. Each of these attributes can be measured by holding a rod by the handle with both hands and shaking it up and down a time or two. A tip that continues to bob up and down more than a couple times indicates whiplash, which increases line friction and decreases distance.

Picture the movement of the rod tip during a cast—moving backward as the rod is loaded, straightening toward the middle of the forward cast, then bending forward during the forward flick. On a poorly designed rod, the tip continues to bob, while on a good distance rod, the tip recovers quickly. Selecting a rod with adequate backbone, minimal whiplash, and good recovery is the first step toward longer casts.

Reels—In the hands of the best distance-casters, conventional or casting reels usually produce more distance. The difference usually is small, though, and with sinkers weighing less than about 2 ounces, spinning reels tend to perform better than casting models. If your goal is tournament casting, use a casting reel. If your goal is pleasant fishing, any type of reel you’re comfortable with is ideal.

A decade or two ago, most surf fishermen avoided casting reels with level winds. Many of the reels equipped with this feature were unreliable, and none could cast as far as those without level wind. Modern reels are built to such tight tolerances, however, that few casters notice any difference in performance. Reels equipped with centrifugal brakes also are more forgiving, especially for novice casters.

On any reel, follow the manufacturer’s lubricating instructions. Many anglers assume that more oil or grease results in a smoother reel, but loss of control is more likely. Reels also should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and sand particles that create friction and limit distance. Finally, be sure to fill any reel to within 1/16 inch of the top of the spool.