Thread: Maximum casting distance

I'm rigging up for the trip to the pier Saturday for some spanish fishing. Got bubble rigs ready, and am working on Gotcha and Looney rigs now. I am planning on using two different types leaders for the Looneys and Gotchas, 40 lb mono and 20 lb seven strand. I am eliminating swivels as suggested and tying leaders directly to 12 lb mono mainline. Plan on making leaders 18" also as suggested. I can usually get max casting distance on lures like this when I let the lure hang 8-12 " from rod tip when tied directly to the lure. My question is with a 18" leader do I need to leave the knot out beyond the rod tip when casting or can I reel it up into the tip? If I reel it into the tip will it affect casting distance? More importantly will the knot damage the rod tip?

I would shorten the leader and leave the knot under (outside) the rod tip.

Thanks #r, I was hoping you would be one to reply. As always I value your opinion! Hope to see you Saturday!

I agree with David to shorten the leader. However, by not using a swivel, if you accidentally let the connection go past the tip top and a guide or two, it may affect the cast some but won't hurt your guides. I went this route years ago since my boys would get excited during a hot bite and they were running me broke replacing tips. That and the fact that Spanish trailing a hooked fish think a swivel is a morsel that they can potlick.

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER put a heavy leader, spiced or not, into the rod tip! you will bust it REAL quick

If you are using the Albright knot it will cast fine thru the guides I use it Florocarbon to braid And haven't had a problem .If tied correctly it will go thru the guides smooth as silk. unsure about the wire but it should also be as smooth

Originally Posted by rodbuilderESM

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER put a heavy leader, spiced or not, into the rod tip! you will bust it REAL quick

I feel differently.

Originally Posted by rodbuilderESM

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER put a heavy leader, spiced or not, into the rod tip! you will bust it REAL quick

The OBX bunch will beg to differ. When your casting 8+ ounces from the beach you need at least 50# mono shock leader that extends all the way to the reel making 3-5 raps on the reel. I use an Albright but a lot of guys use a Uni to Uni and a Slim beauty and some a no name to a surgens knot.
Some even use 80# mono shock.
I am not comparing apples to apples. You guys are fishing from a pier and those guys are fishing in 5 ft breakers with a strong current to boot and casting 100+ yards. If you can't throw 8nbait you need to go home and you can't throw 8 with 20# mono at the tip. You might but I'm not going to willingly stand within 200 yards of you.

Exactly!
A 12"-18" mono leader on medium light spin to throw a less than one ounce lure from a pier is whole nutha world from beach heaving 8 ounces plus a bait on a 3-4 foot leader into the breakers.

About the only thing they have in common is both can be called fishing

And now I have just learned another great tip for surf fishing. What a great forum.