i throw poppers farther when I dont try so hard. rare back and load rod, then slowly ease it up with a POP when you release... aim HIGH into the air and watch it soar...... i learned this by going to the pond and spending several hours practicing. good pair of gloves is essential to keeping the skin on your fingers...lol
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Uncle Russ Nor was I relaxed as a youngster said:Russ,
That wasn't martial arts, it was the normal city debate society meetings.
Hi Russ, here's some simple tips which has worked pretty well for me.
1. Casting Dropper length- (Rods 7'-8'6") Lure will be at my stripper guide, (Rods 9' and up) Lure will be at the guide before stripper. Longer droppers means you get to load the rod better and achieve better casting distance.
2. You do not need fancy & bulky gloves. I'm using a pair of cycling gloves called "Incline" by Fox. It has outlasted many designer fishing gloves which costs more than twice the price of my Incline.
3. Leader type- Stick to soft leaders like Jinkai and Momoi Diamond if you can't get premium Japanese stuff like Sunline Dai Riki and Varivas. Stiff, hard surface leaders (popular with anglers who troll a lot) and FC have a habit of causing your braided line to get caught on your guides if you're using wind on system.
4. Leader length- 2-3 wraps around the spool and my lure at the desired dropper length for casting is the ideal set up for me. Too long a leader will shorten your casting distance dramatically.
5. Try not to "snap" or "jerk" your rod when casting. Instead, accelerate into the cast using your arms and torso. I prefer to cast in a wide, overhead arc as it reduces wind knots and more importantly, doesn't hit anyone standing beside you!
Here's some photos/vid clips of my buddies honing their casting skills to perfection before their offshore trip. Hope this helps.
Brunei trip- Prep Phase
1. Casting Dropper length- (Rods 7'-8'6") Lure will be at my stripper guide, (Rods 9' and up) Lure will be at the guide before stripper. Longer droppers means you get to load the rod better and achieve better casting distance.
2. You do not need fancy & bulky gloves. I'm using a pair of cycling gloves called "Incline" by Fox. It has outlasted many designer fishing gloves which costs more than twice the price of my Incline.
3. Leader type- Stick to soft leaders like Jinkai and Momoi Diamond if you can't get premium Japanese stuff like Sunline Dai Riki and Varivas. Stiff, hard surface leaders (popular with anglers who troll a lot) and FC have a habit of causing your braided line to get caught on your guides if you're using wind on system.
4. Leader length- 2-3 wraps around the spool and my lure at the desired dropper length for casting is the ideal set up for me. Too long a leader will shorten your casting distance dramatically.
5. Try not to "snap" or "jerk" your rod when casting. Instead, accelerate into the cast using your arms and torso. I prefer to cast in a wide, overhead arc as it reduces wind knots and more importantly, doesn't hit anyone standing beside you!
Here's some photos/vid clips of my buddies honing their casting skills to perfection before their offshore trip. Hope this helps.
Brunei trip- Prep Phase
Attachments
Russ you will love the Souls Casting Tuna Good investment!
(1) What is your approximate maximum casting distance with a popping rod?
Furthest I have launched a plug is about 120m or 131yds. Best casting plug I've ever used was the Carpenter Salty Dog and France Pen.
(2) Do you start the cast with the rod behind you and parallel to the ground?
Yes. I do not swing the plug back because of safety reasons
(3) At what point do you stop the rod--10 or 11 o'clock?
10 o'clock would be ideal because at 11 the rod might not be fully loaded yet (but this varies from rod to rod)
(4) What do you think of the practice of many of us in the Gulf of Mexico area who only use a very short mono leader (3 feet, instead of a windon?)
Hey, as long as it works... why not?! No rules against 3' long leaders! Personally, I would use a leader that's slightly longer than the fish I intend to catch just in case it gets tail wrapped. That's the shortest I'd go. If its a full fledge popping trip then having that leader for your finger to grip onto would be great because 1- your fingers hurt less 2- your braid doesn't get damaged/worn off after repeated casts. If popping is not a full time affair, just use a leader thats slightly longer than the fish you intend to catch will do.
Good investment!(1) What is your approximate maximum casting distance with a popping rod?
Furthest I have launched a plug is about 120m or 131yds. Best casting plug I've ever used was the Carpenter Salty Dog and France Pen.
(2) Do you start the cast with the rod behind you and parallel to the ground?
Yes. I do not swing the plug back because of safety reasons
(3) At what point do you stop the rod--10 or 11 o'clock?
10 o'clock would be ideal because at 11 the rod might not be fully loaded yet (but this varies from rod to rod)
(4) What do you think of the practice of many of us in the Gulf of Mexico area who only use a very short mono leader (3 feet, instead of a windon?)
Hey, as long as it works... why not?! No rules against 3' long leaders!
Personally, I would use a leader that's slightly longer than the fish I intend to catch just in case it gets tail wrapped. That's the shortest I'd go. If its a full fledge popping trip then having that leader for your finger to grip onto would be great because 1- your fingers hurt less 2- your braid doesn't get damaged/worn off after repeated casts. If popping is not a full time affair, just use a leader thats slightly longer than the fish you intend to catch will do.Mike: Thanks for the info, although I am deeply depressed by your casting distance. I am not going to say how far I can cast with any particular rod at this point, because it would not do justice to any of them. I really need to work on my casting and will definitely hook up with Tom (and whomever else will be willing to help) as soon as I can. I would ask you for a lesson but that that trans-Pacific air fair is brutal!
That dock you show is a great place to practice from. Just like the deck of a boat--only not moving.
Russ
I am not going to say how far I can cast with any particular rod at this point, because it would not do justice to any of them. I really need to work on my casting and will definitely hook up with Tom (and whomever else will be willing to help) as soon as I can. I would ask you for a lesson but that that trans-Pacific air fair is brutal!That dock you show is a great place to practice from. Just like the deck of a boat--only not moving.
Russ
Hi Russ, don't worry about the casting distance. You will get better distance as time goes by. Here's a tip... don't be afraid to swing really hard with your new rod. Most anglers are too worried about damaging their precious new rods and don't really load their rods hard enough. If the rod is going to break during a cast, then let it do so during 'peace time' If you're using the recommended casting weight it should never fail... no matter how hard to push it during the cast.
In case you're interested to know, the rod that allowed me to hit 120m was the Carpenter Long Reef 86 (PE6)
One last thing, I believe your Casting Tuna has a spigot type ferrule like my Tuna plugging rod so please take care of the male section of the ferrule. Keeping it really clean (yeah don't even bother rubbing wax on it) and free of chips/dents is the best way of ensuring a proper fit everytime.
If you're using the recommended casting weight it should never fail... no matter how hard to push it during the cast.In case you're interested to know, the rod that allowed me to hit 120m was the Carpenter Long Reef 86 (PE6)
One last thing, I believe your Casting Tuna has a spigot type ferrule like my Tuna plugging rod so please take care of the male section of the ferrule. Keeping it really clean (yeah don't even bother rubbing wax on it) and free of chips/dents is the best way of ensuring a proper fit everytime.
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