So I think those videos on the National Casting Championships from the "Fishing Bible" section of this website got me drooling. Right now I have two spinning reels that are sufficient for most applications but the big downside is they cast terribly. One the reason is I have the upper limit of test line on both, which is also pretty old to boot, which I will be correcting today/tomorrow with a trip to Bass Pro and while I'm there....
I have:
Penn 440 SSg on a Penn Slammer 6'6'' 1 piece rod with 12lb test mono
Quantum Blue Runner Gold on a Shimano 7' 1 piece rod with 20lb test mono
I like all my gear except the Shimano rod sucks, its really stiff, kind of heavy, it says Action: fast, Power: Medium/Heavy but I dont know what that means and doesn't seem to do anything great other than no problems reeling stuff in. The penn is great, lightweight, well made, flawless operation.
I want to cast farther, much farther than I am able to now, to the point that surf fishing is actually fun and pier fishing is more fun. Right now it seems silly to surf fish when I can throw it further than cast it. I feel like its all in the rod and line, not so much in the reel in terms of distance (to a point obviously) It's not a physical problem, Im fairly athletic and strong and my technique is pretty standard, I can aim and 100% throw where I want and all, not a novice or anything. So a couple of questions for this super knowledgeable bunch, and please I am not trying to start any arguments on which brand vs. another is better, just whatever your opinion or experience tells you and keeping in mind that I'm a student on a tight budget.
1) Whats the best Rod - size, brand or model name, any specific details?
2) Whats the best Reel, do I need a new one? Type, brand or model name?
3) Am I better off just switching line type and getting a new rod for the quantum reel since it is pretty beefy already? Or is baitcaster the way to go?
4) Any specific products I should avoid?
I'll be shopping at Bass Pro if that helps but they have so much stuff, and the staff's knowledge is hit or miss at best. Thanks in advance guys!
I have:
Penn 440 SSg on a Penn Slammer 6'6'' 1 piece rod with 12lb test mono
Quantum Blue Runner Gold on a Shimano 7' 1 piece rod with 20lb test mono
I like all my gear except the Shimano rod sucks, its really stiff, kind of heavy, it says Action: fast, Power: Medium/Heavy but I dont know what that means and doesn't seem to do anything great other than no problems reeling stuff in. The penn is great, lightweight, well made, flawless operation.
I want to cast farther, much farther than I am able to now, to the point that surf fishing is actually fun and pier fishing is more fun. Right now it seems silly to surf fish when I can throw it further than cast it. I feel like its all in the rod and line, not so much in the reel in terms of distance (to a point obviously) It's not a physical problem, Im fairly athletic and strong and my technique is pretty standard, I can aim and 100% throw where I want and all, not a novice or anything. So a couple of questions for this super knowledgeable bunch, and please I am not trying to start any arguments on which brand vs. another is better, just whatever your opinion or experience tells you and keeping in mind that I'm a student on a tight budget.
1) Whats the best Rod - size, brand or model name, any specific details?
2) Whats the best Reel, do I need a new one? Type, brand or model name?
3) Am I better off just switching line type and getting a new rod for the quantum reel since it is pretty beefy already? Or is baitcaster the way to go?
4) Any specific products I should avoid?
I'll be shopping at Bass Pro if that helps but they have so much stuff, and the staff's knowledge is hit or miss at best. Thanks in advance guys!