STAY IN CONTROL
Learn how you can master casting with a multiplier reel
N O amount of fiddling makes much difference to multiplier reel control if your rod and casting style are out of balance or unsuitable for what you are attempting to do.
The key step is sound technique. Add a suitable rod, and the worst multiplier control problems simply disappear. Reel tuning then becomes a quick and easy process of refining an already docile system. There are anglers, though, who suffer dreadfully, even though they actually cast quite well. They could master a multiplier reel if only they would give themselves a fair chance. My own experiences might suggest the way forward.
POWER STROKE
With long, stiff pendulum casting rods, the swing usually has to be what’s known as the flat style. The aim is not to generate much power in the pendulum stage itself, but instead, to position the sinker so that you can focus on the mighty power stroke that follows.
It works extremely well, but that surge of power comes at a price. Without immediate and severe braking, the reel goes berserk the instant you let fly. That’s why a mono-mag brake is so important in modern casting: heavy initial braking gets the cast away in one piece, then you back off the knob so that the rest of the cast flows more easily.
The flat style of casting is quite brutal, calls for exact timing and has slim leeway for error. The popular rods work best within a narrow distance band, and with so much magnet power in the reel, the start of the cast is like accelerating a car away from the lights with the handbrake on; inherently inefficient, in other words.
PENDULUM SWING
I prefer softer beach rods, so I use the old high and wide pendulum swing that is easy to time and generates a lot of rod compression (stored power) long before the cast moves into the final arm action.
The relatively lazy way the rod unrolls on release helps the reel to accelerate to high speed without causing backlashing, even with a free-running spool. A hint of magnet, or one small brake block is enough. The result is effortless fishing, excellent distances and, because of the generous rod action, great bait delivery as well.
Now I’m not saying one way is better than the other. The modern view is more technical, more demanding and – in my opinion, which could be wrong – harder work for no worthwhile reward. The old system is just plain easy.
Either way, you have to learn to cast fairly well. Use a rod that matches your casting ability. Choose an appropriate reel with a sensible line load. A standard reel with a dab of oil and a bit of braking can take care of itself if you give it a chance by using a kindly rod and method. The modern, high-tech way is more demanding with its mighty rods, mono-mags and sometimes custom reel parts as well. Some anglers prefer it for that very reason. The choice is yours. SEA ANGLER ISSUE 543