CASTING QUESTIONS
Q: What’s the best rod for learning to cast? John Holden says: A medium-fast 12-13ft beachcaster is usually best for fishing at respectable distances on open beaches. While most of these rods fall short of the long-range fishing weapons, this is an advantage because taking on too much rod before you can control it ends in tears.
It’s all about tip speed and leverage, with the correct rod stiffness being important. Someone who is fairly strong but a slow caster may prefer a 13ft rod. A quicker caster of the same strength might choose a 12ft rod to fish at the same range.
I’d suggest 14ft is the limit for pendulum casting, and the same is broadly true of ground styles. A 15ft-plus rod is excellent for certain types of beach fishing, but can be an excuse for not bothering to cast well.
Mid-market rods are more than capable of throwing a rig further than most anglers can hope to achieve. Basic rods won’t do for rough-ground fishing or, at the other extreme, for lightweight work. It is easier to learn using a 150g outfit.
Q:Do I use a fixed-spool reel or multiplier?
JH says: Small CT multipliers models loaded with around 0.35mm mono offer a blend of distance and control. When conditions call for greater line capacity and durability, bigger reels, such as the Penn 525 and Daiwa SLOSH models, cast well, but beginners won’t find them as friendly.
The fixed-spool reel is a better choice if you lack the time and commitment to get the best from a multiplier. Moderate-size spool diameter and gear ratio generally make for better fishing and casting. Pendulum casting with a fixed-spool is awkward, so switch to a CT before getting into that style.
Whatever model of fixed spool, a locking drag is vital to prevent the spool from rotating. Although far from perfect on budget reels, the line-lay and gearing are usually adequate. Q: Is a stiff fishing rod better for casting?
JH says: A rod’s action is not the same thing as stiffness. It is all too easy to pick a rod that some anglers rave about, yet the average guy has no hope of bending.
For learning to cast well (and for fishing) you don’t want a rod that’s too fast and stiff. You must be able to bend it to its optimum curve. Medium-fast coupled with moderate stiffness is the most user-friendly, but a slightly slow, fairly soft rod is no bad thing when learning the pendulum.
All rods perform at their best when they are properly bent just before the caster makes the punch-pull. The punch-pull bends the blank a little more, but direct leverage feeds most of the extra energy through to the lead weight. The rod should flick straight with enough speed and guts to add a smooth catapult-like surge to the cast.
A rod with a medium-fast action adapts to ground and pendulum styles, reduces damage to the bait and gives effortless distance. The top two-thirds of the rod should compress well.
■ The tip: This should bend easily against the sinker’s resistance at the start of the cast to create a clean start to the power stroke. When pendulum casting, a smooth tip flexibility improves the swing. An accurate backswing is difficult with a harsh and bouncy tip.
■ The middle: The better the middle, the better the rod. A rapid fall in stiffness between handle and tip produces a fast action where the bend is concentrated in the top half of the rod.
■ The handle: It must not go rubbery when you hit into the final part of the cast. Avoid a soggy-feeling rod and those with unyielding high power. Check by resting the butt on the floor, support the middle of the rod and push down fairly hard just above the top grip. An inch or two of flex indicates the rod will help you to cast.n