Hi, Iv'e been trying to find out if my casting stroke is improving. Particularly on the forward stroke. A way Iv'e been measuring this, is with a small amount of line on the water, take a large portion of line from the reel, perform a roll cast to get the line moving. The carry out one false cast and shoot.

I seem to gain more distance over time, particularly when I first arrive for fishing. I was using a Scott 10ft #7 with a Snowbee XD line, now I'm using a Zenith 9ft 6/7# and now I appear to be gaining more distance, why? I'll admit, the Zenith is alot more tip inclined, but would this make a difference.

Could it be the rod, or the time of day I'm doing this, ie, before I start fishing?

If anyone has an idea on this I'd appreciate it.

Regards

Smudger564

the shorter or lighter rod rotates faster and stops crisper, try a 4 weight for super crispness.

Now this simply powered out, mainly because I suspect, the heavier density line drove the running line along too.

Interesting idea though.

Regards

Smudger564

Aye you're bang on! Sinking lines are thinner and more dense than their floating counterparts.

It's good you are benchmarking your casting and trying to measure improvement!

Personal opinion only here. You can tell to a certain level ('things appear to be getting better). Beyond that, not much of a Prayer. You need someone standing behind/off to the side watching what's going on to give 'input.' The other option is to set up a recorder camera and film yourself and do a 'self critique. Learning a Golf swing? That's what most of the 'Pro's' do, and for darned good reason.

You can tell me what I'm doing 'wrong until you're blue in the face .. or you can show me. Oooooooo, yazer baby.

Just some disconnected thoughts.

fae

Some good thoughts here, definately something to chew on.

Regards

Smudger564

On what Ohanzee said, about a shorter casting stroke and lighter line rating. What about a shorter rod, such as eight or seven feet, but a higher line rating than four, maybe seven weight? That would generate some line speed eh?

Regards

Smudger564

There's a maximum effective lever length, if you think about it, you use the rod as a lever and thus the length gives you an advantage in casting. There's comes a point however where the individual is not strong enough to rotate the rod with enough speed and then as you increase length you get a diminishing return. There will always be a best effective lever, mine is 9'. I cast further with 9' over 8' 6'' yet anything longer than 9' is a bit ropey for me, 9' 6'' is all right, 10' too much.

I would also have thought that since you (the caster) can give the line only so much energy that a lighter line will travel faster due to lesser diameter and reduced air resistance. You can only apply a maximum speed to the system, regardless of weight being cast.

A longer rod also has a longer effective stroke with each movement of the hand, the tip will travel further in relation to the shorter rod.

Is there an ideal length for each individual then?

Regards

Smudger564

Pondering the replies so far, what would the answer be? I'm no expert, but, is there a golden rule for rod length?

Any GAIA or AAPGAI have a solution to this one please.

Regards

Smudger564