I have a 9ft 6 shakespeare rod weight 6 and i thought the rod was **** because i could cast futher with other peoples rods. so i bought a hardy gem mk2 rod 9ft and 5 weight because i always read hardy was one of the best. I thought it was better the first time i used it but i tried it last night again and when the line was wet you could feel it trailing through the holes like it was sticky nearly. it was ron thompson line and it was the correct size and all.

What i want to know is could i cast better with a 10ft rod?
What length and weight would you recommend if not?
I fish on a medium size river and i want to try some lakes.

I read that wilderness and nite rods are good rods for distance, what make would you recommend?

When was the last time you cleaned your line?

I don't thing a 10ft would add any real distance to your cast. Modern rod are all capable of casting a full line, its just a matter of adjusting your cast to suit the rod.

How long have you been casting and when was the last time you had any coaching.

Frank.

Ps I am not touting for business it is an honest question


Frank

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Frank Williams APGAI

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ive never cleaned it but that was only the second time i used it.

In short the answer is no. It is possible but this will be because of different rod actions etc rather than the length. Rod length does not equal distance.

To be honest, the problem is most likely a **** line. Change your line to something decent and give it a good dose of line slick. (i had the same issue this weekend, line has now been changed!)

Also don't assume a hardy rod is good because of the brand name, some expensive rods are sh1te! But that's not likely the issue, change your line, make sure your technique is sound and you'll be fine. And always try a rod before you buy one!

the best bit of advice i ever recieved was to spend a few quid on a casting lesson.this will put you right and you will be able to cast a 5wt as far as you need. also concentrate more on presentation rather than distance, that will come as you get more competent. keep it tidy and the distance will come.

regards jon.

I have had a few lines that where sticky out of the box, try giving it a wipe down with some MR Sheen.

By The way what line is it?

Frank

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Frank Williams APGAI

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Flouro Drop Style Indicators ¦ French/Czech nymphing leaders ¦ Hi-Vis tippet for indicators ¦
Kamoufil leader material ¦
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In my experience a 9ft rod is best for sheer distance but you will ALWAYS get more benefit from Pounds spent on coaching (be that casting or fishing techniques) than equipment.

These days most gear is pretty good so get your technique sorted before you spend more money on tackle.

Once you can cast, find an expereinced angler to take you out and show you the basics.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

I dont think you will necessarily cast further, i think that depends on how good at casting you are. You seem to have teamed a quality rod with a lesser quality line which could affect casting. I personally fish with the 3 piece loop multi rods which cost around £250 but it depends on how much you want to spend, these are quite stiff,fast action rods which also aids distance casting. If you are looking to cast further in my experience you need a fast action rod ( 9ft 6 or 10ft ) coupled with a slight heavy line 7/9 weight, one of the best on the market at the moment is the scientific angler sharkskin line but is a bit pricey but worth it. Hope any of this helps,good fishing.

Both lines is new. the one on the shakespeare is ron thompson energy and the first time i fished with it was good and the second time the line wouldnt stay straight on the water and kept coiling around. i cant remember whats on the hardy but its new to, the first time went well with it and the second time felt sticky. I took a feel of the line their and its not nice and smooth, its a bit wiggly in places.
What line would you recommend without going over the top in price?

Heavy line isn't needed. A 5wt line on a 5wt rod will do exactly the same thing. Sharkskin? Now they're not cheap Things i've heard is they make a ridiculous noise and cut your hands to pieces, but they cast well....

I hate to say it but it's most definitely the line that's your problem. A really good line is going to cost you a bit, you're probably looking around the £40 mark. Have a look at snowbee xs, loop lines, rio lines... Some of them are getting a bit of criticism in their recent production though. Lines are a risky business...