casting weight?

Message

#1 Post by **col** » Wed May 24, 2006 7:20 pm

Hi I was just wondering what casting weight people normally use while beach fishing? 5/6/7oz?

I've noticed most seem to use 6oz. Why is this? I normally would use 4oz and never 6, not because my rod couldn't cope but because I found it easier to cast.

Any reason besides a strong tide you would normally go heavier? Better casting,,,, does it depend on your size?

I'd allways use a f/s reel if that makes any difference. :?:

just wondering!

col

Rockhopper · #2 Post by **Rockhopper** » Wed May 24, 2006 11:21 pm

Col,

Its rare I use a 4oz but 5oz is normal and sometimes 6oz, I find it helps get the bait out better. If you lead is to light, it wont pull the weight of the bait as far. as for holding bottom in a strong pull, I find lighter line is more effective than heavier leads, but I would always go up an 'oz or 2 if need be, with a gipper of course. I also think a bit of weight helps the fish hook itself a bit easier too.

btw....always check the mags on your reel if you do change weights, its to easy to forget and blow your reel up. You should also increase your shockleader if your using 50lb with 5oz and go up to a 7oz, you need 70lb leader to be safe.

Tom.

#3 Post by **stevecrow74** » Thu May 25, 2006 12:07 am

i use mostly 5oz normally, but latley with my injuries i'm forced to use 4oz.. if the weather is rough i'll go up to 6oz and in very strong head winds i'll throw out a 7oz... but mostly use 5oz... :lol: :lol: :lol:

#4 Post by **petekd** » Thu May 25, 2006 8:40 am

5s and 6s for me, if anything I prefer the 6s. They hold in most tide runs and go off like a rocket when casting. I have stepped up to 7s and 8s on occasion at Monkstown which has a savage tide run but I wouldnt be overly comfortable with them.

#5 Post by **col** » Thu May 25, 2006 9:34 pm

Thanks for that guys. Seems to be you get better compresion of rod and so better casting with the heavier 6oz? Was offered a good deal on a 6-8oz rod and tought it was very heavy but think I'll go for it now.

Thanks again,

col

#6 Post by **petekd** » Thu May 25, 2006 10:42 pm

My favourite rod is a Penn Surfblaster Ruff Stuff, anything less than 5oz on this though is a waste of time, goes like stink with a 6 attached though :D To put it simply, and I'm sure there are many who may disagree, look on the rod as being a spring, the stiffer the material a spring is made of the more force to compress it, however, the more force at the end of it all is released....hence longer casts with a stiffer rod. Heavier leads impart more force to compress the rod.