Long distance casting w/ low profile bait casters

Hey Crew,

I previously own a 7'9" Shimano Clarus paired with a Revo Inshore but I just don't seem to get the distance I want with ease. I've taken apart the reel several times and oiled the bearings, respooled/packed the spool w/ powerpro, etc. It seems like after I've re-oiled & everything, the first few casts are great but then it diminishes.

What is a "good" cast distance with low profile bait casters? 30ft 40ft 50ft? Perhaps my rod is too heavy since it's rated as a med/heavy but has a weight rating from 3/8-a whopping 6 ounces. I really have to load up the rod and heave-ho to get my 1/2 - 3/4 ounce lead heads out there. This is my first good low profile bait caster and my second season using it. Just seems like my buddies have an easier time casting out w/ a lot less weight.

Thanks for the advice.

-SF

I have the exact same rod and reel combo, but I never try to toss such light lures with it. I know the rod is supposedly rated for it, but as you noted it is way too stiff to load up with such light lures and that is going to result in shorter casts.

I've been using that combo for some light rock fishing and throwing 1-2oz jigs and I can tell you that the Revo/Clarus combo will throw a 2 oz Butterfly jig 30 - 40 yards without too much trouble at all. In fact, I think that 2-3oz is the sweet spot for that rod.

I also use the Revo occasionally bass fishing, tossing 1/4oz Texas rigged worms and such, but I'm using a shorter bass rod rated for that weight. Also, I'm almost never trying to cast beyond 30 feet, although I'm sure I could do it with that combo if I needed to.

If you absolutely want to toss such light lures longer distances, maybe switch from the Clarus Hotshot Rod to something that doesn't have such a broad weight rating so you can load the rod better.

Thanks a lot fishing Jay, that confirms my problem.  I'm looking for the appropriately rated rod but my fingers keep typing G Loomis & Lamiglas....soooo nice but soooo expensive  .

Thanks a lot fishing Jay, that confirms my problem.  I'm looking for the appropriately rated rod but my fingers keep typing G Loomis & Lamiglas....soooo nice but soooo expensive  .

I like loomis and lami too, but I think that for the price, the Clarus rods are great. I bet you could find another Clarus that isn't so beefy for $60 or less. Good luck! 

try this stuff on the levelwind assembly and bearings. 

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=220.0

My boss gave me a $50 dollar gift card at Amazon for christmas, so I used it towards a 8ft Medium Fast Action 3/8-3/4 weight St Croix Tidemaster Inshore last night. Pretty stoked and can't wait for the bay area halibut season. Thanks for all the input.

-SF

Where do you get xtremereel+?

I believe I've seen at the sport fishing pro shop in Oakland/alameda (the one right off the 880).  I have their gear grease and it wasn't cheap but the stuff is amazing.

-SF

Hey SurfFisher,

I think alantani makes good points about the oil and corrosion issues.  Your main problem is that your rod is simply too heavy for baits that are that light.  Without loading your rod you are going to have to rely on a very snappy motion.  The reel you have is more than capable for long casts, I would recommend degreasing the factory assembly grease in the bearings with a degreaser like WD 40 to get the grease out, then use a high speed oil if the reel is still pretty new-the downside here is that oil will not protect the reel as well as the grease does so you will have to keep on top of it maint. wise.  Either get a slightly lighter rod, a rod with more of a parabolic action, or heavier lures.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

the first few casts are great but then it diminishes.

If your first few cast are great then it's not the rod I would look at grease in the bearings or level wind and make sure you are packing the Spectra tight when reeling in or it will dig in affecting casting.

Thanks for the input.  I love this reel so much and have used it a ton over last season.  It could use some new grease and some new line.  This plus the new St. Croix rod should fix the problem and I'll let you know once it comes in.  My arms are thanking you guys in advance.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpageEMPRLUBE-XRG.html

I have a few Revo Inshores and mine casts a long ways...it aint the reel.

You're right on that.  I finally cleaned the bearings on mine and now it works great.  Additionally, with the new St. Croix tidemaster rod weighted for my lures, I'm casting really far.  I think the Clarus is a better rod even though it's 1/3 the price, should have just gotten another one.  The tidemaster may prove me wrong in the long run, it's still an excellent rod.