Long Distance Casting 2020: Off the Ground 

Probably the best tutorial out there is Tommy Farmer on Fisherman’s Post. Search for that on RU-vid to get the fundamentals, then look for videos specifically about “off the ground” cast to get knowledge on this specific style. It would be hard for me to make something better than what’s already out there.

I have Nick Meyer's casting tutorial video, and it's been a huge help... responsible for what you're watching here.

It's a custom "Cast Pro Series" 12'8" blank that I fitted out along the lines of a U.K.-style surfcaster.

Well, you just lift your thumb from the spool to release. It seems to just happen intuitively at the right time for most casters… between the moment the rod straightens and the moment the line starts getting pulled off the spool.

Thanks - the big difference between this and a year ago was that I watched Nick Meyer's casting video. Key phrase: swing the rod UPWARD; not over top and down like chopping wood. I believe this error is referred to as "cutting the arc" and I was indeed guilty of it. Still a little insecurity and stiffness to this new approach, but as I get more consistent control I'll be able to really start adding in better body rotation, a more powerful punch-pull, and better follow-through. Then on to the pendulum again.

Akios 656CTM. I prefer it for long-range fishing. Spinning reels, about 5000 size, work too. But if you want a conventional, look for a smaller one that has no level-wind apparatus.

In a pure distance casting tournament setting where only monofilament is allowed, yes. Fishing on a beach with baits and weather, the difference is negligible and a conventional reel’s only advantage is more cranking torque, in my opinion. In fact, because you can use braid on a spinning reel and don’t have to add anti-backlash braking, it can cast further sometimes.

Thank you. A good starting point for the drop length is maybe 1/2 to 2/3 of the rod length. When laying the leader on the ground, you want it 90 to 130 degrees to the rod. Any less of an angle than 90 degrees and the sinker swings out of alignment from the centrifugal force.

@@mtuers nice matt!! Thanks! Could you do an "how to" on your cast? Thanks for your time matt

Don't think my pendulum looks too bad either but haven't broken 200 yards yet (PB: 186 yards). The reel is usually fluffing up on the verge of backlash, so I think it's fast enough(?) The rod is fast, zoned-action, IM6 graphite, rated 4-8 oz., 12'8", so it should be capable of at least 200 yards. It's one of Tommy Farmer's "Carolina Cast Pro" rods. I've put a lot of time into getting the casts technically correct to where maybe I just need to get back to strength training to put more muscle in it. Only thing I can think of... except I've heard of/seen small, unfit guys doing very impressive casts.

The CPS 12'8" is a great fishing rod... very slim (21mm butt diameter) yet powerful, and has a zoned action. It was a bit anemic on the casting field, though, so I actually recently bought the HDX-Tournament (14'). It's monstrous compared to the CPS. Anyway, I think both Nick Meyer and Tommy Farmer know what they're doing as far as rod design. Their rods are pretty much on par with each other and you probably wouldn't gain much by trading in an LDX for a CPS 12'8".

@@mtuers I currently own the BreakawayGDX 12’ what’s be next best upgrade in your opinion or it been wanting to try Tommy Farmers rods

@@leonardothelion9091 "Upgrade" could mean different things... LONGER ROD: Tommy Farmers 13' 3-6 oz. rod would be similar to your GDX, only longer. MORE POWERFUL ROD: The CPS 12'8" 4-8o z.would probably be a step, in terms of power, between the GDX and a full-power heaver like the HDX or CPS 13' 6-10 oz. QUALITY/PRICE: I think CPS and Breakaway are on-par as far as the quality of the blank, but the CPS is probably a little fancier-looking. Next step up from those might be CTS, Vega, or AFAW rods. At the top of the line are Century, Italcanna and Zziplex.

Just saw this video i have no idea how the new cps 2 series is but I had a 14ft cps original before the K guides custom extendend tournament rod which I tought would help ke cast farther but im a small 5'6" 135 lb guy and that rod overpowered me it had to much backbone for me to power through it was a nice sturdy rod but I could cast my regular 12fter farther so mabey the 12-13 regular cps 2 would work but the 14ft custom rod I would not recommend unless you are a very tall and muscular strength person. I normally use a 12fter and can get 100yds with 5 and bait I was trying to achieve farther like 150yds my distance actually dropped by about 20 yrds😅 Just my opinion and hope you get a good rod for yourself that suits you and not go overboard like me hahaha good luck and tight lines👍🎣

Depends if the sun is at an angle to either give it a contrast against the sky. If not, then yes. It's out of sight.

Hi Renee: Anywhere from 0.28mm to 0.38mm cheap Zebco monofilament (~10-15 lb. test) with a 50 lb. test Trilene mono shock leader. The line size, in casting tournaments, depends on the lead weight you're casting: 0.28mm diameter mono for 100g. leads / 0.32mm for 125g. / 0.35mm for 150g.