New Shockleader Discussion

Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 11:17 pm

Now this will amuse those who got involved in the last big debate: Despite what I said last time, I am now "sometimes" using 50lb shockleader! Yes it's true, I confess and here are the reasons: I recently attended a casting demonstration by the man himself Neil McKellow. After chatting with him and receiving his advice I became convinced that my casting distance could go up from the hitherto usual 80 to 100 yds by a considerable amount. But he explained that the much higher lead speed would probably crack off my 20lb mainline. So before commencing to practice the new chuck I put on the 50 lb shockleader. I am pleased to report that at the end of a few practice chucks I was approaching 180 yds using just an old 10ft up tider (which Neil said had the right amount of tip flexibility). For those interested, his most important comment of the day was that too many of today's rods are far too stiff to achieve the required tip speed in the final flick which really accelerates the sinker, he also said that although he does these days use a long rod for tournament casting, it is not really necessary if your technique is good - he himself started out with 11' 8" then went to a 13 footer and exceeded 200 yds significantly. Having said all that which I hope may be useful to some folk, I still intend to do my close in bass fishing without a shockleader because a 50 to 60 yard cast is all that is necessary to get among the bass after a storm on Hayling and that is just an overhead thump. If any reading this would like to know how I improved my distance cast so dramatically (at the age of 63), just bung me a PM and I will reply as soon as I have 5 minutes.

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:22 am

Really, there can be no debate, if you want to cast extreme distances you need to use a shockleader, fact. Of course, it also allows you to use a thinner mainline too, say 15lb, which due to the smaller diameter will cause less pressure on the line in strong currents etc.

Nevertheless, you are right to dispense with the shockleader if you are not 'power' casting and increase the strength of your mainline, 20-25lb line will handle a gentle 'lob'. Similarly, if fishing close in from a pier etc there is no need for a shockleader either.

In my experience it is best to fish as light as you possibly can, and only use a shockleader when necessary.

Tight Lines.

Guest

eccles wrote:

Now this will amuse those who got involved in the last big debate: Despite what I said last time, I am now "sometimes" using 50lb shockleader! Yes it's true, I confess and here are the reasons: I recently attended a casting demonstration by the man himself Neil McKellow. After chatting with him and receiving his advice I became convinced that my casting distance could go up from the hitherto usual 80 to 100 yds by a considerable amount. But he explained that the much higher lead speed would probably crack off my 20lb mainline. So before commencing to practice the new chuck I put on the 50 lb shockleader. I am pleased to report that at the end of a few practice chucks I was approaching 180 yds using just an old 10ft up tider (which Neil said had the right amount of tip flexibility). For those interested, his most important comment of the day was that too many of today's rods are far too stiff to achieve the required tip speed in the final flick which really accelerates the sinker, he also said that although he does these days use a long rod for tournament casting, it is not really necessary if your technique is good - he himself started out with 11' 8" then went to a 13 footer and exceeded 200 yds significantly. Having said all that which I hope may be useful to some folk, I still intend to do my close in bass fishing without a shockleader because a 50 to 60 yard cast is all that is necessary to get among the bass after a storm on Hayling and that is just an overhead thump. If any reading this would like to know how I improved my distance cast so dramatically (at the age of 63), just bung me a PM and I will reply as soon as I have 5 minutes.

Eccles
I never thought the day would come mate that you, the staunch no shockleader activist, would actually admit to using a shockleader!!

Well done on achieving that 180 cast mate and with an uptide rod aswell!! I take my hat of to you.

Soleman

Guest

eccles wrote:

Now this will amuse those who got involved in the last big debate: Despite what I said last time, I am now "sometimes" using 50lb shockleader! Yes it's true, I confess and here are the reasons: I recently attended a casting demonstration by the man himself Neil McKellow. After chatting with him and receiving his advice I became convinced that my casting distance could go up from the hitherto usual 80 to 100 yds by a considerable amount. But he explained that the much higher lead speed would probably crack off my 20lb mainline. So before commencing to practice the new chuck I put on the 50 lb shockleader. I am pleased to report that at the end of a few practice chucks I was approaching 180 yds using just an old 10ft up tider (which Neil said had the right amount of tip flexibility). For those interested, his most important comment of the day was that too many of today's rods are far too stiff to achieve the required tip speed in the final flick which really accelerates the sinker, he also said that although he does these days use a long rod for tournament casting, it is not really necessary if your technique is good - he himself started out with 11' 8" then went to a 13 footer and exceeded 200 yds significantly. Having said all that which I hope may be useful to some folk, I still intend to do my close in bass fishing without a shockleader because a 50 to 60 yard cast is all that is necessary to get among the bass after a storm on Hayling and that is just an overhead thump. If any reading this would like to know how I improved my distance cast so dramatically (at the age of 63), just bung me a PM and I will reply as soon as I have 5 minutes.

Welcome to my world Eccles big grin

I totally agree with Neil Mackellow that alot of modern rods are too stiff. I have progressed to stiff rods, softening quite a few on the way. I recently advised Duncbooth5 to buy a Daiwa Supercast to progress with and now I have had a chuck with it I feel I have given him the correct advice. The rod is a bit too soft for my preferences, especially as I cast 7oz leads when necessary to combat the elements, but it is perfect for the journey to 200 yards and lets face it, do you really need to cast further?

To finish with I would like to say that it's nice to see that you are prepared to change your ways even after protesting so strongly about leaders. big grin

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:08 pm

But I haven't changed my ways Concrete, I am still not going to use a shockleader unless I really need to get out a long way - and that will only be when I am targeting winter cod or for the plaice which are just starting to turn up. My regular bass and bream fishing will still be done with an overhead thump out to 70yds max like most other old codgers. So yah boo sucks! (LOL)
I am certainly not going to bother with any flashy expensive tackle either - why should I if I can catch fish regularly and cast an old Abu 9' 6" uptider out to well over 100 yds?

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:10 pm

I agree about the rods Eccles. I'm new to fishing, I use a Shakespeare Salt MPV (10ft) and it's about as flexible as Anne Widdecombe (I'm not going to sell my story). As a result I can't get any flick.

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:27 pm

Hey Father Jack, get yerself something just slightly longer with a nice flexible tip - it will make a hell of a difference mate. Not too floppy though - you will still want to haul that 10lb Bass in through the waves when he takes yer bait. For serious distance casting I have now gone back to my 12 ft chinese carbon rod which I got from Reelsanddeals a couple of years ago - it's rated at 150 grammes or just over 5 ozs. The rod amazingly cost me just £20 at the time but sadly those guys have gone out of business since so they are no longer available. A good rod I have seen recently for doing the business is my mate's 12 ft Ron Thompson Carbostick a bit dearer I'm afraid at £70-£80 but well made and with the right action. Concrete probably wont agree with me but he probably aint out fishing every other day like I am (LOL)

Guest

eccles wrote:

But I haven't changed my ways Concrete, I am still not going to use a shockleader unless I really need to get out a long way - and that will only be when I am targeting winter cod or for the plaice which are just starting to turn up. My regular bass and bream fishing will still be done with an overhead thump out to 70yds max like most other old codgers. So yah boo sucks! (LOL)
I am certainly not going to bother with any flashy expensive tackle either - why should I if I can catch fish regularly and cast an old Abu 9' 6" uptider out to well over 100 yds?

But you have changed your ways as you are going to use a leader when necessary. Before you flatly refused to use one.

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:42 pm

Touchez mate, we will have to meet up one day for a proper argument over a pint.

Guest

Used to come down your way quite a bit, but our friends went and moved to the middle of Norfolk. Fished Eastney and Hill Head a fair bit. Did very well on the bass at Hill Head.

Guest

FatherJack wrote:

I agree about the rods Eccles. I'm new to fishing, I use a Shakespeare Salt MPV (10ft) and it's about as flexible as Anne Widdecombe (I'm not going to sell my story). As a result I can't get any flick.

FJ

Spottydogtackle are doing a good deal on rods at the moment if you were looking to invest- they've got the Abu Conolon Xodus for £80 (fuji rings/sliding reel seat and reducer included in the price) This is a great casting rod and vey forgiving on backlash if your technique aint the best like mine. Its not really suited for rough ground but is good for our coastline. They also have the Ron Thomson axcellerator for a little bit more but I think that s a little more poky (powerful/stiff) than the Abu but its a great rod- again good spec with quality fittings that shoudl last.

If you do pop down to the East coast get in touch- I'm happy for you to have a go of my abu conolon to give it a try. A couple of us are fishing St Osyth on SAturday night if you fancy popping down.

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 2:35 am

I'm working this weekend unfortunately but closer to the time when I'm ready to go out again I'll throw some dates at you Stuart. :cry: Wouldn't mind giving St. Osyths a go.