Two weeks ago I got a new duckett rod and abu garcia revo spinning reel. Whichever one is 129. Plan was to use it for light baits and throwing minnows and bobbers. I already have a cheap 39 dollar abu garcia spinning reel. With the new reel I can't seem to cast more than thirty or forty yards. But with the old rod I can throw atleast twice as far. I plan on taking it back to cabelas tomorrow since I just don't care for it.

What would your recommendation be for a good spinning reel and rod. I am not looking for cheap. But would like to stay around the 300 dollar mark for the combo.

Walter

What length of rod ? I like a bit longer rod, for light baits, helps cast them farther.
I hate to go this direction, but a super line like Berkeley nano fill does help with casting distance.
Nano fill is really, a love it or hate it line.

sounds like you have good combo there. My guess is a different action then old rod. also if you spooled braid make sure its not loose on spool. mono backing is what i use. Wish i had a better answer. hope this helps.

Something is going on here that isn't reel related. I can cast as far with a 19 dollar reel as I can with a 200 dollar reel of the same size on the same rod. Either your rod is too stiff, the line weight is too heavy or it has twists in it. The good and bad of a reel comes when you start to reel it and when the drag is pulled. Don't blame the reel here look else where.

Line is mono spiderwire. Rod is a duckett 7' medium action I believe. I don't know a lot on how to pick a rod this is what the guy at cabelas said would be good for what I wanted, all he did was pick the action. only thing they in stock was medium, or medium heavy.

Walter

If you want different equipment then look at either a 7'3" medium TFO Tactical rod or a 7'6" medium TFO Signature rod.

I went with Lew's Team Gold Carbon spinning reels. I've got most of the sizes.

Remember that you need to keep lure weight in the range the rod is rated for. Also a taller spool will cast further than a narrow spool. Make sure the line is put on the spool correctly.

Sounds like maybe line choice. Not necessarily brand, but weight for what your doing. Are you using the exact same line/weight on the cheapo setup and throwing the same bait?

I love shimano spinning reels... I'm sure there are reels that cast further but I can cast a mile with my Shimano Symetre spinning reel...

Might be your reel is too big for the first eye. I have a 7 ft rod with a SGH 400 Lew's reel and I get line slapping sometimes when trying to cast as hard as I can. It was really bad when I had braid. When it would start to slap it would almost shut down the cast mid way. When I get some money set aside I'm going to buy a smaller SGH (prolly 300, they look about right) for the 7 ft rod then I'll prolly buy a 7 ft 6 inshore rod for the sgh 400