Hey
I was wondering if there were any anglers who used longer rods to reach fish that hold further off shore due to seasonal patterns. For example,I fish a local pond from the bank and an average cast with my 6'6" spinning outfit I can reach about 25-30 yards off the bank. At most parts of the shore line this is about. I was out one morning in late august and around 7:15, an hour after sunset, I saw a bait explosion. Something was schooling up and driving minnows up out of the water. If you've seen this you know what I am talking about. This was happening well out of my reach with my 6'6" rod. But if I were using a 10' rod and a heavier plug, There would be a chance of me reach those fish.

So, anyone use longer than average rods for shore fishing, mainly to reach fish that are off shore due to seasonal patters. In my case bass were driven to deeper cooler waters with more oxygen due to summer heat. I had [censored] luck bass fishing from shore once the temps were consistently in the 80's. The shallows were filled with nothing but sunfish and dink bass small enough to tolerate the lower oxygen levels.

I know that in surf fishing the main stay rod lengths are from 8-12 feet sometimes up to 15'. Whats is the real difference from freshwater bank fishing and salt water surf fishing, besides the environments. The need is the same. Standing on the bank you are at a large disadvantage. You need to be able to reach fish, deeper water at tiems which calls for a longer rod.

Some carp anglers--and others who use baits to target large rough fish--often use long rods from shore. Their 12- to 13-foot rods can be used to cast over 150 yards to reach large fish. This is similar to what surf fishermen do when using (natural) baits.

I don't know if surf fishermen use long rods to cast plugs or spoons. I would think a large, heavy rod that is longer than about 8 feet might be too tiring for repeated casts with artificial lures.

The most you would need would be an 11' and I suggest the Daiwa Emcast or Emblem. The Emcast is light enough the guys fishing below Denison dam can cast basically five solid hours or more like they did this past Saturday. They are casting about 2/3's or more the width of the river. They say it is 100 yds to hit the center wall from the Texas side and they can smash $8 lures against it.

If you don't want to go to the extra expense of buying new equipment you may be able to reach those fish further out by simply using a heavier lure,I use a 6'6" rod as well !My go to bait, is usualy a rooster tail the 1/4 oz.version is about the same size as most of the forage(bait) that fish are keying in on.When I need to get it out further I use a carolina rigged rooster,I just tie a bullet weight above a swivel and attatch a 12-18" leader and then the rooster.If I tie on a 1/4 oz.bullet weight,I'm actualy throwing a 1/2oz lure only 1/4oz size,if I still can't reach them I'll put on a 1/2oz bullet weight etc.I find the addtional weight doesn't effect the action of the lure but as you go heavier you may need to pick up the speed of the retreive, so it doesn't fall to the bottom or get snagged,most of my baitcasters are 6:3:1 ratio so it's not a problem. I just try to keep the blade turning and just below the surface,works pretty good,give it a try and let me know how it works out for ya!

You guys should see the distance that Rudy gets on this rig. I was next to him using a 3/4 castmaster and he was getting pretty close to the same distance. Of course his cast loads up the rod just right but this is a great method that I have personally seen catch fish when a lot of others weren't.

I fished alongside Rudy at "Chicago" one day in June when it rained most of the morning. I remember that he sprayed a shower of mist around himself every time he made one of his forceful casts.

ahh the infamous carolina rigged rooster tail..he catches fish until he birdnests it!!

Good morning.

As a fellow bank beater and soon to be resident of the great state of Texas, I wanted to make my debut to the forum by weighing in.

I would go with a heavier lure and/or one with less wind resistance (ie: rat-l-trap, RNR 5 or 7, etc.) especially if you are seeing schooled bait busting the surface.

Currently, I fish some local rivers and Lake Erie up here in Michigan. Due to the need/desire for better accuracy, I have compiled an arsonal of 6' to 6'6" rods. My ZML Medium/Fast paired with Revo SC can cast a 1/2 oz. spinner or an RNR 7 a country mile and get it back in a hurry if need be.

In addition, I would also suggest using a low stretch line because it is next to impossible to set the hook that far out without reeling like heck during a huge sweeping set.

welcome double willow . bank beating is just around the corner if it continues to cool down more ....w/r/j

I fish with Rudy quite a bit and he consistently outcasts me by at least 10-15 feet.

Rudy...I thought your rods were 7' 6"...

I personally like to use either 8 ft. rods just in case i need to get the extra distance. But also, can use them for some small dam fishing. Bigger dams I go to surf rods.

I tried fishing far out in the surf with a 1/4oz. spoon and a 12ft. rod.. and i wouldnt recomend it at all. as what Smile-n-nod says its just too much for repeated casting.

i use a 7' rod with a revo stx that will cast a mile when adjusted well...but it takes alot of practice to get good

Oh COME ON ! with a lead in like "rod length" none of you are jumping on it? I'm fond of my fast action 8.5 incher. ( and I only lie about fishing! )

Guess that gives your screen name new meaning...