I recently just started fishing again and purchased an Abu Garcia Cardinal 102i / Cherrywood 6'6" Med. Combo. I have a feeling the rod tip is just too soft and casting causes a lot of vibration and affecting the cast distance. Or possibly something else could be causing this issue. I really have to put some "mustard" on my cast to get it out there, and it don't think that's healthy for the rod and or reel.

I have tried my buddies setup, which I think is a MH 6' or 6'6", where the tip is much stiffer, although it's set up with a pflueger president, I only have to put about 15% amount of effort as I do with mine to achieve the same casting distance.

I have only been using Rapala X-Rap lures, Dancin' Eel and a spinner at times on a 6Lb Mono.

Any suggestions?

a soft tip should help launch that bait...make sure the reel is full of line. other than that no idea.

This setup should really launch a bait out there.Sounds like you dont have enough line on the reel.Spool up to within 1/16-1/8 " from the spool lip and you should be good to go. Let us know

T

I agree with skunked. I think a softer tip helps me cast farther since you can really load the tip up on the back swing and it helps to launch/fling the bait out there. Maybe some where you have scratches or nicks around your spool or guides and it is slowing down the line?

could be your casting technique