Hi all,

I need some help. I can't seem to cast more than 30 or 40 feet unless I'm using 4 lb. line and a sinker. I usually fish with just a bobber and worm. What pound test do I really need for bass. Most of the ones I catch are less than five pounds. Does that mean that six pound test is plenty? I like being able to cast far with light line but I feel like the line will break if I hook a bigger fish. Will it?

Thanks.

First off, whats your set up. Rod type, length, action? With just a bobber and a worm, 40 feet isn't to bad. Try adding a split shot weight above the worm and using a heavier bobber.

If you are fishing open water you do not need heavy line to land bigger fish. Pulling fish through cover requires a heavier set up.

A good chance if you are lacking distance your rod is not loading up, try a split shot or 1/8-1/4 oz egg weight.

Check out the lure rating on your rod. If you baits weigh less than the minimum, then the rod probably will not load correctly (won't bend and snap back during cast). In that case you need more weight. Look for some of the weighted bobbers. I'm not sure what they're called, but they were pretty cheap at W-Mart. They made quite a difference for me.

Leon

All good points so far. In addition, make sure your spool is filled to within 1/8" of the spool lip and that the lip is clean. Treating your line with KVD line and lure will help some, even more on heavier fluorocarbon line. These things will help maximize casting distance but the real key is in the rod. Be sure it is rated approriately for the lures/bait you are casting.

Also what brand/ model of reel are you using. Spincast, Spinning, or baitcaster?

this--> http://www.basspro.c...40501217/357635

water bobbers..

if you fill them all the way up also they will sink nice and slow, kinda of another good way to try fishing them also they usually always hit it on the way down... so after it stops sinking give it a few min and then repeat.

try some braid or nano fill, watch for the braid the dia. power pro is a good brand look at the chart on tackle warehouse.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm fishing with a Shimano Sienna 4000 fd spinning reel. It's a 5.2:1 ratio. The rod is an ugly stick of some kind. 6.5 feet I think. I don't know anything about action or load. Berkley Trilene 8 lb. mono. What can you guys tell me about my setup?

Thanks again!

Don't worry about distance for now. Just focus on accuracy. The distance will come as your accuracy improves.

Glenn is right, imo distance may be the most over rated facet about fishing. There are not too many rods that do cast further than an ugly stick, if your lure weights are in the recommendation range for that rod you are probably getting the most out of it already. #8 mono or 10-20# braid is ideal for a reel that size, I do not get more if any distance from a more expensive reel with a better spool lip design. Enjoy what you have, just catch fish and don't worry about about details.