Maximum casting distance

I'm rigging up for the trip to the pier Saturday for some spanish fishing. Got bubble rigs ready, and am working on Gotcha and Looney rigs now. I am planning on using two different types leaders for the Looneys and Gotchas, 40 lb mono and 20 lb seven strand. I am eliminating swivels as suggested and tying leaders directly to 12 lb mono mainline. Plan on making leaders 18" also as suggested. I can usually get max casting distance on lures like this when I let the lure hang 8-12 " from rod tip when tied directly to the lure. My question is with a 18" leader do I need to leave the knot out beyond the rod tip when casting or can I reel it up into the tip? If I reel it into the tip will it affect casting distance? More importantly will the knot damage the rod tip?

I would shorten the leader and leave the knot under (outside) the rod tip.

Thanks #r, I was hoping you would be one to reply. As always I value your opinion! Hope to see you Saturday!

I agree with David to shorten the leader. However, by not using a swivel, if you accidentally let the connection go past the tip top and a guide or two, it may affect the cast some but won't hurt your guides. I went this route years ago since my boys would get excited during a hot bite and they were running me broke replacing tips. That and the fact that Spanish trailing a hooked fish think a swivel is a morsel that they can potlick.

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER put a heavy leader, spiced or not, into the rod tip! you will bust it REAL quick

If you are using the Albright knot it will cast fine thru the guides I use it Florocarbon to braid And haven't had a problem .If tied correctly it will go thru the guides smooth as silk. unsure about the wire but it should also be as smooth

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rodbuilderESM

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER put a heavy leader, spiced or not, into the rod tip! you will bust it REAL quick

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I feel differently.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rodbuilderESM

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER put a heavy leader, spiced or not, into the rod tip! you will bust it REAL quick

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The OBX bunch will beg to differ. When your casting 8+ ounces from the beach you need at least 50# mono shock leader that extends all the way to the reel making 3-5 raps on the reel. I use an Albright but a lot of guys use a Uni to Uni and a Slim beauty and some a no name to a surgens knot.
Some even use 80# mono shock.
I am not comparing apples to apples. You guys are fishing from a pier and those guys are fishing in 5 ft breakers with a strong current to boot and casting 100+ yards. If you can't throw 8nbait you need to go home and you can't throw 8 with 20# mono at the tip. You might but I'm not going to willingly stand within 200 yards of you.

Exactly!
A 12"-18" mono leader on medium light spin to throw a less than one ounce lure from a pier is whole nutha world from beach heaving 8 ounces plus a bait on a 3-4 foot leader into the breakers.

About the only thing they have in common is both can be called fishing :rolleyes:

And now I have just learned another great tip for surf fishing. What a great forum.