Hi all. I was wondering about the risks of exceeding the weight requirements on a rod blank? For example, I use steelhead/salmon blanks for carp fishing some of which have a max rating of 3/4 ounce. Some carp gear, such as marker floats, use weights of 3-4 ounces.

Is there risk of doing real damage to my gear by exceeding the weight by so much? I would assume so but would like some more opinions.

Thanks
Tom.

Going that far over might create some risk. Casting those weights seems to me like it would load a rod a lot like high-sticking. It at least will not be very effective. Of course if you do a gentle lob, it probably will be OK, but would you get the distance you want?

If admitted to the company, it would most likely void any warranty.

Michael - I'm not sure if it would work in terms of distance, especially if I needed to do a gentle lob. The spots i'm fishing usually aren't at super long ranges as some fish in the UK. I don't even know if I would need a weight that heavy for a marker float and will likely try the technique first with a lighter weight.

As pretty much all others have either said, or alluded to ..... I think you're asking for trouble by going that much over. The dynamics of casting, even a lob cast, are a lot different than the dynamics of fighting a fish.

JMO

-----------------



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2016 10:30AM by roger wilson.

I agree with Roger.

I commonly cast 8 to 12oz on blanks rated for 3/8-1oz, so I will tell you it can be done depending on the conditions. There is a certain risk, but it can be a reasonable risk in the right situation. My opinion is as long as the blank does what you want it to do, who cares what specs were printed on the label.


I will add that it's completely worth it to see the look on the face of the blank manufacturer's rep when you tell him what you've been casting on it. I have a feeling there is a now a note on my account saying to never accept damage claims! Luckily I've never had one though. And even if I did, I wouldn't call them. I know I'm pushing it, but it works for what we need the blanks to do.

Using a light rod to pull a large, strong carp through the water while you pull a half-pound sinker along the bottom does not sound like a lot of fun.

Using a light rod to pull a large, strong carp through the water while you pull a half-pound sinker along the bottom does not sound like a lot of fun.

Phil,
Pretty simple - keep the rod straight and use your arm and elbow to bring in big fish and heavy weights to the boat. Works well and very easy to do.

Be safe

Tom,
If your going to use carp tackle designed for carp rods, I'd use carp blanks. For the steelhead blanks your using why not innovate a bit and downsize the tackle to fit the blank and your needs. This is what was done 20 years ago when the steelhead anglers started using Thill floats and tackle for their use.