There are people who win distance casting championships in categories for different types and classes of rods. I imagine these people have certain types of guides and guide train set-ups which they favor. I would appreciate hearing what type and set-up of guides an expert caster recommends. [I don't think guides influence accuracy ?]

I am not a pro by a long shot, but GUIDES, line type, & lbs , type an length of rod, as well as reel, all fall into this sport of distance casting ,
I think, could be wrong

William Sidney
AK

Phil

I've not built a rod for competition, but have spoken with those that have. My impression is that it's a bit like a race car vs the daily driver car. You would not drive the racer to the lake nor take the daily driver racing. Not that there are not things to learn from competitions (really important new concepts and techniques have come via rods for competition), but the competitions are about weight and distance and such rods might not be so much fun to fish.

The performance of rod blanks, guides, reels, and lines can be and are measured and reported The casting ability of the angler can be measured too, but this fact is apparently of no use to marketers of rod blanks, guides, reels, and lines. Instead we are promised "soulful action" and "most sensitivity" and "smooth casting" and "best guide type/spacing/sizes" - all without a shred of proof or explanation. Many other sports suggest the type of equipment purchased and used should be suited to the ability of the user of this equipment. Is everyone born a master angler and caster?

"There are people who win distance casting championships in categories for different types and classes of rods."

I am sure classifications vary by country. World competitions tend to be more standardized (Depending on where they are held).

Fly rod distance tournaments have classes very different from the typical US & UK competitions having distances cast over 800 feet.

American Casting Association
[www.americancastingassoc.org]

From SportCastUSA.com
EQUIPMENTS

CONVENTIONAL TACKLE
Rod: There shall be no restriction upon length or on the material used in its construction.
Reel: No restrictions.

SPINNING TACKLE
Rod: There shall be no restriction upon length or on the material used in its construction.
Reel: No restrictions.

RUNNING LINE
The running line shall be made of high visibility monofilament material and be the same diameter throughout its entire length. The running line shall have the following minimum diameters:
.35mm (.01378 inch) for the 175 gram weight
.31 mm (.01220 inch) for the 150 gram weight
.28 mm (.01102 inch) for the 125 gram weight
.25 mm (.00984 inch) for the 100 gram weight

SHOCK LINE
The shock line shall be made of high visibility monofilament material, be parallel throughout its entire length, and have the following minimum diameters:
0.75 mm (0.0295 inch) for 175 and 150 gram weights
0.65 mm (0.0256 inch) for the 125 and 100 gram weights


There was a restriction to reels, in that they had to be fishable.

" I imagine these people have certain types of guides and guide train set-ups which they favor. I would appreciate hearing what type and set-up of guides an expert caster recommends. [I don't think guides influence accuracy ?]"

Although not an expert, here is my experience:

Guides used in the US and Australia are typically Pac Bay Minima. Guide size and spacing set up varies by caster (high or low reel). Example: 25 ,20, 20, 16, 16, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12 tip top.
Accuracy meaning consistent left/right with different power applied?

Don Becker

Accuracy means the thing on the end of your line lands where you want it. I assume the 800 foot fly cast was launched in a gale from the top of a lighthouse or a mountain?

Phil Ewanicki Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Accuracy means the thing on the end of your line lands where you want it.

For American Casting Association (fly & plug) I understand the desire is to hit a target. The above lint to the American Casting Association will provide the details.

With SportCast, the desire is to cast the farthest within an arc of +/- 15 degrees from center line. This would be using the above listed weights (100, 125, 150, and 175 grams) and appropriate running line and shock leader.

> I assume the 800 foot fly cast was launched in a gale from the top of a lighthouse or a mountain?

Fly rod distance tournaments have classes very different from the typical US & UK competitions having distances cast over 800 feet.

I could have written the above a little better.

American Casting Association fly rod distance tournaments have classes very different from the typical US & UK competitions.

Typical SportCast US and UK competitions have casting distances of about 800 feet or better with sinkers in the range of 100 to 175 grams.

Don Becker