Heavy Casting, Line Grip.....

[Rexxy]

I have found on the odd website in the past comments about line gripping things that you can slip onto your index finger to help with casting heavy sinkers etc, and wondered if anyone could shed more light on this, and where i can get or make something along those lines.... ( i cant find the sites again yet.. lol)

I have only recently moved from estuary fishing with 6' to 7' rods to my new 12' rod and 20lb line targetting tailor and bigger fish, but whenever i cast i cant seem to control the line very well under my index finger during the cast, either i dont have it squeezed well enough etc.

i have thought of wandering through bunnings in search of something rubber like that would fit my index finger with being loose and fly off during a cast....

any help ?

[slinkymalinky]

I got a plastic finger guard from a fly-fishing tackle shop years ago but to be honest the best solution I found was to use waterproof sports tape from the Chemist or a leather riggers glove with the thumb and last 2 fingers cut off. Simple is better.

Make sure you use a heavier, nylon shock-leader too. You'll find it a lot less painful hanging onto 50-80lb mono than 20lb. You can obviously attach your lighter leaders and rigs to the heavy shock leader. Under no circumstances should you try to hold braid over your fingers with heavy rigs when casting. It's a sure-fire way to get nasty cuts.

Cheers, Slinky

[caranx]

Owner and shimano have finger gloves made form leather that work a treat.If you are using heavy braids /leaders and casting heavy weights with an eggbeater it makes it much more comfortable. Most tackle shops have them in stock and they wont fly off when casting as it secures around your palm and wrist.

Edited May 29, 2008 by caranx

[Rexxy]

thanks heaps guys, i will head down to the tackle shop tomorrow and see how i go, i appreciated the info and help.....

[Jewhunter]

G'day Rexxy.

How are you holding the line? Are you hooking it with your index finger or pressing it against the rod?

Cheers,

Grant.

[stricko4]

G'day Rexxy.

How are you holding the line? Are you hooking it with your index finger or pressing it against the rod?

Cheers,

Grant.

Grant,

Which would you suggest as being the best method??

Paul

[Rexxy]

i am pressing/holding it against the rod with my index finger, which i have no issues with using my smaller rods and lighter tackle, but the heavier gear and dare i say it water/moisture on my finger just seems to throw the whole pressure and grip out the window....

which was why i had thought a finger guard or finger glove may help hold the line better against the rod....

what is the hook hold your referring too ?

[caranx]

I hold the line in the crease of my index finger, never against the rod. You get better control in my opinion as it wont slip if your rod is wet or slimy.

[Rexxy]

just updating, i popped into chatswood tackle and picked up his last Finger Guard(s), it has 2 in the packet, one thumb and one index finger.....they are leather bottom, with a stretch material over the top of the finger......now curious how well it will work for me....

He also explained to me the biggest issue i have is that the tackle weight is causing my casting issue as i am still prone to the side cast, and yet to find my overhead casting ability.....he said with the side cast its hard to control the cast release if the sinker and bait are of a decent weight....

i also grabbed a few 1/2 kilo pillie bags, they are in vacuum sealed bags which is a great way to keep them fresh...... i just hope nobody here at work opens up the freezer today...lol

[caranx]

Im not sure if you have the right one - is that the Surecatch one that has brown leather and black stretchy stuff. They arent really that good to use as the leather is too hard for casting and gripping. Look for finger guards on this page, as the guard is a better quality leather and does not impede your finger moving.

http://www.ownerhooks.com.au/owneraccess.html

How heavy are the lures/sinkers you are casting...? The poppers and metals I use are anywhere up to 180 grams .

Best thing to do is duck down to the local park or sandflats with some of the casting plugs and practice casting overhead. Sidecasting has its applications too, but for me its only with very light weight lures or SPs and trying to get them amongst snags etc.

Edited May 30, 2008 by caranx

[Jewhunter]

I don't think I could control any cast by pressing line against the rod. Especially if there is any weight in the rig. It would simply slip under any load.

The best way to cast a threadline is to grip the reel stand ( the narraw shaft between the reel seat & reel body frame) between & at the base of your middle & index fingers with your forward hand. Extend your index finger, bend your finger & rest the line very close to or in the crease near the end of your finger. To release the cast simply open your finger. You will be amazed at the distance & control you have over your cast. Grip the bottom of the rod with your lower hand a little lower for more punch in the cast.

You would only need a finger guard if constantly casting heavy soft plastics with braid. Otherwise there is no need for one.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Grant.