Conference wahoo::fishing

    I don't think there is a note on surfcasting per se, at least not
    on casting techniques. In terms of using the pendulum cast, it seems
    to be more useful when fishing lures than when fishing bait. I have
    not been surf fishing very long, but I've noticed that an overly
    aggressive cast will tend to lose some or all of the bait off the
    hook during the cast. Often, the remaining bait is on so precariously
    as to be easy work for the bait stealers.
    
     If you really need to get that much more distance on the cast when
    bait fishing, use more weight. I assume you have a good two handed
    surf rod, at least nine feet long, preferably longer. In this case,
    make sure that you've filled the spool on the reel to capacity.
    Use the lightest line your fishing ability and target species will
    allow. If you need more weight, you might try using an egg sinker
    above the bait, rigged as a fish finder. The extra weight won't
    bother the fish as much this way. *Make sure you use a shock leader.*
    
     This leader, which should be long enough to wrap around the spool
    four or five times, should be of sufficient strength as to be able
    to withstand a major casting blunder. (Like forgetting to open the
    bail during a power cast). 30-40 lb will usually handle anything
    except the most toothy fish. The shock leader allows you to put
    your back into the cast without the fear of watching your rig go
    50 yrads further than your line.
    
    Happy fishing!
    
    The doctah...........................

    I was using a 9 foot surf rod (wrapped it myself, Fenwick blank)
    with a spinning reel and 14 lb. line, 30 lb. leader. I was throwing
    lures. I've used it on both coasts off of jetties and docks and
    am pretty happy with it.
    
    I guess I will buy a new blank, an 11 footer. Any suggestions on
    a blank?
    
    	Marty Sasaki

Re:-1
    Marty, try dropping down to 10# line with a 25-30# shocker. This
    should give a fair increase in distance.
    
    Also, Lamiglass offers a pretty btoad selection of blanks in the
    11 foot range, in just about every material. Quite often when you
    get up to this length, the rods are built for pretty specific
    applications. You will have to decide just what you want this rod
    to do, and start exploring the possible blanks from there. Other
    brands to look at are Fenwick and Harnell (this one may be hard
    to find, but they are exceptionally strong blanks).
    
    Re:-2
    You can add extra weight up to a limit. If the rod approaches the
    overload point, distance diminshes, and the blank may not hold up.
    Not to mention the wear and tear on your index finger. Also, added
    weight will probably affect the action of the lure being used.
    
    Re:.0
    Most of the pendulum casters I've seen are tossing bait rather than
    lures. Given the mechanics of the technique (i.e: loooong drop back)
    it is probly impossible to do in water more than ankle deep. Also,
    don't forget that you need a lot of lateral room to use this cast:
    9 foot rod plus arms length plus drop back almost =to rod length.
    Most of the folks I know who use this technique use it as an exception.
    That is, ONLY when the fish are way out there (and showing). This
    tends to be a very tiring technique. BTW- using the longer (11')
    rod is also much more tiring than a 9 footer.
    
    I offer this (seemingly) negative input not to scare you, but to
    offer awareness. Both the pendulum cast and the longer rod are
    important tools for the surf angler. However, after years of trying
    various tools and techniques, myself and my buddies have settled
    for outfits that cast an 'average' distance, but can be cast for
    long time spans without fatigue. After all, the key to successful
    (overall) surf fishing is to "put in your time".

    re: .3
    
    This is exactly the kind of information that I am looking for. I
    will try the lighter line and see what happens...
    
    So what would be a good outfit for fishing off the beach in New
    England for Stripers and Bluefish?
    
    	Marty

    Does anyone have a favorite knot for attaching the shock leader
    to the running line.  I've tried a surgeon's knot and a nail knot,
    but both have broken right at the knot when I overzealousy try to
    set the hook.  I think I have the drag set correctly, but the sharp
    snap of the set breaks the running line at the knot about once in
    5 or 6 fish.
    
    Any suggestions will be tried ASAP
    
    On_the_beach
    
    
    JOE D
    

    Re -1
    Tell us more about your 9 foot Fenwick.... this might be perfect
    for 80%+ of you fishing for Bass and blues. In North Jersey the
    usual surf stick is a 9 footer capable of tossing 3/4 - 2 1/2 oz
    lures using 10 to 17 # line. 
    
    I don't have a lot of New England experience, but the general consensus
    is that most surf fishermen fish "over" the fish. That is, everyone
    strives for the long cast all the time, work the lure for a short
    distance, reeel in and cast again. I would guess that I hook most
    of my fish half way or more back to the beach, and, I'm not a exactly
    a world-class caster.
    
    Of course, if you have the bucks, go for something around 11 + feet,
    if you can handle it. In a plugging situation, the rod has to fit
    the fisherman, since you will probably make upwards of 100 casts
    or more each trip. It is important that the rig be comfortable to
    you and doesn't wear you out in the first hour. If you can, try
    out someone else's combo on the beach, so you can get an idea of
    what you can handle.
    Since you have already built a 9 footer, at least you can save some
    bucks, and CUSTOM tailor a larger rod to your liking by rolling
    your own.
    
    BTW- see also note #140.*
    
    Bagel
    

    The 9 foot Fenwick is a two piece with what Fenwick calls "very
    fast" action. Basically this has a fast taper near the tip. I tied
    Fuji ceramic guides on it. As I said, I am pretty happy with it
    off the rocks. Usually I fish lures, either metal or poppers. I
    don't remember the lure weight, but it was on the lighter side,
    maybe 1-3 oz.
    
    I have an ancient 11 footer too, that isn't good for most of the
    fishing that I do. It is heavy and has a really slow action. It
    is good for tossing bait with lots of weight. It belonged to my
    grandfather so I keep it for sentimental reasons, but seldom use
    it anymore.
    
    I guess I will look for an 11 footer, probably graphite for throwing
    lures off the beach, and resurrect my grandfather's 11 footer for
    bait...
    
    As far as tying a shocker on, the best way to go for strength is
    a Bimini twist. Tie the hook to this using an off shore swivel knot.
    This is a royal pain to tie and sometimes the knot will get caught
    on your guides.
    
    I've also used an albright knot with pretty good success. Currently
    I am using the combination of a half-hitch and uni-knot that John
    Holden recommended in one of his books.
    
    I'm surprised that someone is breaking line while setting the hook,
    maybe your drag is set too tight? Are you sure that you are pulling
    the knots up nice and tight?
    
    	Marty
    

    Re:.6/.5
    Hey Joe_D...we have to stop meeting like this. .6 is refering to
    .4, not .5
    
    Re: .5
    Try using a blood not or, 2 (yes 2) uni-knots:
    
    		-------------\\\\//////============
    		line	      |	   |	leader
    	                      |    |
                           leader line
    			    knot   knot
    
    
    
    Re:.7
    Marty...graphite is probably the way to go for an 11' plug rod.
    		Since graphite gives a 'better' cast, you may not 
    		need to go to 11'. Remember that casting a graphite
    		rod requires different timing than glass.