Quote:
Originally Posted by numbskull
Very well said, Reelin Rod. It seems that the reel manufacturers have quickly adapted to the need for new designs to get the most out of braided line, but the rod manufacturers (including most custom builders) are still putting out stuff that is at best a compromise . . . .
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Yes, reel technology is way ahead of rod & guide theory here in the States and the manufacturers are perpetuating the "stuck in the '80's" (or '70's or '60's) situation.
We Americans are the red-headed stepchild of the tackle world; the innovators, Daiwa and Shimano do not offer their top of the line tackle to the US market. Properly engineered braid rods are manufactured, they just are not a retail item here.
Our resistance to change is a big reason, marketability is a primary concern but Americans not being exposed to the last 25 years of tackle development has been detrimental to us. This also has permitted our US manufacturers to just rest on their laurels and not keep up with the rest of the world (i.e. Penn). Penn's last big design change was 20 years ago, following the Japanese lead with their SS line (skirted spool).
I wish I had a nickel for every "why's he using a conventional rod" quizzical look I've received on the beach. That a rod has to "look right" is a big part of the psyche of American fishermen and dog-gone it, spinners should have big guides!
The fishermen of Long Island and New England will probably be the last to embrace the newer technologies because of the specific tactics you guys use and the fact that your needs are being met. There is no pressing need for long casts so the reels are not that extreme; for most casters (and common rod lengths) old Spinfishers and VS do not allow the line velocities necessary to expose deficiencies in guide design and layout.
Another part of it is that the use of conventionals is more prevalent on your coasts; only matched I think by drum fishermen along the VA and NC shore. There again though is a difference in tackle demanded by tactics and conditions; the use of a 13 foot or longer rod would be considered ridiculous for most guys on LI or the Cape. On the Point nowadays, a 12'-6" rod is handicapping yourself
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmy z
Sometimes braid will dig in. And when you let the line out, you feel it undigging itself. That's all.  |
There is a term, "braid friendly" that describes certain attributes designed into reels to deal with the idiosyncrasies of braid. One of the most fundamental is wrapping the line in a crossing pattern to eliminate the line digging in. You don't mention which reel you are using but I would say that it does not have engineered line wrapping and using thin braid does have issues.
This is a picture of a Daiwa Tournament S-6000T that shows engineered line lay (80lb braid casting leader, 20lb braid running line):
