Conventional Casting Advice Needed!

[thill]

Went out and did some casting trials with a variety of rods, some new, some existing. Again, the Daiwa spinners outperformed everything else, on every rod I used them on. BOY do I hope these reels last a long time!

But my questions revolve around my conventional reels, a Tica Pisces and a Shimano 401, both level-wind reels.

1. What kind of distance are you guys getting out of your Tica's and Shimano's? What about on 7-8' rods?

I have both spooled up with 30# Power Pro, which seems like good casting line. I'm trying between one and four ounces, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to break 90 yards. 76, 78, 82, and even 87, but no more. The reels are pretty much equal.

The Daiwa spinner,(20# braid) as a direct comparison, is hitting 100-120 yards consistently with 2 ounces, on a very similar blank. I really don't think it's the blank. It is either me or the reel, and I'm guessing it's me!

2. To get better distance, MUST one change bearings and use rocket fuel and so on?

I can loosen up spool tension a bit, but I'm afraid I'll blow up my expensive braid if I loosen much more. Already, I'm almost on the edge of backlash on my harder casts, but the distance stays the same.

3. Will bearings and Rocket Fuel really help since I'm using spool tension anyway?

OH DUHHH.... I forgot about the centrifugal brakes, until just now!

4. How many brakes would you recommend leaving on in either of these reels, for best combo of control and distance? I wamt to say I have three brakes engaged, but am not positive.

Please understand that I'm not really complaining, because actually, 80+ yards is pretty good for me! But that is with a sinker only, and I know I won't get that kind of distance with lures or plugs.

I keep hearing some talking about 100-200 yard casts with their conventionals. And I've seen one of the guys at the ditch with a Newell throw a jig at least 100 yards at the Ditch. He was smokin'!

Thanks in advance.

TH