How Bigs your Rod ?

[Mike P]

Depends on what's behind you, as you stated.

If you can stand down by the water on a flat ground, like a mussel bed, at low tide, you can use a longer rod. The 11' Lamiglas XRA 1322 is one popular plugging rod for the Canal.

If you have steep rip-rap, an uncertain foot-hold, brush or other objects obstructing your back cast, I'd go with a shorter rod, in the area of 9-1/2 to 10 feet. Your Star is actually a pretty good rod in that respect.

My favorite all around Canal rod is a JK Fisher 8420, originally 10' but shortened about 5" from the butt. I use it for plugging and jigs/plastics. I only use my 11' 1322 for the breaking tides.

Hitting the middle is overrated, IMO. Unless there's a mess of fish breaking, it's a low percentage attempt. One or two fish breaking requires accurate plug placement and it's a much higher percentage attempt the shorter you throw. There are a handful of guys who can cast accurately at 90-100 yards, but the number of guys who can put a plug on a fish at 50 yards goes up dramatically.

Some things you might try to hit those fish breaking just out of range---change over to 50# Power Pro braid instead of 30# Fireline. 30# FL is as thick as 20# mono and it gets "fluffy" and pills when it wears in. That might cut down on your distance. 50# Power Pro is thinner and has a more durable slick coating that cuts down guide and air friction. And, you could try metal like a Crippled Herring or Mega Bait instead of plugs.

[CANAL RAT]

is not the size of it its how you use it

[Saltheart]

The longer it is , the longer you can cast but the harder ir is to work the jigs , fight the fish and land the fish.

The shorter it is , the easier to work the jig , fight the fish , land the fish but the shorter your casts.

Also as Mike P mentioned , there is the problem with the GD bushes behind you depending on the spot and state of the tide.

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Originally Posted by CANAL RAT

is not the size of it its how you use it

I have a 10'1/2 G-Loomis 1265C Surf Series.w/ a Calcutta 700 W/30# Tri line Big game I like it.I feel pretty confident in hitting what I want to.

You can also do some mods for you're reel,like after market bearrings & lube. Good footing and back space plays a big factor also what you're tossing play in it as well.

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