I am going to build a salt water rod on a Dan Craft FT 7 wt. blank. I am trying to decide between a 9' and 10' and am curious as to which of these rods would cast farther - all things being equal - same skill level (me)(intermediate working on advanced skill level over next 20 years) and both properly lined. Probably use a Rio Outbound.

Seems the 9' is a fair amount faster (true?) while the 10' is longer (by about a foot - I figured this part out on my own).

Also trying to decide whether to use REC heavier 1 foot recoils or Titan ceramics.

Thanks a lot.

Jim

Jim,
If you look at the math for resonant frequency which determines the tip velocity, which in turn is what will mainly determine the casting distance, length is the variable that has the largest effect. I would be very surprised if the 10' rod did not cast significantly farther than the 9' even if the two rods have different actions.

The shorter rod will put less wear and tear on the arm and shoulder also.

A lot has to do with the weight of the lure you are casting, the size of the spool and how full it is, if you have enough weight, on a large fulll brimmed spool you will achieve greater distance with the 10' rod. Mess with any of these variables and it will have a greater influence over the comparitive distance than rod length. If your assuming the "All things being equal" principal, and in this case ideal as I have indicated, the 10 footer would cast farther, it will always cast farther until you mess with the some of the factors I have noted, then at some point it will be a case of diminishing return making the extra distance marginal enough to consider arm fatigue. If rec does not offer a high frame guide, I would go with the Titians..all things considered I'd opt for Alconites and bank the savings.

Chris,
I think that Dan is talking about a fly rod.

The main consideration for length of a fly rod, is line mending. Being a saltwater rod, mending is most likely not a big consideration :)

The other reason for choosing a longer rod would be for float tubing (to keep the line off the water). Again I hope you won't be floating tubing in the Ocean :)

Christian

For what it's worth, my 908-4FT can throw a Airflo 40+ about 110-120'. My 1010-4FT can throw a 300gr head 110-120' with a two hand overhead cast (no haul).

However, I've been fishing a 1007-3 V a lot lately and find that I can throw a longbelly Airflo Polyfuse XT as far as the two above, plus I don't get burned out by the constant stripping in that a line like the Outbound or the 40+ require. I feel that you can actually generate MORE line speed with the V series...

Scott Kinney
The Longest Cast Fly Rods
[www.thelongestcast.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/19/2006 03:31PM by Scott Kinney.

If your skill level was advanced to expert, I would say you might be able to cast farther with a 10' rod. Faster tip speed and all that.

However, the 10' rod magnifies any errors in your stroke greater than a 9' rod. A 9' rod magnifies errors in your stroke greater than an 8' rod. If you have errors in your stroke, they could negate any faster line speed you might be able to generate with a longer rod. There is an optimum rod length for every angler given their skill level. You have to decide what that is. It might be 8' 6" (Ever wonder why that is one of the most popular length rods, particularly for beginners?).

My experience is that intermediate casters cast a 9' rod better than a 10' rod. I haven't done any scientific study on this, but this is my observation.

See if you can borrow a 10' rod to cast before building one. You might find you like the 9' better.

The 10' rods are great for lifting line off the water and high stick nymphing. Proper technique will keep your line of the water in a drift boat or float tube, not more rod length.

David Edens
Blue Ridge Rods
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor