Thread: Spinning reel spool length, what’s your thoughts?

So what is considered a good cast length? Currently, using 4 pound mono on three different rods, I’m casting a 1/32 jig (modified to remove the lead from the hook shank so it’s actually lighter) with a Bobby Garland Baby Shad, I’m able to put it out about 50 feet. I previously guessed about 45 feet but today I measured it and it was right at 50. Is that good for a crappie bait or should I be able to do better? I’m used to bass baits and much longer casts so I just don’t know.

One of the tradeoffs with smaller baits is shorter casting distance and getting windblown. Most of my jigheads are from a mold for a 1/32 ball head which doesn’t weigh what it says. When they removed the collar for this mold they didn’t enlarged the head to make the proper weight. So mine comes out weighing 1/43 and its perfect for how and where I fish. Casting is best on my rods with braid. Varivas 4.2lb is what I use a lot of and my casts aren’t much longer, if any, than yours. If i go up to a 1 gram jig the distance is noticeably further and behaves better in the wind. If you want to cast really light stuff, try some Sufix Nanobraid in 2lb size. That’s the smallest domestic braid and it has a very good personality. I believe that this 2lb is slightly bigger than the 4lb that I use but it’s tougher than you would think. Most all domestic lines break over the stated strength and this ones no different. None of the small braids have much abrasion resistance so I always use a 4lb mono leader tied with a double uni knot. It’s something that you’ll have in your mind from the time you use it the first time. I’ve put my tackle in many folks hands and some have become converts to this tiny line and jigs. A President 20 size works well as braid has no memory and a Shakespeare micro series rod of your choice in length and still have a fair drag if you loosen the drag before storing it.