New Rod and Reel for Distance

To add to the Multiplier vs FS debate, I have to say that I far more enjoy the Multi.

If you get your casting right, you can reduce birdies to a minimum. Retrieval speeds and pulling power are far better on a multi too.

I know a few guys who use braid on F/S for all their fishing and swear by it. I would probably agree for clean beach work but when there is rough ground to contend with the mono/multi combo is streets ahead.

Also the feeling you get when the reel sings is quality.

I suffered for the first 4-6 months of multi use which I know most guys on the site would empathise with, but once you get the hang of it, you won't look back.

JUDE

simple answer to the problem, try as many rods and reels as you possibly can mark, then choose whatever set up feels right for you.

if you are going well on fixed spool, why not put £125 or so into a top range fixed spool reel to add to your distance ..... also more retrieval speed with a fixed spool than most multipliers.

for almost every situation, clean ground beaches, mixed ground, rough ground, i have a set up for each in both fixed spool or multiplier, personally in competition conditions i mostly use fixed spool as it is less of a risk of time consuming problems with it. then for most pleasure fishing i use the mutipliers.

Have to agree with Bigphil on one thing - the retreival rate on a good fixed spool reel is superior to that of even a fast multiplier like the Penn 525.

For me though - there is no contest. A multipler has its center of gravity much closer to the rod and is lighter than a fixed spool, for me it just feels so much nicer to use. For me it's all part of the enjoyment of fishing.

Where a multiplier really wins though is where the going gets tough or heavy mainline is being used. Braid is ok on clean beaches but what happens when you go onto snaggy ground, it is so thin that it cuts easily. Multiplers handle heavy lines better and do have more torque to allow you to winch fish up rather than having to pump them using the rod.

For the style of casting you are wanting to do, a longer rod will help you provided you fish at venues where you have space to use it. They are a major disadvantage on piers and rock venues with restricted space.

Lee