cant hit the big distance

i recently got a penn powerstix 15'9 rod and use a abu 6500 power handle reel,
i seem to be getting the same distance with this as i do with my sandstorm rod and fixed spool reel.
would it have anything to do with the fact that it has a level wind fitted or are rods that size not suited to an
over head thump type of cast.
any answers or tips are more than welcome....thanks

get rid of the level wind

it will cut your cast in half.

does it damage the reel in any way?

I'm not familiar with the reel but I'm sure you will have to get a ct conversion bar for it.
or a single piece ct frame, i know eric had one of these available a few weeks back.

there might be someone near you that can have a look and give you an idea on what to do.

John is spot on. You have a couple of options, but the easiest is to get a CT cage. You can pick these up off ebay. If your handy with the tools you can just pick up a conversion bar off ebay. You will need to remove the level wind and bars, and put the conversion bar in it's place. The bar is needed to stop the frame twisting. If you go for the CT cage, you can always go back to the level wind cage if you need it for a bit of boat fishing.

Kev

Youi will also need a brass bullet if you want to get rid of the plastic cog on the end of the spool.

Why not just wade out a bit further , thet normally overcomes my casting limitations

thanks for the replies lads but the reel only cost me £55 and the same reel without the level wind is £60, so i think i'll get one rather than taking mine apart never to be put back together
just happy to hear that its the level wind thats restricting me

I'd use the fixed spool reel on the Penn rod and use the Abu on the Daiwa if it's a multi version, Load the fixed spool with 12lb LINE and an overhead thump on that Penn will send it a long way out!!

kstaff is spot on 12lb line and tapered shockleader on the fixed spool really adds the distance with the same effort.
the long rod and fixed spool combo really seem to be catching on over here i've abandoned my brand new 7ht
because of the extra distance i've gained with the fixed spool.