Surf Casting to Win

Everyone likes to achieve maximum results.  Driving faster.  Running faster.  Throwing farther.  Winning.  It is no different for anglers and their quest to cast further.  If you can cast 75 yards that is ok, but if you can cast 100 or even 200 yards you are special.  The ability of the surf casting angler to cast further and reach distant fish schools can be the difference between a legendary outing and getting skunked.  It is the key to achieving ultimate surf casting distance.

We covered basic casting techniques in our article “Maximizing Casting Distance and Accuracy”.  Once you have used the great information in that article, you can read this one that will cover the next level techniques for surf casters to reach ultimate casting distance.

Why Cast Farther?

Beyond the human instinct to reach beyond, there are solid reasons for a surf caster to be able to cast farther.  Fish can often be seen just beyond the reach of shore anglers.  Even though you can cast far, it does not mean every cast needs to reach the horizon.  It does mean that you can reach more fishable waters without a boat.   For surf anglers that are using heavy weights or lures, it can be challenging to generate power and cast far.

Fishing Waders

One way to expand your reach to distanced waters is using waders.  While waders are standard equipment for stream-based trout anglers, they also are extremely useful for the surf angler.  Serious surf anglers already have this tip in their toolbox.  Much shoreline is wadable for 50-100 yards or more before significant drop offs, so this is a great way to reach more fishable water. 

Breakaway Fishing Cannon

As exciting as the name sounds the breakaway fishing cannon does not actually explode.  It does help surf anglers who are casting heavy baits/lures to reach their maximum distance.  The “cannon” is a spindle that is attached to the rod just above a spinning reel.  It allows the angler to strongly secure the line to the spindle and load the rod beyond normal capability of an angler’s finger.

Link to the Breakaway Cannon on Amazon

Notes on the Breakaway Cannon

Here is a video from Kayak Hacks Fishing (he’s a bit much) on the Breakaway Cannon.

Fishing Finger Protector

There are many options for fishing finger protectors when casting heavy baits for distance in the surf.  Seasoned, salty anglers have built up callouses on their fingers and do not require any added support.  Most anglers use some type of finger protection such as: electrical tape, leather guards or specialized neoprene covers.  These let you generate maximum load on the rod for long distance casting without risking injury.

Here are some neoprene finger guards on Amazon. 

• SYRINX Professional Neoprene Anti-slip Fishing Glove
• Professional Blue Anti-Slip Fishing Glove

Bunkerup Fishing Cannon

The Bunkerup company has developed a pressure driven fishing cannon to launch your baits to extreme distances.  It is a pressure assisted launch of your baits.  In my view, this is a gimmick, but I had to at least mention it in the interest of covering the topic of extreme distance casting.  The Bunkerup device is quite expensive.  The bait must be frozen into a small missile (they supply a mold) prior to launching. You need to have pressure cannisters to load the tube.  If you absolutely must launch baits towards the horizon, this might be for you. 

Here is a video on the Bunkerup Cannon.

Drone “Casting”

For ultimate “casting” distance you cannot beat using a drone to distribute your baits.  The use of drones is certainly expensive, but you can propel baits well beyond standard casting distance.  Drones fly the bait out to the required spot and then drop/release it.  The drone then returns to where it was launched.  Drones can fly as far as the eye can see as long as wind conditions and battery levels are good.  It is best to rig the drone with a dropper loop so that the lines have less chance of catching the propellers.  Drones are also very useful for locating schooling fish by scanning the water nearby with the onboard camera.  Once the school is located, the drone can then drop a lure of bait right into the action.

There are specialized rigs for attachment of baits to drones such as: Sky Rigger and, Gannet Sport Release.

There are both state and federal regulations to drone flying in general and these are changing frequently.  There are also laws specific to fishing with drones.  Please make sure you review local regulations and follow the laws.

SUMMARY

Tight lines …  Captain P.