GG690J

[forefrazier]

Been wanting to throw surface iron from the long rod for a while so recently purchased a GG690J off the rack as many have hyped the new materials, etc. I don't know if my technique is incorrect but this thing feels stiff as a board and I don't seem to be able to load up the tip with Tady 45, Tady C, etc. I am using a Torium 20 with 30lb mono for reel duties. Tried tying on a 4oz. torpedo to see if it needed more weight but that only seemed to make things worse with loading and then unloading of the tip violently to left or right.

One thing I noticed is that 9' really is almost too long when on a party boat, not much room to reach back without getting too close to a fellow fisherman or deckie.

I see all the hype here on the board about 9' rods and 10' Ulua's and really want to give it an effort but don't understand what I am doing wrong or if i just bought the wrong stick. Any suggestions?

[joker]

just go out and cast.forget about the B/S about how this rod is supposed "load-up".casting a tady 45 this rod should launch them if u know how to cast properly.using just weights like a 4oz should go even farther.remember to look behind EVERY time u cast u = no problems.the more u cast it u will get better.dont give up on the long rod.and when u catch decent sized fish on it u will see what i mean.how much line R you letting out from the rod tip when casting?

[forefrazier]

I consider myself a decent caster as I get much less "professional overrun" than most of my fishing buds. I was letting about 2-3' of line out from the tip before casting. Probably only getting 30 yards or so. I can outcast that with my bass rod

[Yerman]

Try letting enough line out so your jig reaches your reel. Make sure your line is wet with either a spray bottle if at the park, or practice casting in a lake or the ocean. Also, consider the video, "Advanced Casting Techniques" by Inside Sportfishing. Just google it and you will find it. It is a good viedo to get you started with proper casting techniques, and you can build your own style after watching the video. Practice a lot and consider loosening your spool tension knob on your reel so you have more freespool, and use your thumb to slow it down.

[forefrazier]

Went out yesterday to the local lake and gave it some practice. Tried both the Torium 20 and Newell 338 both with 30lb. To my surprise, the Newell was very light and much easier to throw especially when using my thumb on the large edge of the spool rather than having it more over the line on the T20. I was experimenting with 2oz-3oz weights. Had trouble with releasing at the right spot when the line was long down to the reel. Best control and distance came with the weight hanging about a foot from the tip. Walked off my casts between 75-90 paces. Is that good?

[Yerman]

Read this...

How to throw a jig, a step by step walkthrough - Bloodydecks.com

Although there is some good information posted by the author of this write up, I believe that the response by the member "Moleculo" a few post down has some better points than the author. Check it out, it's a good read...

Oh, and for the record, if you practice, you will always get a farther cast with your jig down by your reel. I would say read the article I posted for you and consider the video I posted as well. Stop practicing with your jig only a foot from the tip of your rod, and start getting used to casting your iron with the "pendulum" effect. You will get much farther.

Also, the video I mentioned can be viewed for free by signing up for a 7 day free trial at TotalVid.com.