(10-18-2012 06:24 PM)MikeH Wrote: [ -> ]Use a decent weight shock leader and wear a fingerguard!!
One of my brothers is missing a big chunk of fingertip due to a mistimed pendulum cast.....
wowzer! I'm casting 3 oz. on 30lb mono on a conventional... so I don't think there's much slicing hazard.
My thumb's seen better days though ... trying to use the smooth side brim of the spool now as the contact point.
I still don't have the hang of the pendulum, I've been starting with the lead on the ground. Can't seem to figure out the pendulum... yet
On a 9 foot extra-heavy rod with 3 oz. weight I can average a meager 50 or 60 yards with that method. I gotta step it up...
Having the weight on the ground doesnt "preload" the rod at all........... try starting with it just above the surface so that the rod has a slight arch in it and then use a swift smoothly accelerating cast using both hands............ with your reel hand as the the forward moving fulcrum point while your other hand pulls down/back............. ever play lacrosse?
It's all timing and fluid movement with a slight snap at the end.
Get this going ...........then step it up by slowly adding more and more pendulum motion on successive casts - (which serves to preload the rod even more).
It's like riding a bike.......... once you get it you'll never forget how, and it will benefit your regular cast distance as well.
The 30 pound mono will be slowing you up a bit too. Going lighter while using a 4 or 5 foot shock long leader might gain you some distance.
... trying to use the smooth side brim of the spool now as the contact point.