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Posts: 42
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I started pouring my own swimbaits recently to save money. I also wanted to customize the colors to mimick the golden sucker found in the New River in SW Va.
These swimbaits weigh 1oz without a jighead. I'm using them on 3/8oz 6/0 EWG Owner swimbait hooks inserted in the swimbait body with the hook entirely exposed, and as 3/8oz buzzbait trailers.
I'm going with the 3/8oz jig because the average depth is around 5'-6'.
I have exactly 2 rods and reel combo that feel good to me; A St. Croix avid 7' MHF with a S.C. Avid 200 casting reel spooled with 65# powerpro, and a Fenwick HMXT 610 XH with a Calcutta 250 spooled with 65# power pro
Here's my dilemma; because of injurys to my hands over the years bigger baits, rods and reels hurt me. After a long day on the water with the heavier gear my hands and wrists are screaming for 3-4 days. I'm only 41 and don't hold much hope things will get better as i age.
Hopefully the economy will straighten out and I'll be able to afford some low profile reels soon.
As you guys age, what have you done to lessen the pains of heavier gear?
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | One thing I have started doing is holding the foregrip of the rod rather than the reel (for some baits). This has helped a TON in keeping my wrist from killing me by the end of the day. It feels a tad goofy at first, but you get used to it quickly and your wrist will thank you. |
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Posts: 1348
Location: Pewaukee, WI | Because I palm my reel I've gone to a low profile reel (Toro Winch) which has helped significantly. Especially when throwing dbl. 10s & 12s. I've got 30 yrs. on you and believe me, it's as you say, things will not get any better. Also, Tuffy's advise offered earlier with regards to using the fore grip is an even better idea.  |
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Posts: 1504
Location: Oregon | If you don't have them already long rods help. I also find if I change baits it helps, throwing gliders makes me tired but plastics are much easier. Also give yourself a break, it's supposed to be fun, fish for a couple hours and take a 15 minute break to have a snack, drink a bottled water, etc. And if legal, you can always troll for awhile then go back to casting.
Jed |
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Posts: 582
| Here is another thing you can try that will help. point your rod tip at the bait during your retrieve. IN fact try to square your entire body to the bait with the rod pointed towards the bait. This reduces friction on your reels, rods and hands. Your rod shouldn't be bending at all when done right. |
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Posts: 684
Location: Sycamore, IL | Ibuprofen... |
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Posts: 86
| Got the same problems at about the same age. Using low profile reels helps, I've used the quantum 1430mg classics, they arnt too expensive, and I've had a couple last a good while, but got a couple lemons too. A light balenced rod helps. I palm my reels for the most part, the bottom corner of my palm contacts the top/side of the cork handle and it puts pressure into my wrist, I have contured my cork so that my palm doest have that added pressure, and it has made a noticable difference in wrist /hand pain. |
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Posts: 91
| Wait 'til you add another 36 years to your age, then you will be like me. In the last 4 years I have had both knees replaced and 4 months ago had major back surgery. I just fish and rest, no hurry anymore. |
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Posts: 2331
Location: SE, WI. | BALANCED RODS is very important to eliviate fatigue.. GET YOUR RODS BALANCED. Get weight in the butt end of your rods. A balanced rod will help...BIG TIME! |
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| Just downsize and lighten up everything. |
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| Im suprised i haven't heard the most obvious which i believe is a good exercise program. There is a lot you can do in the off season to strengthen your hands, wrist and most importantly your back. Working some of the larger baits and tackle will with out a doubt take its tole on the body but work on some preventitive measures during the off season and it makes a big difference. |
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Posts: 254
Location: In the cabbage | Cast - 2/19/2010 7:15 AM
Just downsize and lighten up everything.
Winner!!! |
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Posts: 307
| When I had a plate in my wrist I was going through the same thing. One thing that helped a little was to make sure that my wrist was straight, and I was not trying to flick it on the cast. Once you do it a little bit and get used to it you will lose very little on your distance.
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Posts: 32955
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Another vote for rod balancers. |
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| I went yesterday to the New river and was crawling the swimbaits in deeper holes.
I taped 8 quarters to the rod butt and that seemed to help take a bit of pressure from my wrist and I kept my body square with the bait. I also kept the rod pointed straight at the bait. those things definitly helped.
I also restricted my casts to around 20 and then would grab a smallmouth rig.
I stretched before, during and after the trip and I'm not sore today.
Grabbing the rod in front of the reel seat felt strange, but it was more comfortable.
The water temps was about 36 degrees so I was fishing very slow. I maynot be able to do that all year, but slowing down was a big help yesterday.
I feel bad for you guys up north with fishing seasons. I can't imagine that to be anything less than a pain in the rump.
Thanks for the advice guys. It seems to help. The sorest thing on me today are my shoulders and upper back, but that was from paddling my yak upstream in high water. My legs are sore too, but I had to wade upstream the last 3/4 of a mile in strong class I rapids.
It's a good feeling sore though...I was fishing. |
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