If you are new to it, and have never needed to fish at long range, then the thought of Long range fishing can be daunting. But with the tackle readily available now, and lots of it at a reasonable price, it’s never been easier to fish at ranges you wouldn’t have thought possible!

Long range caught lump

First of all you need the right tackle. You’ll need a Rod and reel that are up to the job. There are plenty available, with a price bracket to suit everyone. Rod length is personal preference, some people prefer 12 ft., others 13 ft., it’s all down to personal choice. It’s important to try before you buy as there isn’t a generic rod that suits a certain height/build, a rod that suits one person may not suit you.  Don’t think that you’ll necessarily cast further with a higher test curve rod, you need to be able to fully compress the rod to achieve maximum distance, and this again will only be found by trial and error. Experiment with lead size and test curves to find what works for you. My current rod of choice is the Shimano tx9 Intensity 13 foot, a rod that not only achieves the distances I require, but also has the fish playing qualities I need.

Next thing is reels, big pit reels make casting so much easier than small spooled, low capacity reels. The larger diameter spools allow line to pass of much easier, adding them vital yards to your cast. The perfect combination for me is the shimano TX 9 13 ft. Intensity rods coupled with Shimano technium 12,000 xtb reels, which I think us a perfect set up for casting and playing fish.

Line choice is important, heavy lines, such as fluorocarbon, don’t cast as well they are far too stiff and springy. Lighter mono’s are much suppler and flow off the spool and through the rings much easier, reducing friction and the dreaded frapping!  I use 12 lb Shimano Invisitec line for all but extreme fishing coupled with a leader like the korda tapered leaders , 25 lb fluorocarbon or simple mono . Use whatever you’re most confident in.

Tools of the trade

“keep everything very simple”

The next thing is rigs. I keep everything very simple, there’s no point of getting your rig out there if it’s tangled! A stiffish hook length with an anti-tangle sleeve serves me well, fluorocarbon or normal mono fits the bill, the main thing is use a rig that you’re sure is fishing 100% of the time at whatever range you put it!

This is a KD rig with a small stick on; I generally use this rig for up to 150 yds.

This is a simple knot less knot rig which works at all ranges

A simple chod rig with helisafe clip on to dump the lead, again suitable for all ranges.

Hookbaits need to be considered, hookbaits need to be able to withstand the power of a long cast, if using boilies, hardened hook baits are required or use an old favourite of mine – tiger nuts. It’s important to know that when you get there your bait is still on .

Bite indication at its best

Then there is baiting at long range which is a whole feature on its own, so I will leave that for another time.

Don’t be put off by long range fishing, add it to your armoury, and you will reap the rewards.

Tight lines and wet Matts.