07-15-2003, 11:03 AM
[cool]Hey, JR, I hope I didn't offend anyone with my choice of subject title here. I probably would have really gotten you riled up if I had titled this thread "NOODLE-HEADS", or something similar.
As you correctly point out, a balanced rod can make a big difference in the fatigue factor of a full day on the water. That's why I experiment around with different reels to get just the right reel and balance on my dipsticks. That doesn't totally eliminate the strain on wrists and shoulders, but it helps.
The only thing I can offer on why casting a fly rod all day is less fatigueing is that we use a different set of muscles, and the casting motion is different. Also, when casting, retrieving and fighting fish on a noodle spinning rod, we have our arms extended more than we typically do while using fly rods. At least, if we are using proper fly casting technique we are.
The doctor's prescription is to go fishing more and build up your rod arm. Go forth and cast thy lures upon the waters.
AND...FOR RAM4X: Long rods have been the custom in most European countries for centuries. I don't know if you spent any time in the British Isles, but they have "matches" (tournaments) there in which they fish for carp, roach, dace, tench, and other "coarse" fish. They use the long rods and maggots for bait. Their rigging and float system are very scientific and they are really serious. My point...the long rods are the key, and a lot of the fish that go in the live nets are only a few inches long. But, taken on that gear, and in a competitive situation, they provide a lot of enjoyment.
In many of the southern states, dedicated crappie anglers have a garage full of long sticks...up to 16 or 18 feet. Where it is legal, they rig up a boat with rod holders all around their boat, with one of these rods set in each holder. It is scary to see such a craft fully rigged. And when a boat gets in the middle of a school of crappies, it becomes a comedy to watch the guys in the boat try to keep up with the bending rods.
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As you correctly point out, a balanced rod can make a big difference in the fatigue factor of a full day on the water. That's why I experiment around with different reels to get just the right reel and balance on my dipsticks. That doesn't totally eliminate the strain on wrists and shoulders, but it helps.
The only thing I can offer on why casting a fly rod all day is less fatigueing is that we use a different set of muscles, and the casting motion is different. Also, when casting, retrieving and fighting fish on a noodle spinning rod, we have our arms extended more than we typically do while using fly rods. At least, if we are using proper fly casting technique we are.
The doctor's prescription is to go fishing more and build up your rod arm. Go forth and cast thy lures upon the waters.
AND...FOR RAM4X: Long rods have been the custom in most European countries for centuries. I don't know if you spent any time in the British Isles, but they have "matches" (tournaments) there in which they fish for carp, roach, dace, tench, and other "coarse" fish. They use the long rods and maggots for bait. Their rigging and float system are very scientific and they are really serious. My point...the long rods are the key, and a lot of the fish that go in the live nets are only a few inches long. But, taken on that gear, and in a competitive situation, they provide a lot of enjoyment.
In many of the southern states, dedicated crappie anglers have a garage full of long sticks...up to 16 or 18 feet. Where it is legal, they rig up a boat with rod holders all around their boat, with one of these rods set in each holder. It is scary to see such a craft fully rigged. And when a boat gets in the middle of a school of crappies, it becomes a comedy to watch the guys in the boat try to keep up with the bending rods.
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