Saving the finger while surf fishing with spin reel.

[MudRiverDan]

Took new rod n reel out today, gave it a test run, a spin surf setup with Stradic 6000fj,

Cast good but is there any method to reduce wear and tear on your finger holding the line.

I'm guessing rubber finger off a glove, or am I casting it wrong, letting it go too late?

Cheers

[Horse]

A bit of bicycle inner tube works well. I have been caught out and had to resort to electrical tape

[marto78]

Maybe you need to do that type of fishing more to build up a calous on your finger.... Or you could try using a bandaid :P

[MudRiverDan]

Thanks, I find when I use big baits it becomes more of an issue.

Will definitely be doing more of that type of fishing in future.

Cheers

P.S Also was throwing out servo squid and thew out a large one to see how it went, something boofed it and I feel I lost it because of the size of the sinker I had on allowed the fish to spit the bait (though it didn't leave ney behind).

[MudRiverDan]

Maybe you need to do that type of fishing more to build up a calous on your finger.... Or you could try using a bandaid :P

LOL is that your way of saying I should drink a schooner of cement.. ::)

[nigelr]

You could try using a casting leader of 30-40lb mono.
You haven't said whether you are using braid or mono, or what line strength you use.
I do a fair bit of what you describe; I find a 7-8 mtr leader of 30 mono not only adds a bit of stretch to my 30lb braid rig, but is generally non-problematic as far as finger cuts go.
You could also easily go to 50lb braid with say 40lb mono leader if you encounter lots of large rays or sharks, or throwing very heavy bait and sinker combinations; I find the 30lb set-up will land anything I want to beach, with a little patience.
One thing I will add, keeping the line (or your finger) wet is always worth remembering, acts as a bit of a lubricant.
It's a real PITA when you get a line cut such as you describe, especially when the fish are about......ouch!

[Dantren]

these work very well. you can cast 80g slugs all day long.
http://www.jdmtackle.com/product_view.php?product_id=897

[MudRiverDan]

I'm using 20lb mono all through.. so I can use braid?

Its a large beach rod Nitro surf with 6000 Fj reel (Bait), so I only called it a spin set up because it has a spin reel as opposed to an Alvey or a Barrel style.
Just found it a bit annoying having the mono rip on my finger when hurling out large sinkers.

Though I also found it will be perfect for sending out small to medium pillys or herring, casts them a mile.

Personally I am going to invest in an Alvey setup next as they are cheaper and seem to cast pretty good.
I had An alvey setup but flogged it off to a mate, was a Wilson Sea Coaster and an 5" Alvey.

Didn't like the sea coaster for its size and lack of spring, and the knobs on the alvey were far to small, so next rod I will be going for bigger two speed Alvey with slightly smaller rod with a little more power (Some nice Snyder Glass about).

This current setup will be better for myself atm as it breaks down into 3 piece and the spin reel I won't get any issues at night casting off a wall.


I could probably cast slugs with it, though haven't done much of that.

Thanks for the link, they look good.

Cheers

[nigelr]

You can use braid as long as you will not be near rocks.
Alveys are great, but your spin reel will do the job, as long as you maintain it diligently.
Your nitro may be a little under-gunned to cast 200gm+ loads.
The magsurf heavy may be worth a look or the big Live Fibre Z400-10X, I have one of these and it is a beast. Cheaper are the 5-wrap FSUs, the MT 9144 or MT 8144.
There are also some exotic imports but expect to pay for them.

[MudRiverDan]

Nitro is 15', the biggest one they make, I got it mainly because it breaks down into 3 pieces.
Its not thick though as some of the big bait rods I seen.

Like many I have different ideas I want to match with what I do, so I'm getting a feel for what I want.

The twin speed Alvey surf with the good size handles will be the go in future.

Cheers for the advice.

[marto78]

LOL is that your way of saying I should drink a schooner of cement.. ::)

Haha no mate, just saying you need to go fishing more :D
But a bit of elstoplast or one of those water proof bandaids around that finger might work, I've thought about it myself when bottom bashing with an overhead for a few days and wearing a groove in my thumb.

[Dodgemeister]

Sounds like you need a Breakaway casting cannon. I got mine from Pommyland. It takes a little getting used to but works great. I also advise to crank up the drag before casting, especially if using braid, because if the drag slips when casting, the line can cut your finger, braid can slice your finger open. (Voice of experience)
Roger

[Cheech]

On my surf rod I use 20lb mono, but as suggested above, I also use about 5m of 40lb leader. Just long enough to cast with a couple of leader wraps around the reel. That way all the lead is on the heavier leader when casting.

[Just_chips]

A simple solution is to use elastoplas strapping tape in 25mm. The brown fabric type, it tears across without the need for scissors.

[Stuart]

I have been surf fishing for many years and like you I to like to use bigger baits. The stink finger can cop a beating with lighter lines and as with the previous suggestions they to are good. I however use a much different set up for my surf outfit. I hate heavy lines in the surf due to the drag associated with it so I opt for as light a line as I can get away with. I use 6kg line wether I’m slinging heavy slugs or whole fillets. You may ask how with out snapping the line or cutting the top of my finger off? Here is a little secret, don’t tell anyone ok?
I make my own castabale wind ons 1/3 longer the rod. This wind on system I have been using for many years is simple really. I make the wind on from 20lb leader then spliced on to the gel spun hollow spectra fibre, very subtle and it won’t catch in the main line. I make a small loop at one end and then I tie a small length double in the main line, these to loops are contected together. Hope im not confusing you here. At the tip end of the leader you do your normal rig via a swivel and lure or bait. I’m able to cast much further and have less drag on my line and the best bit is I don’t chew my stink finger out. The lighter the line the further you will cast, less air drag. I don’t have any photos but I’m about to make some more wind ons very soon so I can email you some pics then. I have been making wind on for 15+ years and while most associate these with game fishing I have made them for light bait casters, light spin outfits and even wind on wire trace. Other than that I can’t really add anymore to what has been suggested, although you could pay a surfer to paddle your bait out, I have done that a few times.

[MudRiverDan]

I have been surf fishing for many years and like you I to like to use bigger baits. The stink finger can cop a beating with lighter lines and as with the previous suggestions they to are good. I however use a much different set up for my surf outfit. I hate heavy lines in the surf due to the drag associated with it so I opt for as light a line as I can get away with. I use 6kg line wether I’m slinging heavy slugs or whole fillets. You may ask how with out snapping the line or cutting the top of my finger off? Here is a little secret, don’t tell anyone ok?
I make my own castabale wind ons 1/3 longer the rod. This wind on system I have been using for many years is simple really. I make the wind on from 20lb leader then spliced on to the gel spun hollow spectra fibre, very subtle and it won’t catch in the main line. I make a small loop at one end and then I tie a small length double in the main line, these to loops are contected together. Hope im not confusing you here. At the tip end of the leader you do your normal rig via a swivel and lure or bait. I’m able to cast much further and have less drag on my line and the best bit is I don’t chew my stink finger out. The lighter the line the further you will cast, less air drag. I don’t have any photos but I’m about to make some more wind ons very soon so I can email you some pics then. I have been making wind on for 15+ years and while most associate these with game fishing I have made them for light bait casters, light spin outfits and even wind on wire trace. Other than that I can’t really add anymore to what has been suggested, although you could pay a surfer to paddle your bait out, I have done that a few times.

Yes I find 20lb mono does have a bit more resistance in the air than 15lb.
The leaders sound great, makes a lot of sense.
Ill pm you my email an if its ok can you send us a few pic.

cheers

[MudRiverDan]

Also thanks a heap for all the replies, great thread, really opens up a lot of different ideas and options.

Stuart: Where do you get Hollow core spectra you can splice at such low test? The ones I have checked out start at 40lb.


Cheers

[johnlikes2fish]

I fish with braid in the surf throwing slugs all day I use a shorter leader than the other blokes have mentioned so my finger is on braid on the odd occasion i get line cuts its due to a bad cast the best cure i find is the brown strapping tape lasts for a while and still allows feel

[Stuart]

The spectra I use is 80lb but super fine. Its not so much the size of the spectra but they way in which I make them.