Length of Barra Rods for Flicking Lures

[Splash]

What is the optimal length of these rods - using those light overhead reels??

Splash

[scuttlebutt]

5ft6. Roughly 165cm. Something like a GLoomis CR665. Perfect!

[Splash]

Great! Thanks.

What is an ideal size rod locker for these lengths rods so they can be easily retired and stored without damage from the other reels, etc??

Splash

[Stuart]

2pc rods mate. While 5'6" is the excepted lenght a longer rod up to 7ft can offer better accuracy and longer casts.

[killitfillit]

I prefer the 5'6'' length for the reasons that i'm usually up a creek with overhanging branches and also i can underhand cast up under the mangroves and work my lures with a downward movement of the rod tip without touching the water.
Also if there are a couple of people in the boat you can side cast easier.

[Moffy]

It all comes down to personal preference - but usually 5'6" - 6' is the go. anything bigger can be to cumbersome flicking in tight creeks/small boats - especially if more than 2 up casting in a tinny. - And don't have any issues with accuracy with the short rod - its all about what you get used to.

[Splash]

thanks boys....

I guess next question (I'm sure it's been asked many times...) - graphite or carbon fibre rods - which is better for casting and fighting fish?

And, optimal number of runners for the small overhead baitcaster reels, with braid line?

SPlash

[scuttlebutt]

Graphite is a form of Carbon. Graphite and Carbon rods are the same thing (unless I'm mistaken).

Optimal number of guides varies dependant on action and line class. Usually 8 or 9.

[La Vida]

G Loomis GLX 14-20lb only way to go, spend the extra and dont look back

[Splash]

La Vida - What is it about the G Loomis GLX 14-20lb, that makes it a standout?


SPlash

[ejackulate]

Gday Splash,
Check out the St Croix avid series mate 6 foot 3inch 6-8kg way cheaper than a GLX Loomis and a way better replacement warranty and will whack as many big barra as ya will with the Loomis. I have caught jewies and big goldies on mine no dramas and barra to 35lbs.Back to your original question i have a few rods for barra and i prefer them over 6 foot for length and accuracy of casting,but my missus uses a 5ft 6 rod and wont use anything longer.So in short i am no help to you at all!!!

Cheers Rob

[Splash]

Thanks Rob!

Will look into them.

What sort of reels (model and line) are sutied to these rods?

Splash

[Moffy]

What sort of reels (model and line) are sutied to these rods?

horses for courses again - but this time it probably depends on your budget and also if you prefer the more "traditional" round reels or the low profile models. I have a couple of calcutta 200s (round reels) - a new one yet to get wet and one i've used very reliably for the last 6-8 years fishing 20lb braid (probably your next question). I also have a curado 200E7 (low profile) again which i'm yet to spool up. Plan will be to run 20lb braid on the curado and upgrade to 30lb on the new calcutta. The old one i'm going to retire - not cause its had it - but only because i got given the new one!! Will hopefully blood both reels on a short trip to Weipa in a couple of weeks!!

For the 30lb braid i will be going as small a diameter as i can find - as i find 30lb in "normal" braid makes casting any distance a little harder. My 20lb bionic braid is fine and can hit the mark from a long way out with it - will use 30lb Whiplash for the heavier line - its as thin as or thinner than the 20lb bionic and casts extremely well (and have never had a problem with knots in 20lb whiplash on my spin rods so am sure it will do the job in 30lb)

Moffy.

[Splash]

Hi Moffy and thank you.

I assume your round reels are small overhead reels?

Is there an optimal length rod for casting beyond a certain distance when flicking lures for barra?

Likewise for casting short distances?

Splash

[Jarrah Jack]

G'day splash. How long until you get into the Barra mate?

I've been deeply in love with my 5ft6 20 year old Gary Marsh Loomis. They occasionally come up on ebay. I would be a mess if I broke it. I match it with a 400 calcutta which is a bit heavy for casting all day but its big enough to take on jewies and other big critters. I'll be taking up a lighter Loomis 12 to 17 lb with a curado to do most of the casting and leave the Gary Marsh for trolling.

If you're going to be up there for a long time you'll more than likely end up with a large amount of rods, reels and other bling bling. Boxes and boxes of nice coloured lures trippled up for various depths. I was just talking to Dan5 about my next lure lolly buy.