Distance Fishing

Fishing below dam tailwaters requires certain tactics and gear to reach out where other anglers cant to catch cats.Below dams on the Ohio River where we fish....anglers only fish about 10% of the tailwater thats reachable for them.Boats are not allowed in the tailwater so bank angling is the only way to fish these areas.Most anglers can only fish from the bank out to about 60yrds with most tackle, leaving the rest of the 800-1000yrds to the lock untouched. I'll try to explain how we fish these areas and list tackle ideas that will help anglers interested in boosting thier chances at catching more and bigger cats when others anglers cant. Most Rods need to be from 10ft.-15ft. in length and be strong enough to cast the bait and weight(sinker) thats needed to get out far and hold in the current.Reels need to hold enough line and cast very well.

Shimano & St. Croix

Make an excellent combo for tailwater fishing.This is my personal combo that consists of a 10'6" ft. St. Croix Ben Doerr Surf System Rod and a Shimano Big Baitrunner Long Cast(also called "Big Pit").The reel features a larger diameter reverse taper ABS spool that reduces friction by 50% and gives longer casting performance combined with a free spool baitrunner feature and has 6 ball bearings.This reel holds 600 yrds of 12lb test. This combo is great for small to med. size channel & flathead cats and can reach a distance to atleast 120 yrds with 2oz so far.With a rating of 10-25 lb. test and up to 6oz. this rod can also handle the bigger cats when needed.

Daiwa's Infinity

Features the "Big Pit" style larger diameter reverse taper ABS spool that reduces friction by 50% and gives longer casting performance combined with a free spool baitrunner feature.This is the style of distance casting reel thats growing very popular over in England for carp.Gear ratio of 4:2.1 for increased winding power, 5 ball bearings. They make two sizes of this reel, but its only found over in the United Kingdom and would run about $450-$500 american currency.Holds 400 yrds of 15lb test line. But those of you looking for ultimate distance and a baitrunner feature this is the top of the line, followed by the Shimano Baitrunner long cast that i own.(in the first picture at top of page)

Daiwa Emblem ZA

Long Cast X-Treme ABS Aluminum Spool * 5 Ball Bearings Plus 1 Roller Bearing * Infinite Anti-Reverse * Spare Aluminum Spool * Tempered Aircraft Aluminum Gears And Worm Gear Shaft * Titanium Nitrided Ball Bearing Line Roller * Selective Self-Centering Rotor * Centrifugal Line Guard * Massive Multi-disc Drag They make three sizes of these reels-4500, 5000, 5500 The 4500 holds 14/310,17/230,20/180 This is an American reel sold for surf fishing and works great for Tailwater Distance casting too...only draw back is they dont have a baitrunner feature.