วีดีโอ

Video to accompany my Sea Angler magazine review of Daiwa's new Sandstorm 1422M (issue 584, June 2020).

An in-depth look at the Akios Shuttle 656 STR Kuro casting reel. Why is it such a great reel for both fishermen and field casters? Does it need tuning and custom parts to improve the performance, or it is just fine straight out of the box? John Holden gets the screwdriver out and show you what's inside this attractive little CT beach multiplier reel.

These two reels may seem like direct rivals, but that's not quite true. Which would be the right one for you? Here's a quick look at both of them. For a full review, see Sea Angler magazine issue 579 published January 2020.

A few pendulum casting shots you might like to see.

Much as I enjoy using the Envoy Mag multiplier, I had big issues with the magnetic controller unit. So I came up with a quick fix. This won't affect all users, so you may never run into the same problem. But if you do this how-to guide may help. Disclaimer: don't blame me if the magnets fly around, and the epoxy gets everywhere!

One of the least expensive CT casting multiplier reels on the market, the Tronixpro Envoy Mag could appeal to beach anglers looking for decent performance on a budget. Here's a brief review of the key features.

The Brighton off-ground cast demonstrated by Terry Carroll, boss of Zziplex. This is a short clip from my archives showing the basics of the method.

Most styles of casting share a common system of generating power and speed through body rotation and arm action. Once you've mastered an off-ground method such as the Easy Cast, switching to pendulum should be no problem. (This video clip is taken from my Long Distance Casting ebook.)

Probably the easiest knot for tying on a sinker. Use a steel clip between the knot and the sinker loop for safety. The same knot can be used for rigs, hooks and jointing two pieces of line. It may be the only knot a sea fisherman ever needs. (This video clip is taken from my Long Distance Casting ebook.)

A quick and dirty check of rod stiffness for beginners. I'm using about 50lb of pressure. Learning to cast is generally easier if the lower half of the rod isn't too stiff. This is particularly true for pendulum casting. You may want to change to a more powerful rod later on, though it's surprising just how far some of the softer rods can throw baits.(This video clip is taken from my Long Dista...

If you're new to surfcasting, maybe this will help. The golden rule is to lock the spool before letting fly. Otherwise you may need a new finger.(This video clip is taken from my Long Distance Casting ebook.)

The secret of long, relaxed casts is to use body power, not arm power alone. Wind yourself up like a spring during the cast's set-up... then simply unwind to release all that stored power. Winding up, or body rotation, is the powerhouse of discus, hammer and other athletic throws. And it works just as well for off-ground and pendulum casting.(This video clip is taken from my Long Distance Casti...

For the right-handed caster, it is very common for the left arm to be lazy and not pull down hard enough. (Left-handed casters usually have a lazy right arm.) Correct the error by pulling down harder with the lazy arm than you push with the other. The feeling to aim for is that the lazy arm is working about twice as hard. When you get that feeling, chances are that both arms are then properly i...

Here's a simple, strong and reliable way to attach a 50-60lb shock leader to your main reel line. The knot is small enough to flow smoothly through the rod guides. No other surfcasting leader knot has stood the test of time so well. Why use anything more complicated? (This video clip is taken from my Long Distance Casting ebook.)

Magnetic control conversion for CT multiplier reels

Revolution in reel handles

John Holden: the fishing pendulum cast in slow motion

Why the Easy Cast works so well

John Holden Pendulum Casting - part 2 of 3

John Holden Pendulum Casting - part 3 of 3

John Holden Pendulum Casting - part 1 of 3

John Holden: Meta Lite Flick Tip NG pendulum rod on test

John Holden: Make your own Breakaway pendulum casting lead weights

John Holden: How to get a better grip on your multiplier reel

John Holden: Daiwa 7HT set-up

John Holden Easy Cast Method

John Holden South African Cast

John Holden Pendulum Casting