Drag setting is most important with all free spool...We also to get ultimate distance removed the drag washes and have removed the level wind stuff also ..
TIP...Hold rod at about 1.30 to 2 o clock and lead fall ...
If stops going down loosen end play knob a bit...Repeat till lead hits floor.
If spool keeps turning tighten end play knob..
Repeat till spool stops as lead hits floor....
THIS is your starting point.. from there try casting with out putting any shock jerk that will make the spool shock in to high speed spinning that's not controllable..
Once happy with spool control with thumb then back of end play a fraction of a turn and try again..
SIDE ways swing NOT over head will load the rod with out the snap that causes the birds nest..
Made I should becoming casting tutor and make millions.........
Up till a couple of years ago my favourite as Abbu 10000 C that was made with out level winding but the old thumb gate me pain so had to change to 7000 high speed wind..
I once remember I went to waitaki river after salmon with my pass over brother and only had a 8 foot river rod but on arrival I found that all the rivers were in major flood so ment I had to use an old rod of Dan 's that was just 12 foot so reel seat did not suit my grip so off to service station for 2 hose claps to fix Abbu 7000 high speed reel.
Well I knew technique was most important as we use a big swing cast..
After a bit of practice I found that distance was as good or better than the local pro's with free spool reels at the bottom of the rod and cost about 1000 dollars each Man the dirty looks..
Technique is the key factor when distance casting with free spools and use good thumb..
At 90 mile beach before the fish start we have beach casting contests with out hook or bait jus 5 oz lead..Try it some time and get a shock at the distance you get..
If someone ask you where is your PDF it could well be me as after blood poisoning that got into my hip replacement would mean if your in the water I or others might not able to pull you in the a boat as once wet it can near double a person's weight,,,,,,,,
Cheers And hope HELPS ALL FISH'O..........Kiwi Phill.........Phill Collis