Re: Long distance feeder fishing! What tackle, what distances are "really" possible
6lb Maxima is stated at 0.22mm, but knowing good old Maxi, it could be out. It is thick gear, though - but as tough as old boots. I know people rate Daiwa Sensor, but I have been happy with Maxima for years and see no reason to change. It lasts for ages. Make your own mind up, though. Try them all if you have the time and money!
I switched to 6lb after using 4lb with a shock leader of 6lb - 8lb for a while - as seemed to be the consensus/advice at the time. Some say that using 6 as opposed to 4 means you need much more lead to hold in a flow, but that has not been my experience. A bit more lead, yes...but only a bit. Fish a bow in the line. Another problem was/is the presence of snags. When the River Trent was popular with match and pleasure anglers, lost tackle became a real problem. If you snag up and have to pull for a break, you end up losing your leader, if you use one. That's 6m of heavy line and end tackle you've just left in your peg (and for the next guy that fishes it...). Lost line used to do my head in. With 6 direct you can really compress the rod with full confidence that you are unlikely to 'crack off'.
I used to fish at range because, during my match fishing, it seemed to be the most productive approach for one reason or another. Everything else needs to be 'right' to win regularly, though, and distance is only one part of it.
Whilst I am reasonably proficient at fishing at 'moderate' range (more experience with fastish rivers, though), I am mindful that there are serious drawbacks which may offset the advantages to some degree. These include a loss of accuracy (with regular practice necessary), and a reduction in efficiency - it takes much longer to retrieve you gear and play fish. Wind conditions have an increasing impact on your range/accuracy as well. Not just that, though; whilst there can be some satisfaction in fishing well at distance (it can impress some onlookers), it is less 'pleasurable' to play fish on gear designed to fish at range. No doubt about it, the more specialised the gear the less pleasurable it is to play fish on. The question is, do you really need to fish so far out? How far are you intending to fish?
In terms of gear, I don't think you need to spend a fortune. To some extent, the more the cost of the rod, the more fearful you may be of breaking it. Ironically, this may affect your distance, your accuracy, and your confidence. More important is practice. Do you have friends who can show you? Don't be afraid to approach others. It is like learning to fish again!
Would a beachcaster/multiplier or a bait boat be a better bet? How's that for a bit of impromptu alliteration!?