@Deisil, imo, casting a medium sized mackerel,as you say you do, is not much different in terms of weight than a small bonnie-head,maybe just more streamlined,arguably a 10% decrease in distance at worst,so dont be shy to give it a bash.
As far as sliding goes,it may have increased the average angler's odds ,but against the fish, and not necessarily against the more experienced angler.I see it this way,before sliding ,let us assume that Mr average could cast a clipped bait out 100 meters,and Mr pro 120 meters.Now with sliding Mr average can reach 120 meters with only a sinker,but for the same token,Mr pro can hit 150 meters(which btw is a very,very long cast) .If we go from the understanding that the fish is far out who has the advantage,probably still Mr pro.
If however the fish are biting close in, the above plays no role,and the same reasons why Mr pro would, as somebody mentioned earlier beat Mr average 9 times out of 10 holds true.The reasons arguably being,bait presentation for specie, reading water conditions,tempo,gear for specie,traces etc etc.Everyone with a line in the water will obviously have a chance to get a bite,but lets imagine for the purpose of the exercise that they are in "fishing-heaven" and the fish bite continously for 5 hours,My money would be on Mr pro landing more fish than myself(who slots in by the skin on my arse into Mr average).
Just an opinion, let rip.
