Archive for May, 2008

How To Cast A Fishing Rod

If you are new to angling learning how to cast a fishing rod can be either very easy or extremely difficult depending on the rod and reel combination that you select. There are three types of reels. The Spin Casting Reel also known as the Closed Face reel is a favorite for beginners due to how easy it is to use. It does however have many limitations. Next in line is the Spinning Reel also know as the Open Faced Reel. These are slightly more difficult to use than the Spin Casting Reel but are much more versatile. They range in size from 2lb test to 50 lb test and can be used for anything from pan fish to monster cats. The Bait Casting Reel is the Cadillac of reels. They come in all sizes and once mastered allow for pin point accuracy of your cast. We are going to start with the spin casting reel.

How to Cast a Spin Casting Reel

Learning how to cast a spin casting reel can be very easy. The spin cast rod and reel combination is the easiest of the three types of rod and reel combinations to master. It is also the most fragile and least versatile of the three. I do not recommend it if you are trying for fish bigger than 10 lbs. I do highly recommend it for beginning anglers and kids due to it’s simplicity to use. Ok, with that said let’s get to it.

Setup
Place your right hand on the rod and grip the rod with your fingers while placing your thumb on the button of the reel. Depress button and hold.

Aim
Place your weight on your right foot. With your forearm in line with the rod, point the rod toward your target, keeping the tip at eye level.

Cast
Raise your right hand keeping your rod tip slightly to the right to avoid being snagged by the hook until your hand is even with your shoulder. The weight of the lure (artificial bait) will cause the rod to bend behind you so keep the tip high enough that you do not snag the hook on anything. Without pausing at the top, bring the rod forward in a smooth downward stroke, using a slight wrist snap.

Release
When the rod reaches the 2 o’clock position, lift your thumb to release the line. You have now made your first cast.

Practice
You can practice this technique anywhere you have an open area. Just attach a weight to your line a make a few casts. You will be an expert at how to cast a spin casting reel in no time.

How to cast a spinning reel

I was originally going to tell you how to cast a spinning reel but I found something better. View the video here.

 How to cast a bait casting reel – view this video here.

WANT GIANT CATFISH? No Need To Wait For Summer – The Action Starts Now

There is a great article by Lowell Washburn at Iowa Outdoors about why you should  get your gear ready for those giant catfish now. He explains why this can be a very good time of year for giant catfish and even gives you a clue is to what bait should be used. Get out there and get you one!

Your First Time Catfish Fishing

Ready to go catfish angling? You do not need much equipment and it will not cost you a fortune. I am going to give you a list of what I believe to be the bare minimum catfish gear needed to fish from the bank and how to set your catfish rig. Ok, we are going to start with what you have to have.

1 Fishing rod 61/2 to 7 ft medium/heavy action

2 Fishing reel, type is your choice but if is the first time I suggest a spin casting model

3 Fishing line, your reel should have 8-10lb test line

4 Assorted sinkers, should include egg and split sinkers

5 Assorted bait hoots, sizes 6-1/0

6 Small package of corks or bobbers

7 Leaders, at least a half dozen 12-24 inches in length

8 Bait, zillions of choices here but suggest a tub of chicken livers and a tub of night crawlers

9 Small scissors, need something to cut your line.

10 Pliers, needle nose are the best. You will need to take the hook out of the catfish

That is it, bare minimum and you can not keep any of the catfish you catch. Ok, want a little bit more than the bare minimum, here are some accessories I am fond of for bank fishing.

1 Chair, much softer and more comfortable than a rock or log

2 Rod holders, a good stick with a Y at the top will work. Mine is homemade from pipe. You have to have someway to set your rod down if you are going to be there for any length of time.

3. Cooler, I have to have my soda. Mine is very small only holds 6 cans and a couple of sandwiches.

4 Tackle box, you do not need a big one but you do need something to keep and carry your tackle in

5 Stringer, if you want to keep the catfish you catch you will need this.

6 Lantern, much easier to rig your gear at night if you have a lantern. Turn it off though when you do not need it.

7 Bells, these can be attached to the tip of your rod and will sound off when you have a bite

Pack everything above in advance and you can carry it from your vehicle to the bank in one trip.

Now its time to set up your catfish rig. I am going to assume that you have the reel on the rod and the line is through the eyes on the rod. Slip a 3-5 oz egg sinker onto the line. Tie a 12-18" lead onto the line using the Palomar knot. Click here to view the illistration.   Simply put the leader though instead of the hook as shown. Clip your hook onto the leader and bait the hook.

Your ready. Cast it into the water and wait for the catfish to bite. If you don’t want to hold it all the time there are little bells you can attach to the tip of your pole. You will here them when you get a bite. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch something your first time out. Catfish are very good at stealing your bait so reel it in every 20-30 minutes and check your bait. If the blood is out of the liver change it. Cast again into a slightly different location. GOOD LUCK!