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.
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.