LEARN TO CAST

Don't know how to cast? Using spinning or spin casting (closed faced) takes all of about 2 min. for an adult to learn the basics. Ask your experienced friend/s, they should be able to teach you. Here I will teach you theoretically on how to cast and remember - practice makes perfect!

There are 3 types of fishing reels normally used for casting.

• Open Face Spinning Reel
• Bait Casting Reel and
• Spin Cast @ Closed Face Reel

For beginners, its better to start learning how to cast using the open face spinning reel since it is so easy.

HOW TO CAST - The Open Face Spinning Reel

• The best way to hold a spinning reel for casting is to slide your rod hand around the reel seat, with two fingers in front of the reel stem and two fingers behind it. This gives you a good casting grip and more importantly, leaves your forefinger free to trap the line as the casting swing is made.
• A suitable amount of line is allowed to hang from the rod tip (between 15 and 45 cm should do it). The first finger of the reel hand is extended down toward the spool to pick up the line ahead of the bail arm and the line is then pulled back up against the rod grip, where the finger traps it. The bail arm is opened with your other hand and the reel is now ready for casting. It's important to get this sequence right. If you open the bail arm before you trap the line, line will spill from the spool and you'll get into a mess.
• With the line trapped and the bail open, swing the rod back past your shoulder and then forward again in a swift, smooth arc. This forward casting stroke should start slow, accelerate and then finish by drifting forward so the rod points horizontally in front of you.

• At the appropriate moment (while rod is still moving forward) the finger holding the line is straightened and the casting weight is thrown forward, towing the line behind it. You need to get this release timed right though, as if you release too early in the swing, the bait will fly up into the air and land who knows where. If you release the line too late in the swing, you will know where the bait lands all right because chances are it will go into the ground or water by your feet.
• A useful way to get the timing of this release right, is to swing the rod forward and as your casting arms begins to extend, point the line holding finger straight at your casting target. Most times, this will release the line at the correct moment and also direct the cast where it should go.
• The technique works with short and light single-handed rods, such as you might use for trout, bass, bream and so on, and with big, heavy, two-handed rods, suitable for beach or rock-fishing. With the single-handed rod, your free hand and arm does not come into play very much, but when casting with a two-handed rod, your other hand is needed, to anchor the rod butt and provide a fulcrum for the cast.
• During the cast, this other hand holds the butt down and in front of your body to act as a pivot point, while the reel hand swings and pushes the rod through the casting arc.

Please remember - Before you cast, look behind you to be sure no one else is there. Also, check for trees and bushes that can get in your way.