Learning Baitcasting Reel - First Overhead Cast

Hold the rod horizontally in front of you. The handles should be on top of the reel, that is, pointing UP if you're right-handed (using a right-handed reel). This is similar to the way you would hold a tennis racket and gives the widest possible range of movement to your wrist.

With your thumb applying pressure directly on the spool, unlock it, using whatever mechanism is used (thumb bar, pushbutton, etc.). The pressure of your thumb against the spool is what's preventing it from moving at this point.

Bring the rod up over your shoulder to approximately the 2 o'clock position. Your upper arm should barely move for this; use your forearm and your wrist.

Now bring the rod forward as if you were trying to hammer a nail in a wall in front of you, but use a smooth motion; this is NOT the time for forceful movements! As the rod reaches the 12 o'clock position, take your thumb off the spool, thus releasing it to feed line out as the casting weight flies out... and falls far short of what you you are hoping for - Don't worry, this is to be expected... at least you didn't get a backlash!

While you are practicing (yes, you are going to need to practice with this reel), back off on the brake just a little at a time. Eventually you will get more comfortable with the new settings and you should be able to cast farther. Experiment with different settings with the brake and spool. The whole trick to using the baitcasting reel is the use of the thumb. Applying and releasing pressure to the spool with your thumb is the key to this system, and you must master it.

Throwing too hard will snag you up. Throw a moderate distance until you get used to it. As you get better at this, you will see your distance improve. Make sure it is your wrist that is doing the casting. To learn to do this take a small object similar to a pack of smokes, deck of cards, etc., and place it between your inner bicep and your side and practice casting without dropping the object. This will force you to use your wrist primarily and when you get better you can add different arm strokes to suit.

After you've practiced using the suggested adjustments and get a good feel of things, you will gradually be able to reduce the amount of tension and braking force, as you simultaneously "educate" your thumb.

Put your thumb on the line to hold it in place while you click the line release button. Cast the lure by releasing the thumb pressure, but keep the thumb barely touching the line (using your thumb for anything but very lightly feathering of the spool at any other point only cuts down on your distance and isn't the best way to maintain control over the cast; that's what brakes are for).

As the lure reaches its destination, apply more pressure with the thumb as a brake and to keep the line from spooling off into a bird's nest. It takes a lot of practice to get the right touch.

Finally, if you can master the basic cast, and achieve both control and comfort, then it truly becomes a matter of practice and more practice for distance, accuracy and versatility.

Bait Presentation - Soft Plastic, Worms and Live Fish

Special Thanks To: Octopussy (octopussy@kakipancing.net \ +6019.3622.494)


Bait Presentation and Knots

How to be a sport fishing Pro's for Dummies

Decide On The Target And Technique. The first step in selecting your rod and reel system is to tell your dealer the gamefish you're targeting, and remember; there is no single all-purpose rod and reel system. System used for freshwater casting are hardly appropriate for trolling. And the tackle needs of beach fishermen are far different from those of deep sea anglers. However sometimes you may have to forget about this advice due to budget constraint.

The next step is to identify the angling technique(gotcha!). Okay I'll stop pulling your leg? Let's say you're out to catch Tenggiri/Barracuda. There's a variety of techniques can be used to catch this fish i.e. casting from a boat, surf fishing, trolling, chumming or drifting bait, downrigger fishing, you name it. Your dealer can help you match the tackle to the technique you're familiar with as well as the target you intended to catch.

Find Out What Type Of Line You'll Be Using. Tell your dealer what type of line and breaking strength (line test) you'll be using, or ask for recommendations. Each rod and reel system is rated and labeled for a specific range of line tests (for instance, 10-20 lb.test). It's important that you do not stray too far from the recommended specs. Your dealer can then guide you to the best system for the line test you plan on using.

While most anglers use monofilament fishing line, some types of fishing lines require specialized rod and reel systems. For example, wire lines require a rod with carbide and roller guides. Similarly, lead core line requires the use of a level wind reel or narrow spool reel. Your dealer will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Be sure to tell your dealer if you plan on using the new braided, super thin diameter lines. Don't try to be smart! These lines are not only extremely thin but also very strong, allowing for much greater line capacity,and unlike monofilament, these lines have practically zero stretch. While such features are certainly beneficial in many angling situations, anglers are still learning about the performance characteristics of braided lines and their effect on today's fishing tackle. Your dealer,however can provide some general, common sense advise on the use of these lines. My advice, if you become snagged, don't pull with the rod. Rather, point the rod at the snag and pull back directly you may want to use the cutter at the end because if the pound test exceeds the rod's recommended specs, the rod may break before the line does. Also, if using a lever drag reel, it's important that you do not stray too far beyond the recommended maximum drag setting, even if the breaking strength of the braided line exceeds this figure. If the drag is set too high, the free spool may not function properly on these reels.

Match Your Reel To Your Rod...and your pocket. Practically every branded reel has a branded rod to match...and vice versa. Sometimes you may find that the rod/reel is cross referenced to matching reel/rod within the specification charts or catalogs. Ask for one! Use these as general guidelines and, with the help of your dealer, you can find the exact performance-matched rod and reel system that you need.

See Your Dealer Today. As I said before, if you have any questions, see your dealer. He's the one who can set you up with performance-matched rod and reel systems for just about any gamefish or any style of fishing.

My final advice is "invest in something that gives you the most satisfaction and that last".
Thanks: http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/olympia/martial/70/article.html