How to Cast a Closed-Face Spinning Reel

Casting a closed-face reel is very easy. It's the best reel for the beginner or child who wants to fish since it can be learned in about two minutes. It is also the basis for casting an open-face reel. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Closed-Faced Reel
• Line
• Bobber
• Lake or pond
• Rod

1. Hold your rod and reel in your casting hand to get a feel for the weight of the pole. Your casting hand is not necessarily your dominant hand.
2. Wind up the line on the reel until the bobber is about four inches from the edge of your rod.
3. Turn so your body is slightly angled and aim your rod tip toward where you want to cast.
4. Bend your arm at the elbow, while raising your reel to about eye level and pressing the reel button. When the rod is about to the ten o'clock position, let go of the button.
5. Watch the line travel out into the water. You have just cast the closed-face reel.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent loops from becoming tangled in your line while casting by adding tension with your thumb and forefinger as you reel in the line.
• Once you cast your line, reel in the slack until you hear a click. This is the pin-lock of the reel activating so that no more line can come off the reel unless it is re-cast.
• Make sure you bobber is about 6" to 12" from the end of your rod.
• Do not cast your rod if there is someone behind you. Look before you do cast. Bushes or trees can be a problem since your line can get caught in them and break.
• When you release if the line is right in front of you, you let go of the button too late. If the line went straight up (watch your head) then you released too early.
• Make sure you have a fishing license if you are over 16.

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