How to Cast With a Surf Rod on a Beach

Casting a surf rod from the beach is the standard way to get your bait or lure out where the fish are waiting. A long, effective power cast depends more on timing, technique and centrifugal force than on brute strength. It takes some practice, but you can master the cast and bring home a full stringer with these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Stand on the beach facing the area of water you want to cast to. Imagine that your are in the center of a clock, and your target is at 6 o'clock.
2. Release the bail on the reel and let about six feet of line hang from the tip of the rod. Use the index finger of your right hand to hold the line against the grip (assuming your are right handed).
3. Move your left foot forward. Hold the rod in a two handed grip with your left hand low on the grip and your right hand toward the top of the grip. Shift your weight to your right foot and lean back.
4. Twist your hips around to the right, bringing the rod back to the 1 o'clock position. You should be looking back over your shoulder at the 12 o'clock position.
5. Lower the rod so the bait or lure drops to the ground at the 3 o'clock position. Keep the line taut.
6. Begin the cast by rotating your hips back to the forward position. This move will bring your arms up and your hands forward, lifting the bait or lure off the ground and "loading" the rod to increase power in the cast. Shift your weight back onto you left foot as you begin the cast.
7. Rotate your upper body back toward the forward position. Lower your left hand to act as a fulcrum and push your right arm forward to increase the speed of your rod tip. As the rod tip comes back to the 6 o'clock position, the line will swing forward. Loosen your grip on the line to allow it to shoot forward toward your target.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your rod tip up and follow through with your eyes on your target to make an accurate cast.