How to Cast a Fishing Rod
It's springtime--or winter, summer or fall--and you want to go fishing. You grab your rod and tackle box, buy some worms, pack a cooler and head to the nearest lake or stream. You bait your hook, get ready to throw, but now what? Here are some tips on how to cast your rod in all kinds of conditions.
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Instructions
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How to Cast a Fishing Rod Sidearm
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1
Sidearm casting is the most common form of rod fishing because it is easy to do, though it has some challenges, such as trees and branches overhead. You don't want to get snagged. You will mostly do this from the side of a river where there are trees or from a boat when bass fishing on a lake.
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2
Grip the rod. A common technique is to wrap your casting hand around the part where the rod meets the reel. It is most comfortable to to have the base of the reel between your middle and ring fingers. Your grip should be firm like a handshake
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3
If you are using an open-face rod, flip the bail (the metal arm) and pull the fishing line with the index finger of the hand holding the rod.
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4
Depending on the clearance, swivel your casting arm at the elbow until it is about parallel with your body.
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5
Raise your arm to about a 45-degree angle.
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6
Bring your arm forward and, when you get to about 15 degrees from your original start point, let go of the string. This will propel your line forward.
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The bail will flip, and you can start reeling when the line hits the water.
How to Cast Overhand
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Overhand casting is used more when you have clearance or are fishing near the ocean.
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Follow Steps two and three from sidearm casting.
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Bring your casting forearm up until your hand is about parallel with your ear.
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Pause for a moment.
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12
Propel the rod forward without moving your elbow. Let go of the fishing at about a 45-degree angle.
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Tips & Warnings
New anglers should practice for about 10 minutes each day to get the casts down right.
Find the angles that work best for you to get the most distance on the line.
Strength does not equate to longer casts.
Always check your surroundings when casting. You don't want to get caught on a tree, a fishing partner or a can of beer.
